The Trailblazers of 2020: Celebrating the Most Influential Personalities in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Innovation

As the year drew to a close, it brought with it a unique opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable individuals who profoundly shaped the additive manufacturing industry. These were the visionaries driving the latest innovations, orchestrating significant investments, and leading the most groundbreaking projects. The year 2020, in particular, was unlike any other, witnessing 3D technologies emerge as an indispensable force in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The entire sector mobilized with unprecedented speed, developing ingenious solutions and diligently meeting the urgent demands of healthcare professionals worldwide.

While the health crisis undeniably cast a long shadow, 2020 was a year of broader significance for additive manufacturing. Beyond its critical role in emergency response, it solidified its position as a robust and viable method for producing finished parts across various industries. The year saw a considerable influx of industrialists embracing 3D printing technologies in a sustained manner, dedicating substantial resources to integrate them into their core production strategies. This growing adoption underscored the technology’s maturity and its long-term potential. But who were the pivotal figures that truly left an indelible mark on the 3D printing industry during this transformative year? Here, we present our selection of the 12 most influential personalities of 2020, recognized for their innovation, leadership, and impact, presented in alphabetical order.

Marine Coré-Baillais, Founder of La Pâtisserie Numérique

For anyone with a passion for pastry and culinary innovation, the name Marine Coré-Baillais likely resonates. This past year, Marine launched her pioneering venture, La Pâtisserie Numérique, dedicated to revolutionizing food 3D printing. Her notable achievements include the development of a specialized slicer designed specifically for 3D food printers and an innovative extruder named Cakewalk3D. The Cakewalk3D project garnered significant attention and immense support, achieving remarkable success on Kickstarter by raising over 26,500 euros. Marine’s vision is to empower pastry chefs globally, enabling them to unlock new levels of creativity and effortlessly craft intricate, original forms that were previously impossible with traditional methods, all through the transformative power of additive manufacturing in the culinary arts.

Jens Ertel, Head of Additive Manufacturing Campus, BMW

June 2020 marked a significant milestone for the automotive industry when BMW, a global leader in premium vehicles, announced the grand opening of its groundbreaking Additive Manufacturing Campus. This state-of-the-art center, spanning an impressive 6,000 square meters, serves as a dedicated hub for advanced 3D printing technologies. Within its walls, the campus houses a diverse array of approximately fifty industrial polymer and metal 3D printing solutions, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive production. At the helm of this ambitious undertaking is Dr. Jens Ertel, a distinguished veteran who has dedicated over 25 years to the BMW Group. Dr. Ertel’s leadership is pivotal in accelerating the production of finished parts for the brand’s vehicles, streamlining manufacturing processes and enhancing customization. His expertise in additive manufacturing is profound, having previously managed BMW Group’s first additive manufacturing center since 2012, where he was instrumental in the development of 3D technologies, prototype construction, and their eventual integration into mass production. Under his guidance, the Additive Manufacturing Campus is set to revolutionize how BMW designs and manufactures its next generation of automobiles.

 

Adam Feinberg, Biomedical Engineer, Carnegie Mellon University

As a distinguished Professor of Material Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Adam Feinberg has dedicated years to the intricate field of bio-printing. His ambitious goal is to engineer a wide array of biological structures using cells and collagen, pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine. Beyond his academic contributions, Professor Feinberg is also the co-founder of FluidForm, a pioneering company that has developed innovative technology for printing highly realistic anatomical models. This groundbreaking approach also enables the creation of scaffolding from soft materials, crucial for tissue engineering. In 2020, Adam Feinberg captured global attention with the unveiling of the first truly human heart model, meticulously designed to replicate the soft, elastic appearance and intricate textures of actual organ tissues. This achievement represents a monumental leap forward, offering unparalleled opportunities for surgical planning, medical training, and fundamental research into cardiac biology, bringing us closer to a future where functional organs can be bio-printed.

Cristian Fracassi, CEO, Isinnova

In March 2020, at the critical onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cristian Fracassi emerged as a global hero, demonstrating the immediate and life-saving potential of additive manufacturing in combating the health crisis. As the visionary CEO of the Italian design firm Isinnova, he swiftly answered a desperate plea from a local hospital that was facing an acute shortage of vital breathing apparatus valves, leading to tragic patient deaths. With extraordinary speed and ingenuity, Cristian and his dedicated team mobilized to design and produce the first batch of essential valves using FDM technology, then rapidly scaled up production with an SLS solution. This rapid response provided critical aid to frontline medical staff. Days later, Fracassi pushed the boundaries further by ingeniously 3D printing adapter valves that transformed readily available Decathlon snorkelling masks into functional, low-cost breathing apparatuses. This unparalleled display of solidarity, innovation, and responsiveness earned widespread international acclaim and inspired a wave of similar initiatives globally, cementing 3D printing’s role as a vital tool in humanitarian efforts.

Paul Gradl, Senior Propulsion Engineer, NASA

NASA, the pioneering force in space exploration, stands as one of the foremost agencies to seamlessly integrate additive manufacturing into its ambitious space projects. Their most recent and highly impactful initiative, known as RAMPT (Rapid Analysis and Manufacturing Propulsion Technology), is specifically engineered to embed additive manufacturing deep into the development and production of large-scale rocket engines. At the forefront of this transformative project is Paul Gradl, a distinguished Senior Propulsion Engineer at NASA with over 16 years of invaluable experience. Paul was one of the leading researchers guiding the RAMPT project, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in rocket propulsion through advanced 3D printing techniques. This promising initiative aims to reduce manufacturing times, lower costs, and enhance the performance of critical components for future space missions. Given the profound implications of his work in advancing space exploration and the adoption of cutting-edge manufacturing, it is truly impossible to compile a list of 2020’s influential personalities without acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of Paul Gradl and his visionary team at NASA.

Alex Huckstepp, Head of Business Development & Marketing, Arris Composites

Bringing a wealth of experience from prominent additive manufacturing companies such as Stratasys, Carbon, and Digital Alloys, Alex Huckstepp made a pivotal move in Spring 2020 by joining Arris Composites as Head of Business Development & Marketing. His objective was clear: to significantly accelerate the company’s trajectory in the advanced composites market. Arris Composites had already set a strong foundation, notably announcing a substantial $48.5 million fund-raiser earlier in the year. This capital infusion was earmarked for expanding its cutting-edge composites manufacturing capacity and establishing new facilities in key global locations, including the United States and Taiwan. Under Alex’s influence and the company’s strategic growth, Arris Composites also refreshed its brand identity with a modernized logo and website, attracting significant interest from leading manufacturers like Skydio. Furthermore, the company secured a strategic investment from industrial giant Bosch, underscoring its potential. With his extensive background and strategic acumen, Alex Huckstepp is undeniably a valuable and driving force in the rapidly evolving landscape of composites additive manufacturing, poised to shape its future.

Marie Langer, CEO, EOS

In 2020, Marie Langer navigated an exceptionally challenging yet successful year, having assumed the demanding role of CEO of EOS GmbH in October 2019. Born and raised within the additive manufacturing industry, Langer brings a deep-rooted understanding and passion for the field. Under her leadership, EOS has intensified its focus on the ecological impact and sustainability of 3D technologies, advocating for responsible innovation. Marie firmly believes that 3D printing is not merely an engine for economic growth but also a powerful tool capable of significantly improving people’s lives through its positive social and environmental footprint. This commitment was evident throughout 2020, as EOS, mirroring the efforts of many manufacturers, swiftly mobilized its extensive fleet of machines and materials to produce essential components and solutions in the global effort to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. Marie Langer’s vision for a sustainable and impactful additive manufacturing future continues to guide EOS, a global leader in industrial 3D printing.

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, CEO, COBOD

The year 2020 was a landmark period for the construction sector, characterized by groundbreaking additive manufacturing projects spearheaded by the Danish company COBOD. Guiding this innovation is its dynamic CEO, Henrik Lund-Nielsen, whose unwavering objective is to accelerate the automation of 3D technologies within the construction market. His vision aims to enable the creation of more sustainable, structurally complex, and cost-effective buildings, fundamentally transforming traditional construction practices. In 2020, COBOD’s advanced BOD2 printer garnered international acclaim, notably being employed in the construction of Germany’s very first 3D printed residential building. Furthermore, the BOD2 was instrumental in erecting an impressive three-story residential building in Germany’s Wallhausen region, showcasing the scalability and versatility of their technology. These achievements underscore COBOD’s leadership and Henrik Lund-Nielsen’s profound impact on industrializing construction 3D printing, leaving the industry eagerly anticipating their next innovations in 2021 and beyond.

Jeff Mize, CEO, PostProcess Technologies

Among the key trends that defined 2020 in additive manufacturing, the significant surge in automation and the proliferation of sophisticated post-processing solutions stood out. These advancements were crucial for streamlining the often-complex workflow of 3D printing. At the forefront of this critical development was PostProcess Technologies, under the visionary leadership of CEO Jeff Mize. The company played a pivotal role in innovating and delivering solutions that address the bottleneck of post-processing. Notably, PostProcess Technologies unveiled its first fully automated post-processing machine specifically designed for resin-based additive manufacturing processes, significantly enhancing efficiency and consistency. The company also strategically expanded its global network of partners and secured several vital patents, reinforcing its intellectual property and market position. Furthermore, the release of the company’s influential annual post-treatment report in 2020 highlighted the persistent challenges of traditional post-processing methods, emphasizing the ongoing need for automation and innovation, a need that Jeff Mize and his team are actively meeting.

Mike Moceri, CEO, MakerOS

Mike Moceri embarked on his journey in the additive manufacturing industry as an intern at MakerBot in 2012, gaining foundational insights into the burgeoning field. Three years later, leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit and experience from establishing his own 3D printing service, he founded MakerOS. This innovative software platform was conceived with a clear objective: to bring unparalleled efficiency and seamless management to the entire additive manufacturing workflow. MakerOS provides a comprehensive solution that significantly enhances communication between clients and internal teams throughout every stage of a project, from initial concept to final delivery. By centralizing operations and improving collaboration, the platform dramatically reduces development cycles by several days and demonstrably contributes to higher revenue streams for businesses adopting additive manufacturing. Mike Moceri’s foresight in addressing the operational challenges of the 3D printing service industry makes MakerOS an essential tool, and him a key figure in optimizing the business side of AM in 2020.

Jordan Noone, Co-founder & CTO, Relativity Space

The American start-up Relativity Space operates with a bold and ambitious objective: to engineer and launch rockets into space that are predominantly designed and manufactured using advanced additive manufacturing techniques. As the insightful co-founder and CTO of Relativity Space, Jordan Noone, alongside his partner, has been instrumental in developing proprietary metal 3D printing machines capable of fabricating the vast majority of spacecraft components. Jordan’s lifelong passion for aerospace is well-documented; he achieved the distinction of being the first student and youngest individual globally to secure Federal Aviation Administration approval to launch a rocket 150 kilometers above sea level. The reason Jordan Noone stands out in 2020 is truly monumental: at the close of November, Relativity Space successfully raised a staggering half a billion dollars in funding. This incredible achievement underscores the immense confidence investors have in their disruptive approach to rocket manufacturing and their long-term vision for space exploration, solidifying Jordan’s position as a transformative leader in the aerospace additive manufacturing sector.

Bradley Rothenberg, CEO, nTopology

In 2015, Bradley Rothenberg founded nTopology, a visionary startup that quickly became a leader in developing cutting-edge software solutions specifically designed to optimize additive manufacturing design. The company’s flagship product, nTop Platform, revolutionized how engineers and designers approach complex geometries, enabling unparalleled direct control over all aspects of generative modeling and significantly accelerating the pace of innovation. This powerful software is now widely adopted across diverse sectors, proving its versatility from the rigorous demands of aeronautics and medical applications to the dynamic needs of the automotive industry. The year 2020 was particularly transformative for nTopology; the company successfully raised an impressive $40 million in funding, earmarked for further advancing the platform’s functionalities and expanding its capabilities. This growth was complemented by the announcement of a strategic partnership with manufacturing giant Stratasys, a collaboration aimed at facilitating a more seamless and efficient workflow for their shared customer base. Bradley Rothenberg’s leadership continues to drive nTopology as a crucial enabler of advanced manufacturing, empowering engineers to design impossible products.

The year 2020 was undeniably pivotal for additive manufacturing, marked by unprecedented challenges and equally unprecedented innovation. The personalities highlighted above represent just a fraction of the incredible talent and dedication driving this industry forward, yet their contributions have had a profound and lasting impact. What are your thoughts on these influential figures who have so significantly shaped the world of additive manufacturing in 2020? Do you believe someone important is missing from our esteemed list of trailblazers? We invite you to share your perspectives in a comment below or engage with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages! For the very latest 3D printing news and insights delivered directly to your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here.