Jay Dinsmore: Championing Education and Innovation at SPE Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing

The remarkable growth and sustained strength of additive manufacturing (AM) since its inception in the 1980s is fundamentally driven by the dedicated individuals and pioneering organizations within the industry. Among these pivotal entities, SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing stands out. As an integral interest group of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), its primary mission is to foster a vibrant community where members can actively present, promote, and educate the broader SPE network, alongside other key stakeholders, on the dynamic advancements and applications of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. We recently had the distinct privilege of sitting down with their newly appointed Chairman, Jay Dinsmore, a true luminary and veteran with an impressive tenure in the industry. Our discussion aimed to delve into his extensive background, understand his strategic vision for the future of AM, and explore the evolving role of SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing under his leadership.

Meet Jay Dinsmore: A Veteran Leader’s Journey

Jay Dinsmore’s journey in the additive manufacturing sector is nothing short of extraordinary, commencing over three decades ago—long before the terms “additive manufacturing” or “3D printing” were commonly used. His enduring enthusiasm for this transformative field remains as potent today as it was on his very first day, underscoring a deep-seated passion that has shaped his remarkable career. This profound dedication is a testament to the industry’s captivating potential and its ability to inspire continuous innovation.

3DN: Could you introduce yourself?

“My name is Jay Dinsmore, and I’ve been immersed in the world of additive manufacturing and 3D printing for over 31 years. It’s a path I started even before these terms became mainstream, and I can honestly say my enthusiasm for this field has never waned; it’s just as strong today as it was when I first began.”

“Currently, I am navigating an exciting period of transition. The company I founded, Dinsmore, has been successfully acquired and integrated into ADDMAN. In this new chapter, I’ve embraced an executive role where I now lead the polymer division. This allows us to leverage our combined expertise and offer comprehensive, holistic manufacturing solutions tailored to our customers’ evolving needs. Additionally, I’ve been honored with a position on the board, where I contribute to critical strategic decisions that shape our company’s future trajectory and overall growth.”

“However, my responsibilities extend beyond the executive suite. I am deeply committed to the educational and developmental aspects of our industry. I believe there is immense untapped potential in additive manufacturing, and I am dedicated to charting a course that elevates our collective understanding and optimizes the practical application of these groundbreaking technologies. Furthermore, I am now serving as the Chairman of SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing. This esteemed position grants me a unique platform to actively contribute to shaping the discourse and strategic direction surrounding these transformative processes. For me, it’s not merely about the title, but the profound responsibility to guide our community towards a more informed, innovative, and impactful future.”

SPE Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing: Bridging Industry Gaps

One of the core objectives for SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing is to clearly articulate and demonstrate the significant benefits and transformative potential of AM within the broader manufacturing sector. Despite decades of advancement, there remains a notable gap in market understanding, often exacerbated by a deluge of information that can sometimes be disconnected from the practical realities and true capabilities of the technology. This necessitates a proactive approach to educational outreach and accurate information dissemination.

3DN: What is the current role of SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing in the wider industry? How do you see it changing?

“At SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, our paramount priority is to illuminate the profound benefits and transformative potential that AM offers across the entire manufacturing landscape. We recognize a significant disparity in market understanding, largely due to the sheer volume of information that often fails to accurately reflect the practical realities and nuances of the technology. There’s an urgent need to construct a robust, informative bridge. This bridge will connect traditional manufacturing methods with the innovative world of AM, ensuring that professionals can seamlessly integrate these technologies into their operations.”

“From our experienced vantage point within the industry, our mission extends far beyond mere advocacy; it is about cultivating a truly well-informed and discerning community. By diligently dispelling common myths and presenting grounded, data-driven insights, we aim to furnish the market with a realistic and comprehensive understanding of 3D printing’s capabilities. This involves tempering unrealistic expectations with a clear view of the current technological landscape, while simultaneously acknowledging and highlighting its incredibly promising future. This balanced approach ensures that adoption is based on solid understanding rather than fleeting hype, fostering sustainable growth and impactful integration.”

The Cornerstone of Progress: Education in Additive Manufacturing

The future of additive manufacturing hinges significantly on robust education. It’s not enough to simply have advanced machinery; the true power lies in understanding how to optimally design for AM and leverage its unique capabilities. This requires a shift from abstract concepts to tangible, real-world examples that demonstrate success and highlight the critical aspects of effective implementation. Focusing on practical knowledge and skill development is paramount for widespread adoption and innovation.

3DN: Building off that, what is the importance of education in AM?

“In our community, it’s absolutely crucial that we prioritize sharing what’s genuinely real and impactful. We need to move beyond superficial discussions and delve into the practicalities, showcasing solid case studies that clearly illustrate why certain projects achieve success. The true ‘magic’ in additive manufacturing often happens in the nuanced application of design for AM (DfAM) principles and the innovative possibilities unlocked by generative design. These are the nuts and bolts that transform theoretical potential into tangible results.”

“AM machines, by their nature, are impartial tools. When paired with knowledgeable minds and robust designs, they possess the unparalleled ability to craft objects that were once considered unimaginable. This capacity to achieve the impossible—or at least, highly improbable—is a distinct advantage that traditional manufacturing methods simply cannot replicate. However, it’s vital to clarify that additive manufacturing is not poised to entirely displace traditional manufacturing overnight. Instead, it serves as a powerful complement, enabling hybrid solutions and specialized applications that push the boundaries of what’s achievable.”

“Historically, our industry has often been caught in a ‘sales-first’ mindset, with an intense focus on selling as many machines as possible. Unfortunately, this often leads to significant untapped potential, with sophisticated equipment gathering dust due to a lack of understanding or appropriate application. This approach is unsustainable. Collectively, we must commit to ensuring that the narratives and information we disseminate are as robust and reliable as the technology we advocate. The imperative is to shift our primary focus from quarterly sales targets towards comprehensively educating the market on the genuine value and practical applications that AM brings to the table. A deeper, more widespread understanding will, in turn, naturally stimulate sustained demand and foster healthy industry growth.”

“At SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, we are actively forging this path, spearheading crucial research and meticulously crafting content that directly addresses this mission. I am honored to pick up the baton from Jason Lopes, the esteemed previous chair, and champion the ‘ACE’ initiative – Awareness, Content, and Events – for all our stakeholders. While we have certainly made significant strides, there is still much ground to cover. This commitment isn’t exclusive to SPE; it’s a philosophy deeply embedded at ADDMAN, where we are equally laser-focused on delivering impactful content that resonates across diverse sectors, including medical, aerospace, defense, and beyond, ensuring that the benefits of AM are understood and utilized broadly.”

Navigating the Future: Jay Dinsmore’s Vision for the AM Industry

The additive manufacturing industry, like any rapidly evolving sector, encounters its share of challenges and periods of adjustment. However, according to Jay Dinsmore, these are merely transitional phases preceding a period of monumental growth and transformation. The convergence of AM with other cutting-edge technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, is set to unlock unprecedented production capabilities and redefine industrial paradigms.

3DN: Could you give your thoughts on the AM industry as a whole?

“The additive manufacturing world? Yes, it’s currently navigating some challenging periods, but I firmly believe these are merely the prelude to an impending, significant leap forward. From my perspective, we are standing on the cusp of something truly massive. Consider the innovative technologies we are now seamlessly integrating, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s akin to possessing an array of powerful keys, and we are just beginning to unlock the full, transformative potential of production processes. This integration promises to revolutionize how we design, optimize, and manufacture products.”

“And I’m not merely referring to growth measured on paper; I envision profound, tangible change—the kind that fundamentally reshapes entire industries and significantly improves lives. Take the medical sector, for instance. With additive manufacturing, we are now capable of saving lives and enhancing patient outcomes in ways that were previously unimaginable. In defense applications, AM is elevating our capabilities, providing superior protection and operational efficiency. This isn’t just speculative hype; the inherent promise of this technology is both real and incredibly bright, offering solutions to complex problems.”

“Certainly, it might feel as though we are still in the preliminary stages of gearing up, but that is precisely what makes this period so exhilarating. We must dedicate ourselves to a thorough understanding of the practical applications of AM and aggressively accelerate the learning curve across all sectors. I may be somewhat biased, but the medical field, in particular, is where I see the most extraordinary advancements and breakthroughs occurring with AM. It transcends mere technological innovation; it’s about personal, life-altering impacts that resonate deeply and broadly across society.”

A Legacy of Passion: Final Thoughts from the Chairman

Jay Dinsmore’s connection with the Society of Plastics Engineers runs deep, dating back to the 1990s when he first introduced engineers in Los Angeles to the then-revolutionary concept of stereolithography at an SPE event. This formative experience marked his initial foray into the organization, setting the stage for a long and impactful relationship. Today, his appointment as Chairman of SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing brings his journey full circle, signifying a momentous achievement and a renewed commitment to the industry he has helped shape for decades.

3DN: Any last words for our readers?

“Back in the 90s, I had the privilege of introducing engineers in Los Angeles to the breakthrough technology of stereolithography at an SPE event. That pivotal moment truly marked the beginning of my journey and deep involvement with SPE. Fast-forward to today, stepping into the Chairman role for SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing feels like a truly full-circle moment, and I am incredibly excited about the opportunities and responsibilities it brings.”

“Balancing this demanding new role with my ongoing executive responsibilities at ADDMAN is certainly no small feat. However, my unwavering belief in the transformative power of education within our industry compelled me to embrace this challenge wholeheartedly. I am profoundly passionate about pushing additive manufacturing to unprecedented new heights, and I view this as a unique opportunity to significantly raise the bar for the entire field. As we continue to advance, we are not merely refining existing technologies; we are actively elevating the entire industry, fostering innovation, and preparing for a future where AM plays an even more critical role in global manufacturing. You can find out more about SPE Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing HERE.”

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