Elementum 3D on Materials and Expansion in Metal Additive Manufacturing

One of the many considerations in 3D printing is what materials should be used for the printing process. Though still limited, 3D printing materials have expanded in recent years. Going from traditional materials like plastics and polymers, like PEEK and PLA, to metals and composites, there have been huge advancements in the field. Recently, researchers have even found ways to print with previously unavailable materials like copper and bone. However, despite this growth, there is still a long way to go. We were able to sit down with Dr. Jacob Nuechterlein of Elementum 3D, an American an additive manufacturing research and development company that specializes in the creation of advanced metals, composites, and ceramics. We learned about their RAM technology and the metal AM sector!

Jacob Nuechterlein, President and founder of Elementum 3D. My background is in materials science and powder metallurgy. I didn’t really work with 3D printing until after I started the company in 2014. In a short time, my company has become one of the world leaders in 3D printing which demonstrates that the industry is moving quickly and new experts in the field are made every day.

3DN: How was Elementum3D formed? What is Elementum3D’s mission?

I raised a small amount of money to get the company off the ground with a mentor of mine, Quinton Hennigh. I started in a corner of a warehouse developing materials on a laser engraver I modified to be able to print in three dimensions. Shortly after filing patents I expanded and added staff to the organization and acquired our first laser powder bed (LPB) 3D printer from EOS. We’ve been developing new materials for LPB ever since.