#3DStartup: Synteris Optimizes the 3D Printing of Technical Ceramics

3D printing has revolutionized many industries thanks to its ability to create complex, customized geometries using a variety of materials. Among these, ceramics have emerged as a very attractive option due to their properties (high wear resistance, thermal stability, corrosion resistance, etc.). In the field of ceramics, carbide and nitride stand out for their superior performance in demanding applications. Integrating these advanced ceramics into 3D printing not only expands industrial manufacturing possibilities, but also opens up a world of possibilities for many cutting-edge sectors, such as energy or defense. In this context, startup Synteris has developed its own additive manufacturing technology to optimize the creation of parts with these materials. We spoke to one of its co-founders to find out more.

3DN: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your connection with 3D printing?

Ken Malone, I am a Board Chair of Materic and a co-founder of Synteris. I’m a polymer scientist by training and spent the early part of my career working for global polymer and specialty chemical companies with responsibilities including manufacturing, technical support, marketing, business management and M&A. The mid-point of my career was in academic leadership where I had some responsibilities in technology transfer. The combined knowledge of polymers and university innovation led me to co-found a number of companies that custom manufacture advanced materials based on intellectual property licensed from universities. This includes companies with 3D bioprinting, 3D printing of oxide ceramics, a commodity 3D print shop, and Synteris.

Ken Malone, co-founder of Synteris

3DN: What is Synteris, and how did the idea for the company come about?

Synteris is a subsidiary of Materic, a custom manufacturer of advanced materials in 3D printing, nanomaterials, functional inks, technical textiles, and control release technologies. It was formed to license and commercialize the invention of Adam Peters et al. from Johns Hopkins University. The management of Materic identified Peters’ invention as having substantial synergy with their existing 3D printing developments.