The Masters of Engineering Podcast

Inkbit is redefining 3D printing with its cutting-edge, scalable technology, using inkjet-based printing and UV-cured resins to create precise, multi-material parts like overmolds and integrated seals. In this episode, Jon Hirschtick chats with Andre Comella, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Inkbit, about how their innovative process for printing elastomers and lattices is transforming prototyping and production. Andre dives into the challenges of designing for additive manufacturing, the opportunities of 3D-printed parts in various industries, and how his diverse engineering background influences his creative problem-solving approach.

Did you know there are robots that make growing food as easy as playing Farmville? FarmBot is an open-source, automated system that operates like a 3D printer for gardens, capable of planting seeds, watering, and monitoring plants autonomously. In this episode, Jon Hirschtick sits down with Rory Aronson, the CEO and founder of Farmbot, to learn of the company’s origins, the challenges of developing such a complex product, the advantages of open-source design, and the impactful applications of FarmBot (including an initiative for coral reef restoration). In addition, Rory shares why he chose Onshape as the company’s design tool and how its platform enables collaborative design processes.

Ever see a 3D-printed part that’s so tiny that it’s practically invisible? NanoVoxel, a Vienna-based company specializing in two-photon polymerization (2PP) 3D-printing technology, is pushing the boundaries for how small micro-components for products can be. The company's 2PP technology is so precise, they can create parts as small as a few microns, opening new possibilities for industries ranging from consumer electronics to biomedical devices. In this episode, NanoVoxel founder and CEO Domenico Foglia chats with host Jon Hirschtick about his innovative technology that integrates 3D printing with casting, molding, and sintering to deliver high-precision, high-value parts in various materials. He also highlights the challenges and opportunities of bringing micro 3D printing to market – and speculates on the future impact of 2PP technology.

Catalyzing change within a company is no easy task, but Mark Lugowski has successfully implemented new systems and processes in several organizations. He improves efficiency and drives innovation in engineering projects by examining how other industries adopt new technologies. As a project manager at HMFT, a provider of industrial-grade pumps, valves, filters, and equipment, Mark leads the value-add engineering department, creating custom fluid handling solutions for different industries including oil and gas, automotive, and hydropower. In this episode, Mark shares his insights with host Jon Hirschtick on integrating cloud-based platforms like Asana and Slack, and AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Rize (a time-tracking software) to enhance productivity, responsibility, and accountability within project teams. He explains strategic change management, gradual implementation, and clear communication to reduce change fatigue and understand its benefits.

As the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, a leader in manufacturing science and technology research, and a co-founder of multiple successful businesses, Prof. John Hart’s career is an “engineering hat-trick.” His contributions to the trifecta of education, research, and entrepreneurship have earned him numerous industry awards and accolades. Beyond academia, John is the co-founder VulcanForms and Desktop Metal, two disruptive companies shaking up the world of additive manufacturing. In this episode, host Jon Hirschtick chats with Prof. Hart about VulcanForms’ integration of advanced technologies like fusion power and artificial intelligence with additive manufacturing processes. He also explores how this new approach impacts the global production landscape and examines the challenges and opportunities associated with widespread adoption. The professor additionally shares advice for aspiring researchers in the field of manufacturing.

Serial inventor Leigh Christie is well known for his famous side projects such as the MondoSpider, a 1,600-pound steel mechanical spider that’s been featured at Burning Man. His day job is far less menacing, but very impactful in the worlds of engineering, art and design. As the co-founder of MistyWest, a Vancouver-based product development firm, Leigh specializes in turnkey hardware engineering for IoT, ML on the edge, and computer vision. He enjoys bringing people together, whether it's through hosting dinner parties or fostering creative problem-solving within communities.In this episode, Jon chats with Leigh about MistyWest’s startup origin story, its unique approach to design for manufacturing, and its focus on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its projects. Leigh also discusses his talk at CES about artificial intelligence and reveals his thoughts about the future of technology.

Not many successful entrepreneurs call their startup “a total accident,” but Christina Perla, Co-Founder and CEO of Makelab, says her on-demand 3D printing company was all serendipity and happenstance, stemming from the start of a design firm. From being the customer herself to starting Makelab, Christina found an opportunity to provide top-tier service paired with on-demand 3D printing. Makelab provides end-to-end, custom 3D printing solutions to consumer and hardware brands, such as Peloton, Estee Lauder and Quip. Her company bridges the gap between designers, engineers, and manufacturers.In this episode, Jon chats with Christina about the future of 3D printing technology, quality control, sustainability initiatives, and valuable dos and don'ts in product design. Christina also shares her commitment to supporting women in STEM through programs like Women in Design, fosters the hardware community through NY Hardware Meetup, and offers candid career advice for aspiring professionals entering the additive manufacturing industry.

Founded in 1902, Massachusetts-based DW Clark has been a leader in casting manufacturing for well over a century. Working with customers from the prototype stage to production runs to meeting emergency shortages, the company continues to evolve with the exploration of new technologies, advanced materials and new processes. DW Clark plays a critical role in the defense, aerospace, turbine engine, energy, processing equipment and shipbuilding industries.In this episode, Jon chats with Jeff Burak, Vice President at DW Clark, about his company’s approach to sustainability in casting practices, with an emphasis on reducing waste and environmental impact. They also explore the increasing role of automation and smart technologies in enhancing efficiency and precision in the casting process, shedding light on the crucial skills engineers need for the future.

The fast-food and restaurant industries have worker turnover rates as high as 150%. Daniel Fukuba, co-founder & CTO of California-based Hyphen, is reimagining food service automation – allowing skilled employees to spend less time doing the grunt work. Hyphen is now making automation accessible and cost-effective for restaurants of all sizes.In this episode, Jon chats with Daniel about his vision for the future of kitchen technology, Hyphen's partnership with Chipotle, and how this technology isn't about job replacement but rather redefining roles. Automation, he says, can deliver higher wages and improved customer experiences. Daniel also shares insights into Hyphen’s agile hardware development process, and how their technology will be the “hyphen” connector of innovation to the food service industry.

In the world of hardware startups, building cutting-edge products comes with a unique set of challenges. Founders sometimes lose sight of their goals by falling in love with their first solution, and not fully focusing on the problem itself. Enter Sera Evcimen, mechanical engineer and founder of Pratik https://www.pratikdev.com, a product development consulting firm devoted to keeping startups away from the “Valley of Death.” In this episode, Jon chats with Sera about her approach to engaging with startups – whether it's optimizing their operations, aiding in manufacturing processes, or nurturing innovation. Sera also shares insights on how large companies can adopt startup-like agile processes and walks through how external strategic guidance and engineering expertise are often the keys to success.