Scott Kraemer with Xact Metal

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Scott Kraemer, Senior Sales Manager at Xact Metal about "Evolution of Additive Manufacturing".

Scott Kraemer, a seasoned manufacturing professional with over 35 years of experience, discusses his company, Xact Metal, which specializes in affordable 3D printing of metal parts. Xact Metal's printers, made in the USA, are priced around $160,000 and can handle various materials like stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium. Kraemer emphasizes the importance of educating the youth about manufacturing careers and the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize industries, particularly in tooling and medical applications. He also highlights the company's nimbleness in adapting to industry needs, such as printing with sub-15 micron powders for intricate details. MDNM West Event Introduction and Welcome

Scott introduces the episode of Industrial Talk, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, highlighting the event's focus on med tech, automation, packaging, plastics, and design. Scott thanks listeners for supporting the podcast and celebrates industry professionals for their boldness, bravery, and problem-solving skills. Scott mentions the importance of attending MD&M West in 2027 to meet industry leaders and innovators like Scott Kramer.

Scott Kramer's Introduction and Background

Scott introduces Scott Kramer, highlighting his role at Xact Metal and the company's contributions to solving today's problems. Scott Kramer shares his extensive experience in manufacturing, including plastic injection mold design, sheet metal stampings, and automation equipment. Scott discusses his transition to 3D printing in metal about 15 years ago and his efforts to educate the youth about manufacturing careers. Scott mentions his current residence in Raleigh, North Carolina, and his background in Metro Detroit.

Xact Metal's Solutions and Market Position

Scott explains that Xact Metal makes 3D printers for metal parts, making the technology affordable for a wider range of users. He describes the company's printers as being made in the USA and sold globally, with a price range starting around $160,000. Scott highlights the company's focus on making metal 3D printing accessible and the variety of materials they can work with, including stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium. He discusses the company's nimbleness in developing new printers to meet specific industry needs, such as the ability to print with sub-15 micron powders for tiny details.

Challenges and Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing

Scott addresses the challenges of multi-material printing, explaining the limitations and potential solutions. He discusses the preferred materials used in their process and the company's focus on the tooling industry, which has been slow to adopt metal additive manufacturing. Scott emphasizes the design freedom and efficiency gains possible with 3D printing, citing examples like lattice structures for bone growth and custom watch designs. He highlights the potential for faster production times and cost savings with 3D printing, especially for parts with smaller cross-sectional areas.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturers

Scott shares his personal journey of discovering a career in manufacturing through his visualization skills and early job experiences. He discusses his efforts to educate students at all levels about manufacturing careers, emphasizing the importance of starting early. Scott shares a story about his son's apprenticeship at Superior Tooling, which helped him discover his passion for hands-on work. He highlights the need for more apprenticeship programs and better awareness of manufacturing careers to inspire the next generation.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Scott provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to reach out to him on LinkedIn. Scott thanks Scott for his time and insights, emphasizing the importance of inspiring the next generation of manufacturer