SMART INDEPENDENT STRATEGIC
Helping Companies Implement Winning 3D Printing Solutions Through
Practical Insights and Materials Expertise
Client Case Studies
Client Case 1
Creating a 3D Printing Strategy for Production
After over a decade of using 3D Printing for prototyping, an industrial and construction components company was stuck trying to find a viable approach to use 3D Printing for production.
We conducted our proprietary "Production 3D Printing Readiness Evaluation" that examined their overall AM Strategy, People/Organization Structure, Processes, Materials, Software and Facilities. Our analysis helped them develop a clear roadmap for building out their production capabilities.
Client Case 2
Developing New Materials
A top 10 global materials manufacturer wanted to enter the 3D Printing market and needed help evaluating opportunities and performing validation testing.
We helped them get up to speed quickly and served as a technical resource for market strategy and testing as they built up their materials portfolio. They are now actively selling 3D Printing materials commercially.
Client Case 3
Setting up a Production Facility
One of the world's top consumer product brands had just invested over half a million dollars in 3D Printing equipment and was looking to operationalize the facility as quickly as possible.
We provided best practice advice and guidance on material and process validation, operating procedures and quality management, which enabled them to launch their first commercial 3D Printed product in a matter of months.
Client Case 4
Workforce Development
A global leader in product, materials and workplace safety was looking to support its manufacturing partners by developing a workforce training curriculum on Additive Manufacturing.
We provided subject matter expertise and aided in the development and deployment of an international training curriculum, which now has been taught to dozens of leading manufacturing companies.
Client Case 5
Reducing Spare Parts Inventory
A company focused on making low-volume stamped parts was looking to digitize its tooling and mold inventory.
We evaluated the organization's inventory of spare parts and used our proprietary approach for 3D Printing selection to identify high-quality candidates for 3D Printing replacement. We worked with them to set-up a workflow to ensure that the critical variables and instructions were digitally documented.
Team
Mike Vasquez, PhD
FOUNDER & CEO
Mike is a 3D Printing expert and is a trusted advisor to some of the top companies in the industry. He has worked side-by-side with machine manufacturers, material producers and end users in the sector. Mike consults on identifying novel applications, testing new materials and developing frameworks to maximize manufacturing efficiency and boost ROI. He completed his PhD in Additive Manufacturing at Loughborough University and received both his bachelors and master's degrees from MIT in Materials Science and Engineering.
William Heise, PhD
Business and Marketing Consultant
Bill brings almost 30 years of experience in engineering to client engagements, having spent most of his career with Eastman Chemical. As part of his most recent role in Eastman's corporate innovation group, he was responsible for the development and execution of Eastman's additive manufacturing strategy. He also spent three years in the Netherlands as Eastman's technology director for the European region. Bill received his PhD in chemical engineering from Auburn University and his bachelors in chemical engineering from the University of Dayton.
Ben Brown
Consulting Intern
Ben is a junior at Northeastern University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering with a concentration in biomechanics and a minor in Entrepreneurship. He has developed an expansive engineering skillset through his past experiences at Johnson & Johnson and GE Healthcare, working on a variety of different projects. At Northeastern, he is a member of the Enabling Engineering Club, where he worked as part of a team help build a canopy-style umbrella for a client who uses a wheelchair.
Alumni
-Amro Shanshal
Amro graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2018
-Thomas Corbett
Thomas is a junior at Northern Illinois University (NIU), studying Mechanical Engineering.
-Akshta
Akshta is a graduate student at University of Illinois at Chicago, studying Business Analytics.
-Hannah Rudoltz
Hannah is in her third undergraduate year at MIT studying Mechanical Engineering.
3Degrees Partners
America Makes
Member
America Makes is a group that promotes the growth of additive manufacturing within the United States.
M-Hub
Member
M-Hub is a Chicago based innovation cite where young companies can come to develop first prototypes or even participate in small scale production of parts.
NFPA
Member
The National Fire Protection Association is a US trade association that creates and maintains private, copyrighted standards and codes for usage and adoption by local governments
ASME Technology Advisor Panel for AM
Member
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), promotes the art, science & practice of multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe. TAP members are leaders from industry, academia, or government and are considered additive manufacturing subject matter experts with a thorough understanding of the technology development curve.
Thought Leadership
Speaking
Dr. Vasquez is a globally recognized speaker in the 3D Printing industry. Recent engagements include:
- Over 40+ invited talks in locations such as Chicago, New York, Singapore, London, Seoul, San Francisco and Boston including the following events:
- SXSW
- National Association of Attorneys General
- Inside 3D Printing Singapore
- 3D Printer World
- Additive Manufacturing Users Group
- Innovation Enterprise Conference London
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Guest lecturer at MIT and the University of Sheffield Hallam
Testimonials
“Mike was instrumental in helping Eastman to establish valuable academic partnerships in the additive manufacturing area. These partnerships accelerated our additive manufacturing research progress.”
-Steve Wright, Technology Fellow, Eastman Chemical Co.
"Mike helped us navigate the complicated waters of the 3D printing industry to find the best solution for our company. His advanced knowledge of the industry and technology helped us identify our needs and choose the very best option to accomplish our goals. Mike’s service and direction saved us valuable time and resources."
-Dominick Saratore, President, C&S Machine.
Best Practice E-Book
The 3Degrees Best Practice Guide is written for designers, engineers, business and product leaders. This book will provide you with the tools necessary to build, sustain and grow a flourishing 3D Printing operation for your company. It will help you approach this technology in a thoughtful and strategic way by giving you the knowledge to not only get your money back from your investment but to make 3D Printing a profit center for your organization.
Publications
Dr. Vasquez has been published in several top-tier academic papers relating to 3D Printing, including a review article for Nature Materials (the top recognized materials journal in the world), Journal of Additive Manufacturing and Polymer Engineering & Science.
- Over 40+ invited talks in locations such as Chicago, New York, Singapore, London, Seoul, San Francisco and Boston including the following events:
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