Additive Manufacturing for the Plastics Industry: Insights from Jay Dinsmore

This interview originally appeared in 3Dnatives on November 30, 2023.

The SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technical Interest Group, plays a vital role in advancing the field. Jay Dinsmore, the new Chairman and an industry veteran, shares insights on the group’s mission and his perspectives, shedding light on the dynamic future of additive manufacturing and 3D printing within the plastics engineering community.

3Dnatives: Could you introduce yourself?

Jay Dinsmore: My name is Jay Dinsmore. My journey with additive manufacturing and 3D printing spans over 31 years — a path I embarked on before either one of those terms existed. And honestly, my enthusiasm for this field hasn’t dimmed a bit; it’s as strong today as it was on day one.

Currently, I am navigating the waters of transition, as Dinsmore, the company I founded, has been acquired and integrated into ADDMAN. I’ve taken on an executive role where I steer the polymer division, harnessing our synergized skills to provide holistic manufacturing solutions for our customers. I have also been entrusted with a position on the board, contributing to pivotal decisions that shape our trajectory. 

My role extends beyond the executive suite, though. I’m deeply invested in the educational and developmental facets of our industry. There’s a vast ocean of potential here, and I’m committed to charting a course that elevates our collective understanding and application of these technologies. I’m also now serving as Chairman of SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, which is a position that allows me to contribute to shaping the discourse around these transformative processes. It’s not about the title, but the responsibility to steer us towards a more informed future.

3DN: What is the current role of SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing in the wider industry? How do you see it changing?

JD: At SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, a critical priority is to illuminate the benefits and transformative potential of AM within the manufacturing sector. There is a considerable gap in market understanding, compromised by a proliferation of information that often doesn’t mirror the practical realities of the technology. There is a pressing need to construct an informative bridge that connects the dots between conventional manufacturing methods and the innovative world of AM.

From our seasoned perspective within the industry, our mission extends beyond mere advocacy; it is to cultivate a well-informed community. By dispelling myths and presenting grounded insights, we aim to equip the market with a realistic understanding of 3D printing’s capabilities, tempering expectations with the current technological landscape while also acknowledging its promising future.  

3DN: Building off that, what is the importance of education in AM?

JD: In our community, we’ve got to zero in on sharing what’s real. Forget the fluff; let’s dive into the nitty-gritty with solid case studies that actually show why certain projects hit the mark. It’s all about the nuts and bolts of design for AM and generative design — that’s where the magic happens. 

See, AM machines? They’re impartial. With the right minds behind them and solid designs in front, they can craft the unimaginable. It’s about making the impossible possible, which traditional methods can’t touch. But let’s be clear, AM isn’t about to oust traditional manufacturing overnight. 

The thing is, we’ve been stuck on this sales-first mindset — sell machines, and lots of them. And where does that lead? To unused potential gathering dust. That’s not the way forward. Collectively, we need to ensure that the stories and information we tell are as robust as the technology we’re touting. We’ve got to shift our focus from quarterly sales targets to educating the market on what AM really brings to the table. That understanding will naturally drive demand. 

At SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, we’re on this path, spearheading research and crafting content that really speaks to this mission. I’m picking up the baton from Jason Lopes, the previous chair, championing ACE (Awareness, Content, Events) for all. We’ve made strides, sure, but there’s more road to travel. And this isn’t just SPE talk; it’s the same at ADDMAN, where we’re laser-focused on delivering content that resonates across sectors, be it medical, aerospace, or beyond. 

3DN: Could you give your thoughts on the AM industry as a whole?

JD: The additive manufacturing world? Yeah, it’s hitting some rough patches, but that’s just the setup before the big leap. Look, the way I see it, we’re on the brink of something massive. Think about all the new tech we’re blending in — like AI. It’s like we’ve got all these keys, and we’re just starting to unlock production’s full potential.

And I’m not just talking about growth on paper; I mean real change, the kind that reshapes industries and lives. Take medicine, for example. With additive manufacturing, we’re saving lives in ways we couldn’t imagine before. In defense, we’re upping the game in protecting people. It’s not just hype — the promise is real, and it’s bright.

Sure, it feels like we’re just gearing up, but that’s the exciting part. We’ve got to really get our heads around the practical uses and amp up the learning curve. I might be a tad partial, but the medical field? That’s where the magic’s happening for AM. It’s not just about innovation; it’s personal, life-altering stuff.

3DN: Any last words for our readers?

JD: In the ’90s, I introduced engineers in LA to a breakthrough called stereolithography at an SPE event, marking my first step into the organization. That moment was a gateway to my journey with SPE. Fast-forward to today, it’s a full-circle moment as I step into the chairman role for SPE Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing and I’m really excited about it.  

Balancing this with my role at ADDMAN is no small feat, but my belief in the power of education within our industry compelled me to embrace this challenge. Passionate about pushing additive manufacturing to new heights, I see this as an opportunity to raise the bar for the entire field. As we advance, we’re not just improving technologies, but elevating the industry as a whole. You can find out more about SPE Additive Manufacturing & 3D printing HERE.