3Degrees Discussions #50 - Mike Vasquez, PhD - 3Degrees and TraceAM

Dr. Mike Vasquez usually the host of this podcast and is the founder of two 3D Printing companies. He started his first company, 3 Degrees, in 2013 and since then has helped both global companies and family-run businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities of 3D Printing. In talking with hundreds of companies, he kept seeing a need for a tracking software customized to this space. He couldn't find a solution that did what he thought was necessary, so instead, he built one and started his second company, TraceAM. In celebration of the 50th episode of this podcast, he agreed to let me take over the mic and ask the questions. You'll learn what he thinks is next for 3D printing, how his love of sports was a catalyst for his career and what his experience has been as an entrepreneur. Before we get started, head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher.

Om Podcasten

Dr. Mike Vasquez is a 3D Printing expert specializing in pushing the boundaries of advanced 3D printing technology. He is the Founder and CEO of 3Degrees, a Chicago-based consulting company focused on helping organizations maximize their investment in the technology. Over the past decade he has worked side-by-side with some of the top machine manufacturers, material producers and end users in the industry, consulting with them to identify novel applications, test new materials and develop frameworks to maximize R&D efficiency and boost ROI. Based on insights gleaned from the consulting, Mike has spun out two additional organizations. First, a software company called TraceAM with the mission to help manufacturers organize and analyze their 3D Printing digital data. In the last year, they have worked with customers such as Air Force Research Lab, Renishaw, Ohio State University and Fabrisonic. The second organization, AMx or Advanced Manufacturing Experience, was created by Mike to offer an on-ramp for new workers from disadvantaged regions looking to enter the field of Advanced Manufacturing. A voluntary effort designed to give back to the industry and community, the pilot course was run in the West Side of Chicago and with support from America Makes and West Side Forward. In 2022, AMx is hoping to secure funding to branch out to multiple cities and regions. He completed his PhD in Additive Manufacturing at Loughborough University and received both his Bachelors and Masters from MIT in Materials Science and Engineering. Mike is regularly asked to speak as an expert on the topic of 3D Printing and has given talks at SxSW, the National Association of Attorneys General annual meeting and numerous industry conferences. Mike is the host of 3Degrees Discussions, a weekly podcast where he speaks with the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D Printing industry. Currently the show has over 89 episodes including interviews from leaders at NASA, Ford and Boeing.