3D Printed Photopolymers to the Rescue: Addressing Supply Chain Disruption in the COVID-19 Era and a Blueprint for the Future

Abstract

3D Printed Photopolymers to the Rescue: Addressing Supply Chain Disruption in the COVID-19 Era and a Blueprint for the Future

About the Speaker

Dr. Stephanie Benight is President and Principal Scientist at Tactile Materials Solutions where she assists clients in overall strategy and technical analysis (e.g. materials testing) related to polymers used in additive manufacturing and other industries. Given her technical background in chemistry and materials characterization, and demonstrated track record in business development and strategic partnerships, Dr. Benight brings a unique, informed approach to solving complex problems. Dr. Benight was formerly Director of Materials at Origin and Managing Scientist at Exponent, a scientific and engineering consulting firm. While at Origin, she forged an open material network of partners developing UV-enabled resins for 3D printing technology. Her work resulted in the launch of three partnerships, each with an available resin product, in less than one year. One of these products was the first photopolymer-based biocompatible 3D printable silicone. Dr. Benight, having worked with customers in the medical, footwear, automotive, dental, and other industries, and having performed root cause and failure analysis investigations of plastics and adhesives used in products, understands many of the concerns and needs around the use and reliability of 3D printed materials in commercial products. Dr. Benight also has performed research in the areas of liquid crystals, photonics, electro-optic materials, organic electronics (e.g. sensors, transistors), semiconductors, next generation computing (e.g. optical computing), additive manufacturing (3D printing), and photopolymers.