Dr. Satya Ganti is the technical leader for Baker Hughes additive manufacturing technology center located in Houston, TX and our Women in 3D Printing Guest #270!

Dr. Ganti, could you let us know about your journey to Additive Manufacturing?

My journey to additive manufacturing (AM) began in 2007 during my masters where my thesis was focused on thin film technology (layer thickness in nanometers). It is in 2015 while working as a research scientist at UES, inc that my focus completely shifted to additive manufacturing.

My main responsibilities included developing framework for qualification of AM components, characterization and testing of AM feedstock and components.

It continues to be very challenging and rewarding journey, however if properly planned and know-hows, it is possible for successful implementation of this technology for intended application.

Can you share more about your research interest at UES?

As a materials scientist, performed material characterization to understand the Microstructure-Property-Process relationship in a variety of materials systems ranging from metals and alloys, ceramics, composites, additively manufactured components, and powders by serial sectioning process using RoboMet.3D® based on optical microscopy

To date, what would you say is your greatest achievement in Additive Manufacturing?

My greatest achievement is qualification of additively manufactured components for functional use replacing conventional counterparts

Have you run into any challenges from being a woman 3D Printing?

AM being a developing technology requires diverse workforce to accelerate this industry. It is too early to comment; however, I have not faced any challenges being a woman in this industry.

I have found education as a powerful tool to overcome gender bias by investing in the development of a solid skillset.

What makes the 3D printing industry particularly interesting for you?

3D printing has the potential to transform entire manufacturing sector by 2030.

There are several interesting facts about this technology ranging from materials, powder metallurgy, design flexibility, part reduction, inventory control just to name a few. The real challenging and interesting fact about this technology is how the materials look when printed on a microscopic level known as microstructure.

This microstructure is obtained by rapid heating and cooling of the material that determines the material properties.

Optimization of this microstructure to obtain the right material properties consistently and reliably is required for wide adoption of this technology.

What is the most impressive or impactful use of 3D printing you’ve seen so far?

Needless to say, 3D printing technology has already made a big impact in medical device industry.

3D printed masks and ventilators to fight the COVID-19 pandemic is the most recent impactful use of this technology.

What do you consider game-changing technologies in Additive Manufacturing?

I consider powder bed fusion (PBF) based direct metal laser printing (DMLM), Direct Energy Deposition (DED) and Binder Jetting (BJ) modalities to be game changing technologies in additive manufacturing. Currently, standards development is focused primarily on these three technologies.

Where do you think the industry will move to in the next 10 years?

This is industrial revolution (IR) 4.0; it is about how we are going to make things in the future using artificial intelligence, machine learning and additive manufacturing.

The pace with which IR 4.0 will unfold will be beyond our imagination in coming years. In the next 10 years, automation will lead this technology reducing manual and post-processing efforts needed to qualify additively manufactured parts and tremendously reduce the product development time.

What advice do you have for women looking to get started in 3D Printing?

For all women with interest in additive manufacturing, this is the time to get involved in the field, contribute towards the development, and be a part of fourth industrial revolution.

3D printing is a vast/broad field covering design, process, material, manufacturing, digitization to name a few, find your passion in anyone of the focus areas and build your niche.

In your opinion, how could we encourage more women to become involved with Additive Manufacturing?

Conferences, university courses and internships/co-ops focused in additive manufacturing.

Another inspiring woman you’d like us to interview?

Swathi Vunnam