Episode #85 | Jetting the Impossible: Ben Hartkopp on Printing Ultra-Viscous Materials

The Lattice (Official 3DHEALS Podcast)

Printhead technology may not sound revolutionary, but what if it could radically transform the way we manufacture everything from electric motors to medical implants? That's exactly what Ben Harkoff and his team at Quantica have achieved with their breakthrough inkjet system that can handle materials 10-20 times more viscous than any conventional technology.
Starting in 2018 with a simple goal of printing electronics, Ben's team became frustrated when every existing printhead failed spectacularly when trying to eject viscous resins. Their solution? Design something completely new using piezo crystal actuators and compliant mechanisms that could amplify deformation. This innovation unlocked the ability to print materials with viscosities ranging from 250 millipascal-seconds at operating temperatures to 15,000 millipascal-seconds at room temperature, opening up vast new possibilities for manufacturing.
What's particularly fascinating is Quantica's journey from 3D printing visionaries to practical problem-solvers. As Ben candidly shares, the company discovered its most immediate impact wasn't in creating complete 3D-printed products but in revolutionizing existing manufacturing processes. Their technology now enables precision deposition of adhesives for e-motors, replacing inefficient dispensing methods and potentially improving motor efficiency. They've validated the printing of true platinum-catalyzed silicone (SYLGARD 184) without additives—a breakthrough for medical applications—and are exploring how viscoelastic materials enhance cell viability for bioprinting applications.
Whether you're interested in manufacturing technology, materials science, or how startups navigate the challenging path from invention to commercial success, this conversation offers valuable insights. Ben's advice for aspiring inventors? "Become obsessed and become an expert in research... train your attention span... and learn about politics, because part of the job is not only the technical depth but also dealing with people." Listen now to discover how printing the unprintable is creating entirely new possibilities across industries.

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About Pitch3D

Chapters

1. Introduction to Ben Hartkoff and Quantica (00:00:00)

2. Developing revolutionary printhead technology (00:01:42)

3. From 3D printing to solving industrial problems (00:03:56)

4. Pivoting toward real-world applications (00:07:35)

5. E-motor manufacturing success story (00:15:02)

6. Bioprinting and medical silicones future (00:17:18)

7. Advice for students entering the industry (00:20:45)