We’re excited to introduce Tim, our newest team member at 3D Spark!

As our Head of Innovation & Customer Success, Tim brings a wealth of experience from the world of academia, where he specialized in Additive Manufacturing (AM) and research. With a passion for innovation and a drive to make real-world impact, Tim is a perfect fit for our team. Let’s dive into his journey and what he’s looking forward to at 3D Spark.

Tell us a little about your background and how you got started.

I grew up in a small town north of Hamburg and studied product development in mechanical engineering at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). During my studies, I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Portugal, which really opened my eyes to international collaboration and broadened my perspective. After that, I completed my master’s thesis at Fraunhofer IAPT under the supervision of Fritz and Arnd, who are now colleagues and co-founders at 3D Spark.

I then worked as a research associate at iLAS at TUHH, and during that time, I spent two months as a visiting researcher at Mondragon University in the Basque Country. After three years as an associate, I became a research group lead for another two and a half years, focusing on Design for Additive Manufacturing. My research covered everything from topology optimization to parameter optimization and generative design, specifically in PBF-LB/M (SLM). Recently, I submitted my PhD thesis, which felt like the perfect milestone to make the transition to 3D Spark.

What drew you to 3D Spark?

For me, the transition from academia to product development at 3D Spark was an exciting opportunity. I saw a chance to apply my research in a real-world setting. The work we do at 3D Spark is all about helping businesses make smarter, more sustainable decisions in their manufacturing processes. I’m eager to contribute to that and bring the results of my academic work to life in a practical, impactful way.

What is your role on the 3D Spark team?

I’ve joined as Head of Innovation & Customer Success. My responsibilities will include leading public funding and research projects, and I’ll also be working closely with our customer success team. I’m really excited to ensure that our platform continues to evolve to meet our customers’ needs while also pushing the boundaries of innovation.

A feature of the 3D Spark platform that you find particularly beneficial?

What I truly appreciate about the 3D Spark platform is its ability to allow users to upload any CAD file and immediately receive an analysis. This analysis indicates the most cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing techniques for the part. Additionally, the platform provides live price indications from various suppliers for the uploaded part. In my opinion, this is a real game-changer.

What are you most excited about?

I’m particularly excited about working on real products after so many years of research. Moving beyond theory and into creating tangible results is incredibly rewarding. I’m also looking forward to learning more about digital product development and applying my knowledge to help customers optimize their manufacturing processes.

On top of that, I’ve known several of the Sparkles for a while, and I’ve always enjoyed working with them at different levels. The atmosphere at 3D Spark is fantastic, and I’m excited to contribute to such a collaborative and dynamic team.

How do you like to unwind after work?

I enjoy evening runs - they help me clear my mind after a busy day. When I’m on holiday, I love to surf. Staying active is key for me to maintain a balanced lifestyle, and it’s essential for staying sharp and focused in the fast-paced world of innovation.

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