LTM L&L 07 - "Printer Materials & Innovation" - Kelley Kerns & Dr. Dustin Gilmer

Last Tactical Mile Impact 2.0 Lunch & Learn Metal Casting Seminar Series Episode 07 "Printer Materials & Innovation" with Kelley Kerns & Dr. Dustin Gilmer This seminar presents how advances in 3D sand printing technologies are driving innovations in binders, activators, cleaners, coatings, additives, and sand alternatives. You will gain practical guidance on chemistry features and optimization, implementation and best practices, and process safety. Discover how additive manufacturing can elevate—not replace—traditional processes like casting. This session explores how AM integrates with casting workflows to unlock new design freedom, improved material performance, and expanded manufacturing capabilities. We’ll also dive into the material considerations and process nuances that shape successful hybrid manufacturing strategies. Presenter descriptions: Kelley KERNS, a key leader at HA International, drives innovation in the Cast Metals industry with expertise in 3D sand printing and Additive Manufacturing consumables. His seasoned career, which began developing binder systems for 3D printing in metal casting, spans roles at Fairmount Minerals, Ashland Chemical, and John Deere Foundry. Kerns has been instrumental in advancing binder jetting systems for high-quality sand molds and cores, optimizing system materials for various casting applications. His presentation will provide key insights into the availability and optimization of select consumables for 3D sand printing, crucial for operational success, while also exploring new material developments that drive lower cost-in-use. Kerns’ diverse background and focus on foundry technologies position him as a leading voice in the evolution of digital manufacturing for the casting industry. Dr. Dustin GILMER is an Assistant Professor of material science at the University of Tennessee where he focuses on advanced materials and manufacturing. He has expertise in 3D sand printing and Additive Manufacturing (AM) and his previous work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory was focused on various AM processes relevant to the foundry industry. His career began developing binder systems for 3D printing (binder jetting) systems and he is now working to grow the casting and forging workforce and research base at the University of Tennessee and attract new talent to these areas. His presentation will look at the development of binders and material systems for AM that are relevant to the foundry industry. #additivemanufacturing #americamakes #ybi #metalcasting #3dprinting #sandprinting #additivetechnology #metalcasting #foundry