New Materials Key to Manufacturing Innovation, Says Z-Polymers CEO

Z-Polymers CEO Mike Zimmerman believes that developing new manufacturing materials is crucial for driving innovation in the industry. According to Zimmerman, it's easier to develop new manufacturing processes and equipment than to develop new materials with unique properties.

Zimmerman, a materials scientist with experience in starting technology companies and teaching materials science, notes that many of the materials currently used in additive manufacturing, such as nylon and carbon-filled nylon, have been around for 20 or 30 years. He started Z-Polymers to develop new materials, particularly ultra-fine fibers and filaments that are several times stronger than steel by weight.

The company's Tullomer material has higher thermal performance, generates less waste and toxic materials, uses less energy to create, and has other properties that make it suitable for additive manufacturing. It's currently being used in various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, energy, and transportation.

Zimmerman attributes the relatively slow development of new materials to high development costs, difficult processing, and a lack of venture funding. He also notes that many investors expect software timelines from materials companies, which is not realistic. Additionally, scaling up materials from the lab to manufacturing can be challenging.

To address these challenges, Z-Polymers is developing materials using end manufacturing equipment, eliminating the need to translate results from the lab to prototype equipment. The company is also delivering prototypes made with end manufacturing equipment to customers.

Zimmerman believes that advances in materials science are just as important as advances in production technology for the next generation of manufacturing. He notes that new materials innovation is the foundation of manufacturing innovation, and additive manufacturing becomes transformative when paired with new materials.

Artificial intelligence is also playing a role in the development of new materials, particularly in creating molecular designs based on huge databases of different formulations. Zimmerman is using AI in his work and believes it will provide a good tool for developing new materials.

The manufacturing workforce skills gap is also a concern in materials development and production. Zimmerman notes that many materials development and production functions have gone offshore, leading to a skills gap in the United States.

## The Importance of New Materials in Manufacturing Innovation

New materials are crucial for driving innovation in manufacturing. According to Zimmerman, it's easier to develop new manufacturing processes and equipment than to develop new materials with unique properties.

## Challenges in Developing and Commercializing Innovative Materials

Developing and commercializing innovative materials is challenging due to high development costs, difficult processing, and a lack of venture funding. Many investors expect software timelines from materials companies, which is not realistic.

## The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Materials Development

Artificial intelligence is playing a role in the development of new materials, particularly in creating molecular designs based on huge databases of different formulations.

## Addressing the Manufacturing Workforce Skills Gap

The manufacturing workforce skills gap is a concern in materials development and production. Zimmerman notes that many materials development and production functions have gone offshore, leading to a skills gap in the United States.