Silicon Valley 2019 EDI Summer Experience - Visit to Carbon by Nik Yanek-Chrones EDI'19 - Engineering, Design and Innovation Fellows

Today we set off on our adventure to the west! After arriving in San Jose and grabbing some delicious* In-N-Out, we visited the 3D printing startup Carbon and met research scientist, Dr. Rene Lopez. Carbon focuses on pushing the boundaries of current 3D printing methods in order to compete in the manufacturing space.

*The 2020 and 2021 EDI Fellows met with* **Dr. Rene Lopez** *at Carbon to learn about advanced 3D printing method using UV light and liquid polymer to make products such as Adidas shoe bases and dental implants. From left to right, (top) Keon Tavakoli,* **Dr. Rene Lopez***, AJ Keels, Nik Yanek-Chrones, Maguire McMahon and (bottom) Leah Smith, Charlie Walker, Olivia Danielson, Sarah Haugh, Christopher Asuncion, and Caitlin Johnson.*

Currently 3D printing technology is mostly for hobbyists and has only a limited use in the business environment. The technology Carbon uses in their 3D printers allows them to be used cost effectively to manufacture goods commonly made via injection molding, allowing manufacturers to create more target specific products in areas like medicine and dental care.

After completing our tour at Carbon, we met with two Apple engineers (and NA alums!), for dinner. We received a lot of insight into Apple’s corporate culture and the inner workings of one of the most influential companies in the valley. After a long day of traveling and touring we finished off our day with some R&R at the hotel.

Post by Nik Yanek-Chrones EDI’19

*deliciousness is currently being debated