3DPOD 306: Super Polymers for 3D Printing with Mike Zimmerman, Z-Polymers
Mike Zimmerman started in research before starting his own startups. Now his firm makes a fiber with some very exciting properties indeed. The material has been turned into a very high-strength filament. We talk to Mike about the beginnings of his research, how he approaches invention, how he views entrepreneurship, and the prospects of his firm. One interesting element is that, although the material is very costly, Mike is targeting desktop material-extrusion systems for growth, a sign of a changing landscape.
This episode of the 3DPOD is brought to you by HeyGears, an innovation-driven 3D printing solution company devoted to taking digital manufacturing to the next level for individuals and businesses around the world. HeyGears’ extensive expertise and self-developed resin, 3D printing hardware, software, materials, and service platforms mean they can offer complete, easy-to-use, and reliable 3D printing workflows for all types of users, from beginners to advanced professionals looking to get things made. Learn more about them at HeyGears.com.
Podcast (podcast-audio): Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
You May Also Like
3D Printing News Briefs, November 5, 2026: Tungsten, Color Mixing, Prosthetic Socket, & More
We’re starting with business from Xact Metal, 3D Systems, and Freemelt, and moving on to materials from Snapmaker and hybrid manufacturing with Eplus3D. We’ll end with a custom prosthetic socket,...
3D Printing Financials: Protolabs Hits Record Q3 Revenue, 3D Printing Rebounds
In Q3 2025, Protolabs‘ 3D printing revenue fell by around 6 percent year-over-year (YOY), and in Q2 2026, it declined another 2.6 percent to $20.7 million. In Q3 2026, however,...
3D Printing Financials: Align Tops $1B in Q3, Will Launch 3D Printed Sports Guard
Align Technology (Nasdaq: ALGN) is expanding its use of direct 3D printing beyond orthodontic treatment with a new line of custom sports mouthguards, while reporting third-quarter 2026 revenue of $1...
3D Printing Financials: Medical Becomes the Driving Force Behind Materialise
Materialise (Euronext Brussels & Nasdaq: MTLS) is seeing continued growth in its medical 3D printing business and signs of a recovery in manufacturing, but that progress has not been enough...
