Episode #130 | 3D Print Tiny Things with Adam Steege, Trio Labs

The more minimally invasive medicine becomes, the smaller and more complex medical devices have to be. While that can mean better care and greater access for patients, it also creates a significant dilemma: how do you manufacture these devices at scale? Adam Steege, founder and CEO of Trio Labs, a Morrisville, North Carolina-based company, develops micron-scale metal parts for medical devices. He invented RIPL, or Resin Infused Powder Lithography, a lithography-based process that prints stainless-steel parts at five-micron resolution with tolerances as fine as 0.0005 inch and Ra32 surface finish, which are specifications normally associated with CNC machining. On The Lattice, Steege explains why Trio sells finished parts rather than 3D printers, how minimally invasive surgery and interventional cardiology push instruments smaller and more complex than machining or metal injection molding can economically produce, and why manufacturability is the third leg, alongside clinical need and design, of every successful device. Ultimately, Trio Labs aims to hit the sweet spot where complex, micron-scale designs lead the next generation of medical devices for patients. 00:00:00 - Welcome And A Parts-First Thesis 00:01:20 - Founder Lessons From A First Startup 00:04:45 - Minimally Invasive Devices Hit Manufacturing Limits 00:09:36 - Why RILP Had To Be Invented 00:11:48 - Selling Parts Instead Of Printers 00:17:06 - RIPL Explained And Where It Wins 00:19:58 - Finding Customers And Building To Production 00:22:50 - Unit Economics Versus CNC And MIM 00:27:19 - Scaling Challenges And The 2027 Goal 00:29:50 - Disclaimer And Closing Show notes: https://3dheals.com/episode-130-3d-print-tiny-things-with-adam-steege-trio-labs/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/8JH1TFZrmeg?si=PCG5O6_js5HRehp8 Send us Fan Mail Support the show Subscribe to our premium version and support the show.  Follow us: Twitter  Instagram Linkedin 3DHEALS Website Facebook Facebook Group Youtube channel About Pitch3D