Machine Minds Episode 108 | Built for the Battlefield: Craitor’s Revolution in On-Demand Manufacturing
From printing parts in combat zones to creating a rugged, mobile printer that works on land, sea, and air — Crater’s mission is transforming logistics and supply chains for the military. Eric shares how the company was born from collaboration with the Marine Corps, what it means to innovate under pressure, and why continuous, in-motion 3D printing could change how we build and repair in the most extreme conditions.
Highlights:
- Eric’s early days in the rep-rap era of DIY 3D printing and how tinkering with drones led him into advanced manufacturing.
-Introducing Crater’s flagship ruggedized 3D printer — capable of printing while in transport, under harsh conditions from -40°F to 120°F, on land, sea, or air.
-Eric shares how Crater’s mission goes beyond business — to protect those who protect us, and build technologies that strengthen national security.
-The hands-on ethos that drives Crater’s team: test, break, rebuild — all in service of rapid, real-world performance.
-Eric’s long-term vision: make mobile 3D printing ubiquitous across industries like construction, mining, and healthcare — enabling resilience wherever it’s needed.
Learn more about Craitor: https://www.craitor.com/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericshnell/
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/