Nakul Bende, PhD

I'm a

About me

Hey there! I'm a seasoned materials scientist with over a decade of hands-on experience in research, product development, and successfully launching innovative products into the market. My expertise lies in the fascinating realms of polymer formulation and soft matter mechanics. Presently, I'm part of an exceptional team of scientists and engineers at Formlabs, where we're dedicated to refining the performance of our photopolymer materials across our entire range of SLA printers. Beyond the lab, you'll often find me indulging in my passion for tinkering, whether it's analyzing and visualizing interesting datasets, CAD-ing and 3D printing complex projects or merging my interests in photography and microelectronics.

Highlights of my journey till here

Checkout my resume and portfolio for more details

years of experience Polymer research, bringing technologies and amazing products to market

direct reports Leading a team of scientists and technicians to deliver industry leading 3D print reliability on our materials

journal articles DLP-based projection lithography, Photochemistry, Soft matter Physics and Stimuli-responsive polymers

years of STEAM outreach at Museums, Schools and Communities

Resume

Nakul Prabhakar Bende, PhD

Materials scientist with extensive experience in leading development and commercialization of polymer (photopolymer and thermoplastic) formulations. Currently leading engineers and scientists in Settings and Optimization team at Formlabs to develop print settings by balancing chemistry, print process and geometry.

Key Highlights

  • Led development of Rigid 10K at Formlabs from inception to commercialization. Rigid 10K is going to International Space Station
  • Led tech transfer and licensing deal on Barricade between Avient and Cooper Standard
  • Selected for Leadership Development Program at Avient, received certified training on technical & management skills
  • Interfaced as a materials expert between 4 interdisciplinary groups (physicists and mathematicians) during grad school, personally accomplishing 6 journal papers, 5 conference presentations, and an invited talk at MIT
  • Developed scientific instruments including an optical projection lithography system, a uniaxial tester, and a laser scanner, along with continued contributions to DIY communities
  • Highly motivated STEAM educator: organize education modules in schools, museums, and universities

Education

University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

PhD, Polymer Science and Engineering

2012 - 2017

Advisor: Prof. Ryan Hayward

Thesis: Fabrication and mechanics of stimuli-responsive polymer films and shells

MS, Polymer Science and Engineering

2011 - 2012

Bachelor and Master of Technology, Polymer Science and Technology

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), UT, India

Master thesis work in collaboration with Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Ohio

Professional Experience

Formlabs, Somerville, MA

Materials Team Lead: Settings and Optimization

2022 - Present
  • Leading a team of scientists, engineers and technicians to optimize print reliability, speed and post-processing on our current and future SLA printers
  • Led materials integration for Form 3L: a large format SLA 3D printer

Materials Scientist

2018 - 2022
  • Led formulation and commercialization of Rigid 10K, a high-performing engineering resin marketed for injection molding, wind tunnel testing, and functional prototyping
  • Apply background in polymer physics and chemistry for development of photopolymer-based resin systems for Formlabs engineering resin portfolio
  • Leverage the small team structure to develop relationships with customers, suppliers, and manufacturers; deliver results on a tight timeline
  • Rotated as a subject matter expert to Settings and Optimization team

Avient [formerly PolyOne], Avon Lake, OH

Senior R&D Engineer, Corporate Research and Development

2017 - 2018
  • Project lead on a silane-crosslinked TPO (BarricadeTM): developed formulations, executed lab-scale reactive extrusion runs, and led pilot level scale-ups
  • Led a team of scientists to evaluate an external technology which led to a multi-million dollar tech acquisition

R&D Leadership development program

2017 - 2018
  • Developed technical and managerial skills as a Leadership Development Program candidate; completed certified courses including Project Management, Influencing at All Levels, Lean Six Sigma, Polymer Extrusion and Simulation, Polymer Injection Molding

Portfolio

Collection of my amateur attempts at learning, tinkering, breaking and making stuff!.

  • All
  • Photography
  • Science
  • DIY

Contact

Drop in a email if you would like to contact me - thanks!

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