Alumnus Justin Wenning named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list

Ohio State welding engineering alumnus Justin Wenning (’15) was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 2017 list in Manufacturing and Industry in recognition of his innovative efforts with metal 3-D printing at Fabrisonic.

The annual list recognizes 600 of the brightest young entrepreneurs, innovators and game changers in 20 industries. More than 15,000 rising stars were nominated; only 4 percent made the list.

“The award is overwhelming and rewarding for everyone who has helped me achieve this amazing recognition,” Wenning said. “I’ve been lucky to have many opportunities to step me towards this honor.”

The Ohio native’s reputation as an innovator has blossomed in a short time. The 24-year-old was also named to Manufacturing Engineering’s 30 Under 30 2016 list, which recognizes 30 individuals under age 30 who are making a difference in manufacturing and STEM.

Wenning began working for EWI-spinout Fabrisonic, in Columbus, Ohio, as an intern in January 2015 and started full-time as a welding engineer after graduating in May of that same year. Being part of a small startup company means his role changes on a daily basis, he explained.

“The majority of the time I operate a large ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) 3-D printer where I conduct research, build production parts, as well as develop new products not possible without the solid-state capabilities of UAM,” he said. “I also work with customers to develop solutions and help engineers to find ways UAM can improve current parts and operations. UAM is a truly enabling technology through its ability to print materials at low temperatures.”

Fabrisonic provides 3-D metal printing services using their low‐temperature ultrasonic additive manufacturing technology that harnesses sound waves to merge layers of metal foil in a process that requires no melting. Using this technology, the company can create complex parts with unique features and attributes not possible using traditional manufacturing techniques.

“Like all new technologies, it requires some development and that’s where I fit in. I operate between a truly hands-on engineer and a development leader for the technology,” Wenning explained. “I’m currently leading a program with NASA in advancing UAM ability to 3-D print heat exchangers to fit space applications. We’ve learned a great deal that has already helped us with some industrial applications.”

Headquartered on Ohio State’s West Campus, Fabrisonic’s Buckeye engineering roots run deep. The innovative manufacturing technology company’s CEO, Mark Norfolk, is also an Ohio State welding engineering alumnus.

Noting that he now works in the same building he once studied in, Wenning said he chose to attend The Ohio State University because of its strong engineering programs.

“I knew long before college that I wanted to go into engineering,” he said. “The welding engineering program provided me with a well-rounded metallurgy and joining background that I now find myself using on a daily basis, with my coworkers, for both industrial and research applications. It is a challenging position within a very small team, but my degree and internships provided me with the skills I need to help the technology succeed.”