Eric Rhodes
Eric Rhodes joined Metal Powder Works (MPW) at the beginning of February 2024 as their Materials and Process Engineer. Eric brings a strong background in materials research and additive manufacturing to help tailor powder production for each specific application for optimum powder performance. After receiving his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) from the University of Pittsburgh, Eric started his research in powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing in graduate school at Pitt in the Advanced Manufacturing and Magnetic Materials (AM3) Lab, focusing on porous metal media for filtration produced via Binder Jet Additive Manufacturing (BJAM). After receiving his M.S. in MSE, Eric started his industry career with ExOne/Desktop Metal in their Research and Development group working on BJAM of novel powder materials on their X-Series platforms (InnoventX, X25Pro, X160Pro). At ExOne, Eric worked closely with customers and government agencies on optimizing the printability and material properties of metal powder tailored to their application.
Ben Waradzin
Benjamin Waradzin joined Metal Powder Works in April of 2022 as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and is responsible for mechanical design and controls. He began as an Aircraft Metals Technologist in the United States Air Force. After earning his bachelor’s in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology from Penn State University, Ben gained extensive experience as a Mechanical Engineer and then an Automation Engineer at various companies.
Jeff Bozic
Jeff Bozic joined Metal Powder Works in January of 2023, bringing over 15 years of experience in the field of powder metallurgy, having spent his career at Crucible/ATI Powder Metals. He has extensive experience in the melting and atomization of titanium powder, along with the comprehensive processing of various powder metals. Jeff has dedicated five years to the maintenance of atomizers, where he has excelled in repairing and troubleshooting atomizers, power supplies, and vacuum pumps. His technical skills extend to welding, machining of parts, and the maintenance and repair of cryogenics pumps and bulk tanks.
Mitchell Wendel
Mitchell Wendel resides in Pittsburgh as Metal Powder Work’s Process Engineer. He has a strong background in compaction powdered metal production, particularly in the tool and die sectors, where he supported PM press tooling and componentry. Throughout his career, Mitchell has worked for multiple companies, with significant experience leading new equipment installations, tooling, fixturing, continuous improvement initiatives, and programming, along with managing maintenance on preexisting machines.
As an applications engineer at GF Machining Solutions, he focused on training, programming, test cuts, tooling studies, advanced machine calibration, and time studies for potential machine customers in various industries. His work was primarily centered on the high-speed 5-axis milling division, Mikron. In this role, he also provided technical advisement to customers, both pre- and post-sale. With the establishment of GF's aerospace facility in North Carolina, Mitchell relocated to support the growing Mikron milling machine market, focusing on large-scale turnkey projects in the medical and aerospace sectors.
Mitchell eventually started his own company to address the market's need for post-machine-sale engineering support, specializing in large-scale CNC production implementation.
Miranda Shones
Miranda Shones joined Metal Powder Works in May of 2024 and has over 17 years of experience as an accounts payable specialist and customer service coordinator. She has spent most of her career balancing several job titles and played important roles in moving the business forward. Miranda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, reaching fitness goals, and spending time in nature.