Powder Metallurgy Masterclass: Q&A with Chief Metallurgist, Bryan Sherman

Q&A with Chief Metallurgist, Bryan Sherman

Who is Chief Metallurgist, Bryan Sherman?

I’m Bryan Sherman, Chief Metallurgist at DSH Technologies. I have 25+ years of hands‑on experience in captive parts manufacturing, research, furnace technologies, debind excellence, and recipe development/testing. My career spans captive parts manufacturing, metallurgy, furnace commissioning and optimization, failure/root‑cause analysis, and designing test programs (metallography, density, hardness, TGA, dilatometry). Across multiple materials and furnace platforms I’ve supported scale‑up from prototypes to production, and I lead the technical work that underpins the DSH Advantage membership.

In your experience, what are the biggest hurdles that MIM or metal AM parts makers face today? 

The biggest hurdles are (1) translating lab recipes to repeatable production cycles, (2) controlling binder removal and atmosphere to avoid defects, and (3) the scarcity of experienced metallurgical judgment when problems occur. Small deviations in feedstock, debind profile, or furnace atmosphere cascade into yield loss, scrap, or extended downtime. Many operations also operate reactively, which multiplies risk and slows commercialization.

What is your approach to process troubleshooting and documentation? 

My approach is systematic and data‑centric. I start with listening and understanding your process and all variables associated by gathering data (process logs, sample history, TGA/dilatometry, metallography), and isolate through controlled experiments. Documentation is integral, every trial, observation and parameter change is recorded and summarized in monthly performance reports so teams can track trends and decisions. That discipline turns one‑off fixes into lasting process improvements.

Why does the DSH Advantage solve problems for companies? 

DSH Advantage converts intermittent access to expertise into an embedded capability. Instead of hiring a full‑time senior metallurgist, companies get scheduled, proactive engagement, prioritized response windows, and measurable outcomes that prevent high‑cost failures and drive continuous yield improvement. The program pairs troubleshooting, recipe optimization, and testing with governance and reporting so technical risks become managed, visible, and reducible. 

What is your training and education style — what can people learn from working with you in the DSH Advantage? 

My training is hands-on and transfer focused. I combine operator‑level coaching with practical theory and problem based learning. Members learn to read process signatures, interpret metallography and test data, and implement robust debind and sinter recipes. The goal is knowledge transfer so your team gains capability, not just fixes. That’s reinforced through scheduled sessions, on call support, and monthly summaries that capture lessons learned.

How does DSH handle my projects (confidentiality)? 

Confidentiality and trust are foundational. Every engagement is governed by strict confidentiality and non‑disclosure practices; access to your data is used only to align our recommendations to your goals. Our engagement model is advisory, you retain operational control while we provide expert guidance under an agreed confidentiality framework.

Is there access to toll debinding and sintering services? 

Yes. Members receive discounted access to DSH toll debind + sinter services to run controlled troubleshooting, development or production runs (details and discount levels tied to program tier). This lets us validate recipe changes or run trials rapidly in a controlled environment when onsite constraints or risk tolerance make external runs preferable.

Do you have any customer testimonials or references? 

We have customers who experience measurable gains in yield, reduced scrap, and faster resolution of critical processing incidents. We are able to connect directly to captive parts makers, equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and researchers. Just say the word and we are happy to make an introduction. Or you can visit our website to see our latest and publicly approved customer testimonials. 

How do we get in touch? 

Email our team at dsh@dshtech.com or visit www.dshtech.com to request a program overview or schedule the three‑month program launch. The launch phase sets priorities, performs an initial process and furnace review, and establishes the cadence for measurable improvements. We look forward to hearing from you!