Side Hustle School #2602 - TBT: 3D Printing Service Keeps Crankin’ Out Products
Feb 15, 2024
A 3D printing service owner shares their journey, from focusing on custom models to industrial applications and medical device prototypes. The podcast explores the potential of 3D printing and the role of NetSuite in optimizing business performance.
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One Person Hobby Scaled Into Diverse 3D Business
- Lucas grew a one-man 3D printing hobby into a creative business serving hobbyists, architects, medical startups, schools, and museums.
- Notable projects included architectural models, surgical-tool prototypes for a German startup, and a life-sized fossil replica for a museum.
Prototyping Requires Iteration And Engineering Collaboration
- Advanced clients pushed Lucas to offer iterative engineering support, not just printing services.
- The German medical-device project required multiple prototype iterations and close collaboration with engineers to refine design for use.
Upgrade Equipment To Unlock Bigger Projects
- Invest in upgraded printers and material capabilities to expand project scope beyond simple plastics.
- Lucas bought machines that handle exotic composites, which unlocked industrial and museum-scale work.