Project Completion Report

3D Printing Business

For my EDGE project, I wanted to bridge the gap between engineering design and actual manufacturing. To accomplish this, I started a 3D Printing and Modeling service for individuals and businesses. This helped me to develop: another income stream, product development skills, tolerance experience, and 3D Printing and 3D modeling skills. Sub-goals will include learning about taxes/budgeting, helping local businesses, and gaining entrepreneurship skills.

Problem: Old Post-It Holder

Solution: New Post-It Holder

Goals and Outcomes

I started a 3D Printing business and applied it’s services to two local companies at no charge. I also improved my 3D modeling skills through online freelance work designing models of inventions for two individuals.

Through this experience, I was able to gain technical skills, provided service locally to businesses, and generated a little extra income.

First, I researched which 3D Printer would best fit my qualifications without breaking the bank. I found a highly popular one that was under my budget and jumped at the deal. Next, two companies were approached and I asked if I could use my 3D printing service to improve efficiency in the business. Cedar Valley HVAC and SUU Engineering Dept were both happy to oblige. I designed and printed 12 wire holders that could be used for keeping thermostat wires professional looking at the HVAC company. At SUU, I found a design that was available online for a plastic mold and printed that for the Materials Science Lab. This is used to mold homemade plastics in one of the experiments to learn about polymers.

Finally, I improved my 3D modeling skills as I worked with two individuals online to create 3D models of their inventions. The first was a fidget spinner invention that needed to be patented and I finished the technical drawings for submission to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The other was a model for an invention that needed to be injection molded. I worked on the models for the manufacturing company to mass produce this product. I originally wanted to visit three businesses to 3D print for them, but two of the companies I approached have still not gotten back to me.

Deliverables

- 3D Printed Products

- Pictures of service

- Website

- Updated Linkedin section

- Sketches of R&D

Originally I wanted to see how an accountant might help me to start an LLC, but they told me it wouldn’t be worth it unless I was making a very significant amount of money (upwards of $10,000/yr). I also wanted to do a YouTube channel of the process, but time restricted me to only make one roughed-in video.

I created a website in order to show the 3D-printed products, service, and sketches of my designs. I also added a LinkedIn section about 3D Printing under “Education”.

www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-bettencourt under media section.