Interview with Pieter-Jan Vandendriessche – Creator of the Tripodmaker

Pieter-Jan: There are a lot of 3D printers around, that's a fact. The problem is that most of the machines are developed by students or hobbyists. These machines might be working perfect, but aren't devices ready for the big audience. Within Tripodmaker, we have put a tremendous effort in building a machine that can be maintained on the long run with a focus on the ease of use and reliability. This means our machines are not the cheapest around, but performance and precision comes with a prize.

We use only high quality components, to assure our users print quality. We made sure the printer looks aesthetic while being functional. We developed easy to use software that allows users to focus on printing their projects. We integrated features, like auto bed levelling, so you can get started right away, without the hassle of tinkering with the printer.

Tripodmaker Black Edition 3D Printer. Photo © Tripodmaker.

Pieter-Jan: Our first Tripodmaker Classic delta printer developments started in 2012. At that time, no delta printers where readily available, except for some DIY kits. The biggest advantages we saw in the technology were:

1. the static build plate

2. the light weight moving components

Where as the static build plate eliminates the z-wobble, the light weight print head removes the ability of x- and y-resonances due to rapid movements. The set-up also allows to create bigger printers which don't become bulky, while a cartesian printers gantry would become utterly heavy to overcome the bending to cover larger print areas.

Pieter-Jan: When comparing our device to competitor delta printers, we definitely stand out based on price to volume ratio. Second, we offer the one and only delta printer, which includes a designated software called "Prisma". The Prisma software simplifies the 3D printing process a lot. Additionally, we offer one of the most appealing open designs, which is truly captivating to watch. Our prints have also an outstanding quality.

Pieter-Jan: The black edition design is truly different when compared to our competitors. We have put the biggest effort in combining functionality in only a handful of though components. This makes assembly easier and faster. It took us nearly a year to develop the Tripodmaker Black Edition and put it into production.

Pieter-Jan: Looking back at the design process, you always develop stuff that doesn't end up in the final product. The main reason is because some designs just doesn't meet the desired goal and we had to start from scratch and rethink them. If we had to redesign it, we would probably do the same, but hopefully faster =)

Pieter-Jan: Our core team basically exists out of 2 people. I take care of all technical stuff while Eva covers the financial and strategical decisions. For the design, we relied on external designers who guide us. Our suppliers help us also on with feedback on our designs. When it comes down on production, we rely on a professional company who does the assembly according to ISO 9001 certificates inside Belgium. In this way, we can keep control of quality while also keeping control of the fixed cost.

Team Tripodmaker: Pieter-Jan Vandendriessche and his partner Eva Spillebeen.

On the software side, we have some freelancers working on the firmware and for the the Prisma software, we have a great software team that works project based. They had already some experience with 3D printing which made it easy to get started.

Furthermore, we have investors who have relevant business experience back us on the decision-making and legal stuff.

Pieter-Jan: In total, we see 3 types of customers as of today:

1. Business that want to do prototyping to improve their design processes and internal communication. We see mainly engineering teams ending up using our devices.

2. Schools, which use the device for educational purpose on 3D printing technology.

3. Advanced hobbyists that use their 3D printer as a tool to express their concepts.

Pieter-Jan: Customers can buy the devices through our website or through our expanding reseller network. Having a reseller network is important to us. As a manufacturer it is hard to be everywhere to support our customers and show our products we offer. We are always looking for resellers that are interested in reselling premium devices.

Pieter-Jan: Having a crowd-funding project is a great tool to literally "kick-start" your business, but it 's tricky. It requires a lot of focus on the marketing, while a lot of things are uncertain on the product and production side at the time of your crowd-funding launch. A successful campaign can indeed boost your success; with the risk the company outgrows your skills and funding rapidly. We've seen several 3D-printing-kick-starters fail here, resulting in poor customer support, poor machines or even bankruptcy. An unsuccessful campaign can also kill a great product due to bad publicity.

Therefore, we decided to grow organic and to see how the devices are appreciated. It's a longer trajectory, but we will be in control on how our company grows and make sure our customers are 100% satisfied.

Pieter-Jan: It's always hard to share plans for the future, because you're never sure you will be able to make them true. There is still great stuff to do on both the software side and hardware. We'll have several nice features ready for you in the near future.

Pieter-Jan: Nope =)

In case you haven't checked it out yet, make sure to read our full review of the Tripodmaker Black Edition 3D printer. Feel free to leave us any questions or comments below.