Three months ago, Bukobot 3D printers founder, Diego Porqueras, took a significant step into the physical retail space by opening Deezmaker, a 3D printing shop and hackerspace in Pasadena, California. This brick-and-mortar location aimed to bring the burgeoning world of 3D printing closer to the local community. Following its grand opening, which we covered previously, and recognition of the Bukobot 8 as “Most Innovative” in our Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing, we revisited Diego to understand how Deezmaker has been faring and its impact on making 3d Printing Near Me a tangible reality for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Since opening its doors, Deezmaker has experienced an overwhelmingly positive reception from the Pasadena community and beyond. The sheer diversity of individuals expressing interest in 3D printing has been remarkable. Word-of-mouth has proven powerful, with a daily influx of 5 to 20 visitors, ranging from those keen to purchase a Bukobot to individuals simply curious to witness and learn about 3D printing firsthand. This wide spectrum of interest includes professionals from various sectors, from real estate to NASA JPL engineers. Deezmaker has quickly become a resource for local institutions and individuals, securing orders from Pasadena Art Center, Caltech students, the local school district, Hollywood film professionals, local engineers, and hobbyists. A key advantage of Deezmaker, and brick-and-mortar 3d printing near me locations in general, is the accessible, in-person support it offers. Customers appreciate having a physical space where they can address issues, receive guidance, and get a practical introduction to 3D printing.
Deezmaker offers a comprehensive suite of products and services to cater to diverse 3D printing needs. While Bukobot 3D printer kits remain available for order (though with a slight lead time), the shop also stocks essential filament supplies and 3D printer parts. Recognizing that not everyone requires printer ownership, Deezmaker provides professional 3D printing services, utilizing their Bukobots alongside a partnership for high-quality Objet prints. Beyond the technical offerings, the space fosters a creative and collaborative environment, complete with a hackerspace area and even a foosball table for a touch of leisure.
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The holiday season saw a notable trend in 3D printers being purchased as gifts. While many of these orders stemmed from a Kickstarter campaign, Deezmaker also fulfilled pre-orders from local customers looking to give the unique present of 3d printing near me to their loved ones for Christmas. The demand for Bukobots during this period was significant, leading to slight delays in shipping for some, which customers understandingly accepted.
A significant portion of Deezmaker’s visitors are those new to the world of 3D printing. While many arrive with some level of online-acquired knowledge, few have witnessed a 3D printer in action up close. Diego finds immense satisfaction in observing their reactions when they witness a Bukobot creating a part right before their eyes. The technology’s captivating nature is undeniable, often leaving first-timers in awe. One memorable instance involved a woman who was so fascinated that she simply observed the machines in silence for fifteen minutes before engaging with questions. Children, in particular, are captivated by the Bukobot displays, their imaginations sparked by the possibilities of what they could print. Conversely, Deezmaker also attracts experienced 3D printer users seeking local expertise, in-person advice, or simply a community to connect with regarding their machines and projects, highlighting the value of 3d printing near me for all levels of users.
The hackerspace aspect of Deezmaker enriches its appeal as a local maker hub. Equipped with a range of tools from standard hand tools and soldering irons to more advanced equipment like a small CNC router, lathe, and soon, a laser cutter, the hackerspace provides members with resources for diverse projects. Of course, 3D printers are central to the space’s offerings. Membership benefits extend beyond tools, including access to video game consoles and discounts on classes and events, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
Deezmaker is establishing itself as an event venue, mirroring the community-focused approach of spaces like Crash Space. Launching “3D Printing Monthly” meetups on the first Sunday of each month, starting January 6, 2013, Deezmaker provides a free platform for individuals to showcase their 3D printers, seek assistance, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. These meetups underscore the growing community around 3d printing near me. Additionally, Deezmaker plans to host instructional classes covering topics such as “3D Printing 101,” “OpenSCAD 3D Modeling,” and “Intro to Arduino,” further solidifying its role as an educational resource. The space is also attracting various interest groups seeking a meeting place, amplified by amenities like a projector and sound system, suggesting future movie nights and diverse community gatherings.
Diego emphasizes the multifaceted advantages of a physical 3D printing shop. He believes that 3D printing bridges the virtual and physical worlds, requiring tangible interaction for full appreciation. In a technology still perceived as novel by many, a physical shop like Deezmaker alleviates anxieties by offering tangible support and guidance. Diego also notes a resurgence of the “human aspect of technology,” suggesting people are seeking to reconnect with the physical world after prolonged immersion in the virtual realm, and 3D printing facilitates this re-engagement.
For Diego, experiencing 3D printing in person remains paramount. The value of 3D-printed objects truly materializes when held and examined physically – an experience readily available at Deezmaker. Furthermore, Deezmaker contributes to the broader maker movement by providing both 3D printers and a collaborative hackerspace. This addresses the common challenge of limited space for makers, particularly those in urban environments, enabling them to pursue projects and realize ideas that might otherwise remain unrealized. Diego’s own journey with Bukobot stemmed from this desire to create, and he envisions Deezmaker as a catalyst for other makers, inventors, and students to cultivate ideas and bring them to life, reinforcing the importance of accessible 3d printing near me resources.
Diego’s entry into 3D printing is surprisingly recent, dating back only to July 2011, when a news segment sparked his fascination. Despite this relatively short timeframe, 3D printing has become an all-consuming passion, driven by its limitless creative potential. He recognized in 3D printing a tool capable of realizing almost any envisioned creation, fulfilling a long-held desire. Moreover, 3D printing harmoniously integrates his diverse skill set encompassing machining, electronics, programming, design, and invention, transforming what might be considered work into an engaging and enjoyable pursuit.
2013 MAKE Ultimate Guide To 3D Printing
- 3D Printers Buyer’s Guide — 15 Reviewed
- Getting Started in 3D
- Learn the Software Toolchain
- 3D Design for Beginners
- 3D Printing without a Printer
