From architecture to additive manufacturing

After four years of architecture studies, Tiago realised the path wasn’t the right one for him. He moved to the Netherlands with his Dutch partner (now wife) and soon after found an opening at Shapeways for a Production and Distribution Specialist.

“It was basically everything that happened after the parts came out of the printers — cleaning, post-processing, packing and shipping,” he recalls. Early advice during the interview stuck with him: if you wanted to succeed at Shapeways, you needed to take initiative and look for ways to improve things.

That mindset led Tiago to experiment with automation. With no programming background but plenty of willingness to get stuck in, he began teaching himself to code to make processes faster and more reliable. Within a year, he was coding every day.

The ‘Ah! So this is what I love’ moment

By 2015, his enthusiasm for automation led to a role in the Industrial Engineering team, where he worked more deeply with machines, programming and process development. Soon after, he began collaborating part-time with Shapeways’ software group, a step that ultimately defined his career.

“I realized this is what I wanted to do. I loved the idea of building a piece of code that could make someone’s working life easier and better,” he says. That spark carried him through roles as junior and senior developer, staff engineer leading the migration to AWS, engineering manager, and today, Head of Engineering.

A leadership style built on empathy

Tiago’s leadership is shaped by his early days on the production floor. He knows first-hand how software choices affect the people who use them. That’s why every new engineer on his team spends their first week working alongside production, packing and shipping orders, before they write a single line of code.

“When you see how people actually use the software, you start noticing issues no one else sees anymore,” he explains. “It gives you fresh eyes and a better understanding of how to improve things.”

Once a month, his team holds a “Lab Day,” where developers are free to test new tools, try ideas and then present their findings back to the group. Sometimes the result is a fun dead end, other times it sparks features that deliver real value across the company.

Building for Shapeways’ future

The engineering team doesn’t operate in isolation. Its goals are directly tied to the company’s goals, with three main areas of focus:

• Customer Experience: ensuring smooth, accurate, and reliable quoting, ordering and tracking.
• Operational Efficiency: building and maintaining fast, dependable tools that keep production moving without bottlenecks.
• Scalability: designing systems that can grow from serving a handful of customers to tens of thousands without breaking.

Working side-by-side with operations, supply chain and sales teams keeps communication short and feedback loops tight. Developers regularly join customer meetings to hear how tools are being used in real-world contexts — often in ways the team hadn’t imagined.

Curiosity + problem solver = opportunity

The “restart” of Shapeways brought challenges but also opportunities to rethink what works and what doesn’t. Tiago sees it as a rebirth moment: a chance to carry forward what’s good, leave behind what isn’t and rebuild stronger.

He’s especially excited about the new instant quoting tool, currently in beta, which he describes as a new canvas for Shapeways to keep improving customer experience in the years ahead.

“At Shapeways, if you’re curious and want to solve problems, you’ll always find opportunity,” Tiago says. “That’s been my journey and it’s what we want for everyone who joins the team.”

The post Team Spotlight: Tiago Sao Jose, Head of Engineering appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

Where is your hometown?
Astoria, the mini-Greece of Queens, New York.

How long have you been with Shapeways?

This many years.

How long have you been 3D printing?
I work in Customer Service so I technically am not, myself, printing.  But I’ve been designing models and getting them 3D printing for two years now. My first experience with 3D printing was with Shapeways. Prior to joining, I attended Full Sail University to study Game Art, and learned how to model using Maya. I’ve recently started messing around with scanned models and correcting them in ZBrush.  

What is your favorite 3D printed object ever?
Forever ever? Hmm..

I can’t honestly pick a favorite. I will say that my favorite types are generally models with moving parts. It’s amazing that you can get these interlocking parts which normally would require assembly, and they just come out like that, in tact, and moveable.

Speaking of, I just ordered this magnificent beast right here:

Animaris Geneticus Bellus by Theo Jansen

If you could 3D print something in any material, currently possible or not, what would you pick and why?
A personalized fully-functional customizable pair of fingerless gauntlets that had the ability to act as a phone, to show images/video on their surface and also project onto a wall.  I would be able to take photos and video with them and also 3d scan people and objects.  Since you said “possible or not”, I’ll also throw in thrusters, for some flight action.  There would be temperature control both internally and externally, so I could warm my hands up in the winter, or heat food without burning myself. I could even use them to produce and record music (microphone, audio interface, midi controller, speakers, all in one) The possibilities are endless.

In general, I would love to be able to design and print a model in multiple materials.  It would have all the internal wiring and various parts needed for it to come out of the printer fully functional, no assembly required.

Multi-material printing isn’t quite there yet, but it’s on its way:

How do you spend your time when you’re not bringing our community’s 3D printed vision to life?
I run an Entertainment company called PREP Sound (www.prepsound.com) and am currently working with my business partner on another venture called Eventful Moments www.myeventfulmoments.com, which will offer services centered around events; weddings, ceremonies, birthdays, etc. We plan to incorporate Shapeways by offering 3D scans and personalized merchandise through both companies.

After having been tied up with a few projects I’m finally getting time to start work on my own music, work on some designs I’d like to print, ride my bicycle (cautiously) through New York, and finally get to start writing a book called The Empathy Virus.

I also think it’s time I get back into playing basketball. Somewhere in between all that, I will find time to sleep and watch some of the great shows that are out there right now (shoutout to Doctor Who, The Walking Dead, and Game of Thrones).

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve learned about 3D printing in your time at Shapeways?
The various processes themselves are really interesting. But I think the most exciting thing I’ve learned about 3D Printing is its reach and the various applications it is used for.  Being in Customer Service has allowed me to interact with a wide variety of community members who have been using our services for all these different purposes.

The enthusiasm and curiosity that comes from all corners of the world is inspiring and infectious, so I find myself constantly falling back in love with 3D printing, and never coming close to falling out.  

The fact that people can upload their ideas to our marketplace and make substantial income from the sale of their products is also super exciting. I love that it’s possible for shoppers to reach out directly to these designers, discuss the design, and possibly get a customized altered version. Think of all the red tape you would have to go through to get something like that going with traditional manufacturing.

What’s on your work playlist?
It’s a mix. From Tupac to Tool to Tori Amos to the Temptations (as well as artists whose names don’t start with “T”). I particularly like 90s, 80s, and 60s music (no offense 70s, you were definitely cool too. Honorable mention).

I have been getting back into Greek music, listening a lot to Giannis Parios, Dimitris MItropanos and just a lot of old school Greek songs. I’m really excited about this new artist, Marina Satti and really dig her latest video:

If you started your own Shapeways shop, what would you sell?
For PREP Sound and Eventful moments we plan to open shops offering customizable pendants, jewelry, scans, signs for events and basically anything customizable that would appeal to musicians or to people planning a special event.

I’d also like to eventually start coming up with original characters and making those available on my own separate shop.

In a perfect world, what is the trajectory of 3D printing?
What I envision and hope for is a world where you can go online and download the necessary files for various products including devices, modify them any way you like, and get them printed, in multiple materials, within a day.  

And then an environment-friendly drone brings it over to you along with some tacos, drops them off, high fives you, says “wow those tacos sure smell amazing, enjoy!”.  It then looks down at the floor, frowning, turns to leave but you stop it and say “No, dude, where are you going?! Please, sit down and eat some tacos with me.”

And then you’re just sitting there, marveling at the device you designed and just got printed, while you and your new drone buddy enjoy some sweet tacos.

Give us some words to live by!
“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t do the right thing, nothing happens. But when you do right, good things happen”.

– Robert DeNiro said this in “A Bronx Tale” written by Chazz Palminteri.

From one angle it just seems so foreboding and final. But it also feels inspiring, like an encouraging push that’s reminding us, “hey, this is what you should be focusing on, don’t take this for granted, you have something special inside of you and it’s going to be a real shame if you don’t share it with the world.”

We’re the guardians and caretakers of our own talent, the ones most responsible for what happens to it. It’s up to us whether that talent stays locked up, unused, collecting dust, or is nourished and given a chance to possibly touch the world.

The post Meet the Shapies: Lefteri Koutsoulidakis appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

Here, Steven tells us about his own podcast and maker channel, and his impressive career in the 3D printing industry.

Where is your hometown?
My hometown is New York — born and raised in Brooklyn!

How long have you been with Shapeways?
I have been with Shapeways almost two years now. Time flies!

How long have you been 3D printing?
3D printing has been a part of my life for a long time now, maybe six or seven years, non-stop. I started working in this field by chance; I was right out of school, working in a supermarket with my brother, and was really unhappy with the way my life was turning out. I was doing back-breaking work until a friend working at a desktop 3D printing company encouraged me to apply for a job there. I had no idea this would spark a career and a passion for making things. When I eventually came across a job 3D printing with Shapeways, I was very excited because I had purchased from them before and couldn’t wait to dive into a bigger pond of challenges.

What is your favorite 3D printed object ever?
Favorite 3D printed object ever? No way I can just pick one! I have printed so many things in my time in the field. I have done collaborations with some of the biggest names in pop culture. After building my first machine and seeing a small part printed, my goal was always to answer the question how big can we print? I always said I wanted to print things over 6 feet! When I first got into 3D printing, it was not a thing to print that massive. One of my most recent print jobs was a 3-foot mace prop weapon from World of Warcraft. I definitely love making props for display or other people’s cosplay.

If you could 3D print something in any material, currently possible or not, what would you pick and why?
I have seen a bunch of materials I would not mind tackling, as well as some giant printers I would like to try! Recently, I’ve really wanted to go in a different direction than what I was used to. I am used to materials that print quickly and require post-processing to look amazing, but I was not used to materials that come out of the machine amazing. So, when I came to Shapeways, I really wanted to work with High Definition materials, and that is where I currently am. 

How do you spend your time when you’re not bringing our community’s 3D printed vision to life?
This makes me chuckle because when I’m not bringing the community’s 3D printed vision to life, I am probably bringing my own visions to life. I am very fortunate to be able to do a ton of creative things that I love to do, with the people I love. I podcast with my brother and best friend every week and its truly one of my favorite parts of the week. I also work on YouTube with my brother where we show people how to make some of these expensive props or replicas on the cheap. I spend most of my time with the love of my life, Jamie, and I am blessed to have a group of friends I grew up with that I admire and who believe in the dreams I have, no matter how crazy they seem to most. Oh yeah, and I watch a ton of Batman — the 1966 TV show. Holy lame hobbies Batman!

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve learned about 3D printing in your time at Shapeways?
The most exciting thing I’ve learned about 3D printing at Shapeways is more of an evolution; I’ve developed a real passion for quality in a product. Shapeways has so many materials, the knowledge and possibilities are endless. Working on one of the best teams of any 3D printing company is a bonus. Shapeways taught me a world beyond the materials and machines I was used too. Learning new programs,machines and materials is AWESOME! Being able to speak directly to the community is great as well.

What’s on your work playlist?
My work playlist is very eclectic, to say the least! Normally I am listening to podcasts like The Knuckleheads or The Brilliant Idiots on iTunes. Audiobooks are a must as well; I am either listening to biographies or something motivational. When it comes to music, my playlists are all over the place, from Black Sabbath to The Beatles, Symphony NO.5 to Kayne, Kendrick, Post Malone, Big Sean — anything ’90s or ’00s hip hop…. I can go on and on for days! As I write this I am listening to Sinatra and Cardi B. I told you my playlists are all over the place!

If you started your own Shapeways shop, what would you sell?
My Shapeways shop would probably sell things my brother and I have made on our Super Maker Brothers channel so people can order the parts and follow along with the video. Chances are I would probably sell some obscure random items or desk toys.

In a perfect world, what is the trajectory of 3D printing?
In a perfect world I would love to see 3D printers in every classroom. I think schools should have innovation centers with printers, woodworking, metalworking, casting, and all types of making with your hands. Any time I explain 3D printing to people who aren’t super familiar with it, I try my best to get them out of the mindset of cheap plastic toys. 3D printing is much more than just toys. Besides mold-making, prototyping some of your everyday household items, or even parts for transportation, 3D printing is huge in the medical field! Anytime I go to the doctor or surgeon I try and push them to look into 3D printing. After training for Strongman and injuring my spine, I think it could have been cool if the doctor had had a printout of my spine to show me the problem areas.

Give us some words to live by!
Do they have to be mine? Can I say “To infinity and beyond!” or “This crest is a symbol of hope” or “Wubba lub dub dub!”?  OK, I’ll give some words I live by:

Why let go of the branches to reach another branch when you can just own the tree?

Let me explain. Let’s say all the branches are my dreams. I want to podcast or do radio so I grab that branch but there is a another branch where I can make props on YouTube, so I let go of the podcast one to reach that one. But now I see a bunch of branches that say different things like voice acting, filmmaking, clothing designer, twitch gamer, entrepreneur, etc. Never let go of any one branch because if you can own the tree, then all the branches are yours. Do it all! They each can cross-promote, and one hand washes the other. Crazy doesn’t mean impossible.

Any questions for Steven or the other 3D printing engineers? Ask in the comments and we will deliver!

The post Meet the Shapies: Steven Gonzalez appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

Here, Shelley tells us about her daily podcast rotation when she’s making your products, and her own functional ceramic artwork.

Where is your hometown?
Born in NYC (almost in a taxicab) and raised in Flushing, Queens.

How long have you been with Shapeways?
Just celebrated one year last week!

How long have you been 3D printing?
Not long. It’s been sporadic since taking a 101 class in college. Shapeways makes it easier since we have awesome Skillshare sessions on 3D modeling.

What is your favorite 3D printed object ever?
Oh dear. If I must choose, since there are so many different objects out there, it would be the Nervous System 3D printed dresses!

If you could 3D print something in any material, currently possible or not, what would you pick and why?
Body parts. There are so many people on organ waiting lists. And what if I lose my hands in a freak accident? I can just print a pair and attach them just as new.

How do you spend your time when you’re not bringing our community’s 3D printed vision to life?
I’m an ice-cream connoisseur and spend my weekends searching for NYC’s most delicious flavors. Also, I am a ceramic artist and make functional porcelainware at my studio in Greenpoint.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve learned about 3D printing in your time at Shapeways?
My mind was blown when I learned that Frosted Extreme Detail plastic can print in 16 micron-layers. That’s 0.0016 centimeters! I give myself a minute during our manufacturing process to marvel at the intricate details of some of the models.

What’s on your work playlist?
I listen to Rick and Morty to tide me over until they release Season 3 this summer.

I am also unabashedly in love with prehistoric creatures and educate myself by listening to dinosaur podcasts.

If you started your own Shapeways shop, what would you sell?
Delightfully quirky jewelry and some ceramic Voronoi vases.

In a perfect world, what is the trajectory of 3D printing?
Accessible and affordable 3D printed medicine, food, and organs for people who are in need.

Give us some words to live by.
Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. Especially when that time will pass you by anyway.

Do you have any questions for Shelley or the other 3D printing engineers? Let us know in the comments and we will deliver!

The post Meet the Shapies: Shelley Park appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

Where is your hometown?
Sydney, Australia.

How long have you been with Shapeways?
Almost nine months.

How long have you been 3D printing?
A piece here and there over three years.

What is your favorite 3D printed object ever?
I designed a set of earrings for my girlfriend as a birthday present. It was only the second thing I’d ever printed, but how much she loved it may be one of the reasons she is now my wife.

If you could 3D print something in any material, currently possible or not, what would you pick and why?
Depends on what the “something” is for, but I’ve always wanted an ice sculpture!

How do you spend your time when you’re not bringing our community’s 3D printed vision to life?
Selflessly disposing of the world’s oversupply of gin and whiskey.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve learned about 3D printing in your time at Shapeways?
I never stop being amazed at the versatility of 3D printing. We print a dizzying array of designs from the community that cross an unbelievable range of shapes, sizes, colors, and functions. You really can make anything!

What’s on your work playlist?
I always mix in a few Aussie tracks with what I’m listening to. Triple One’s “Innovators” is definitely the current fave.

If you started your own Shapeways shop, what would you sell?
Sooner or later the pieces of jewelry that I’ve made for the Mrs. will probably make their way onto a storefront.

In a perfect world, what is the trajectory of 3D printing?
Eco-friendly materials and recycled plastics.

Give us some words to live by!
I have a line of poetry tattooed on my chest — but I’m not going to tell you what it is.

Do you have any questions for Kosta or the other 3D printing engineers? Let us know in the comments and we will deliver!

The post Meet the Shapies: Kosta Tzioumis appeared first on Shapeways Blog.