In October 2015, Rapid Growth Media
shared the story of Aaron Brown, a business owner that easily falls into the category of “unsung hero.”
Now, just a little more than 12 months later, Brown is making some significant changes with his 3D printing business,
Axislab, that will allow him to secure the future for his family and continue his work with the
e-NABLE community, a group of volunteers (including Brown) from all over the world who are using their 3D printers to craft free 3D printed hands and arms for those who need them.
RGM caught up with Brown two weeks ago.
RGM: For those not familiar with the 3D printing industry, describe the work Axislab does and who are the customers you serve?
AB: In short, Axislab is a Grand Rapids-based 3D printing service center, with focuses on production, education and consulting. Companies and individuals can come to us with a concept, or a CAD (computer-aided design) model to be 3D printed, and we will run the parts for them on one of our machines at an hourly rate. We also offer classes for new 3D printer users to learn the basics of both 3D printer operations and intro to designing parts for 3D printing.
When it comes to the customers and clients we work with, this actually brings to light one of my favorite things about 3D printing, and the potential of this technology in a nearly limitless universe of industries. While our core focus is business-to-business prototyping, working with companies to turn proof of concept designs into physical objects, we are equally as passionate about helping individuals turn their project ideas and inventions into something they can physically hold in their hands. We have worked with everyone from product designers, architecture students, hobbyists, toy designers, even a confection artist who wanted to make custom shaped chocolates from food safe silicone molds. It's really exciting never knowing what project, or idea we may be working on next.
We also pride ourselves on the work we do with educators and youth groups around Grand Rapids. Getting 3D printers into as many schools as possible, and seeing the students get excited about designing and creating their own 3D printed ideas, has been a driving force for Axislab since day one.
RGM: When was day one?
AB: We opened the doors to our Axislab retail store at the beginning of 2015; we are just about to wrap up our second year as a Grand Rapids-based small business.
RGM: Why the move downtown? How will this help (and change) your business?
AB: The brand new address is 560 5th St NW.
The closing of the Standale location was actually a difficult decision to make. Operating a full-time and open-to-the-public retail location can be quite costly at times. And, to be honest, there were quite a few months where the business did indeed pay for itself; there just wasn't anything left over to support myself and my family. I had to make the decision to shift away from the more casual walk-in type atmosphere and move into a nice office environment, with classroom and client meeting rooms to work consultations by appointment.
It's actually a really nice move, We found a great location very close to downtown out of a shared business space, which reduces the overhead quite a bit. Here we will be able to operate in a more personal and professional environment. We are continuing all normal operations, with the exception of selling machines and materials. We are no longer going to run as a retail store. Our website, Facebook and phone number will all remain the same.
RGM: Although we covered the e-NABLE group last year, give us on a update on the organization.
AB: E-NABLE is a worldwide group of volunteers, using 3D printing and the power of goodwill to design, test, and donate free of charge assisted hand and arm devices to limb-different children all over the globe. This is an organization I have volunteered with since close to the beginning. I found e-NABLE very early on, while I was myself fairly new to the world of 3D printing. I downloaded one of their very early open sourced hands, mostly as a test for myself to see if I could do it. I had no idea that first hand would alter the course of my life from then on. I have since printed and donated nearly 60 devices, including our amazing and newer Team Unlimbited arms that fill a huge need for children missing more than just a hand, up to the elbow. Being an e-NABLE member has truly helped to showcase the true power and potential of the world of 3D printing.
E-NABLE has always been a personal and loved side project for me. As long as I can maintain the business side of Axislab, and cover costs, I will never stop melting plastic for all the right reasons.
RGM: Please share any numbers that can help tell the impact of the e-NABLE group
AB: E-NABLEhas been around since 2013; as of this past month, e-NABLE has soared past 9,000 members globally, and donated over 2,000 devices to kids and families! All 100 percent free of charge, all thanks to our amazing and dedicated volunteers.
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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