Govt Abstract
- Who: Wesley Günter Krijntjes
- Trade: Customized Jewellery / 3D Design
- Location: Netherlands
- Problem: Shapeways’ non permanent closure disrupted a long-standing digital manufacturing workflow
- Answer: Rejoined through Thangs to revive manufacturing and plan model relaunch
- Outcomes: Greater than 25 nations served, media recognition and renewed vitality to scale globally
The designer behind the model
“I like issues that catch the attention, look distinctive and have by no means been seen earlier than. To create this I exploit constructions and patterns we see throughout us, each pure and artifical. I like to mix patterns I see into new wearable shapes.”
‘Trigon’ necklace and earrings: Impressed by Wesley’s love for the traditional pyramids, made in Polished Silver launched in 2024.
Wesley Günter Krijntjes is a Netherlands-based 3D designer and jewellery maker with a background in metallic working. In 2012 Wesley needed to make a keychain for the corporate he was working for. His information of producing with metals led him on a seek for somebody that would mill a mould so he may forged his personal resins. On that search, he got here throughout Shapeways… and issues shortly snowballed.
Wesley explains: “After I got here throughout Shapeways I quickly began designing jewellery for my then girlfriend. Again then Shapeways was actually working along with designers to arrange a pleasant store and construct their model. This actually acquired me into constructing one thing greater.”
Confirmed options price ready for
For greater than 10 years Wesley relied on Shapeways to show his intricate designs into wearable jewellery. From prototyping to success wherever on the earth, Shapeways labored behind the scenes to permit Wesley freedom to design and construct his model. When Shapeways was briefly unavailable, Wesley didn’t swap platforms. As a substitute he doubled down on launching his unbiased enterprise and hoping that he’d have entry to Shapeways once more quickly.
“I used to be trusting that Shapeways would ultimately come again. Within the roughly fourteen years I’ve been busy with design for 3D printing I’ve solely as soon as ordered from one other supplier,” explains Wesley. The attract of a dependable and confirmed associate, primarily based domestically was sufficient to maintain Wesley dedicated to a return. “I simply stored on designing new issues and solely made 3D renders getting ready for the inevitable relaunch!”
‘Seed of life squared’ pendant: The seed and flower of life are sacred symbols utilized by people all all through historical past, the designer unnoticed some leaves to make the design open and distinctive. Made in pure bronze, additionally from the 24 assortment.
Reinvigoration and new ambition
When Shapeways acquired the Thangs platform, Wesley was among the many first to rejoin the group. The instruments and platform options he relied on — in addition to the confirmed manufacturing experience of Shapeways — was instantly out there, making for a seamless transition again to enterprise. “For me it’s a return to the extra distant previous that I missed, the place {the marketplace} was the primary focus. Below the earlier possession the Shapeways market pale extra into the background, so I actually prefer it returning to the forefront by means of the acquisition of Thangs,” says Wesley.
The mix of Thangs as a market and discovery system for his designs, mixed with the hard-won belief in Shapeways’ manufacturing capabilities has reinvigorated Wesley’s journey. “I beloved reconnecting with Shapeways by means of a brand new channel, it gave me new vitality and can set all the pieces up this yr to relaunch my jewellery model again into its unique glory!”
‘Convolute’ pendant and earrings: The Convolute pendant inspiration got here from the DNA helix. Wesley formed the helix within the form of a teardrop visualizing the DNA we share with each drop shed. This is without doubt one of the first designs he made and is the all time finest vendor. First revealed in 2012 beneath the identify DNA Teardrop pendant, made in Polished Silver.
Set for the longer term
Whereas this reinvigoration is simply beginning, Wesley has already seen the worth within the mixture of Thangs and Shapeways. “Beforehand I offered efficiently to greater than 25 nations, with Shapeways dealing with the manufacturing, ending and transport seamlessly. The mixing with Thangs is basically thrilling, and gives the invention platform, collaboration area and real group I’m on the lookout for whereas sustaining a confirmed supply associate dealing with the 3D printing, ending, QA, transport, and extra. I’m excited to give attention to creating and seeing what comes subsequent!”
