Govt Abstract
- Who: Wesley Günter Krijntjes
- Business: Customized Jewellery / 3D Design
- Location: Netherlands
- Problem: Shapeways’ momentary closure disrupted a long-standing digital manufacturing workflow
- Resolution: 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 really like issues that catch the attention, look distinctive and have by no means been seen earlier than. To create this I exploit buildings and patterns we see throughout us, each pure and artifical. I really 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 steel working. In 2012 Wesley wished to make a keychain for the corporate he was working for. His data of producing with metals led him on a seek for somebody that would mill a mould so he may solid 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 value ready for
For greater than 10 years Wesley relied on Shapeways to show his intricate designs into wearable jewellery. From prototyping to success anyplace 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 change platforms. As an alternative he doubled down on launching his impartial 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 companion, based mostly domestically was sufficient to maintain Wesley dedicated to a return. “I simply stored on designing new issues and solely made 3D renders making 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 neglected 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 neighborhood. The instruments and platform options he relied on — in addition to the confirmed manufacturing experience of Shapeways — was instantly obtainable, 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. Underneath 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 mixture 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 cherished reconnecting with Shapeways by means of a brand new channel, it gave me new vitality and can set the whole lot up this 12 months to relaunch my jewellery model again into its authentic 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 likely one of the first designs he made and is the all time greatest vendor. First printed in 2012 below the identify DNA Teardrop pendant, made in Polished Silver.
Set for the long run
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 delivery seamlessly. The combination with Thangs is admittedly thrilling, and supplies the invention platform, collaboration area and real neighborhood I’m in search of whereas sustaining a confirmed supply companion dealing with the 3D printing, ending, QA, delivery, and extra. I’m excited to give attention to creating and seeing what comes subsequent!”
