Ep. 72: Joel Finn of Polymaker on Why Community Is Key to 3D Printing Innovation
In this episode, we are joined by Joel Finn. Brought to you by PCBWay (https://jle.vi/pcbway) and OctoEverywhere (https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast).Joel Finn is the Community Manager at Polymaker, a leading manufacturer of high-quality 3D printing filament trusted by makers and professionals around the world. What began as a simple hobby seven years ago turned into a life-changing passion that led Joel from retail management to a career at one of the most respected brands in the 3D printing industry.In this conversation, Joel shares how Polymaker drives material innovation, supports creators, and helps shape the future of 3D printing through accessibility and collaboration. From filament science to community growth, Joel gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Polymaker a trusted brand among makers and engineers worldwide. 🎁 Get $5 off your first order at PCBWay: https://jle.vi/pcbway 🎁 Get 3 Months of FREE Premium Perks at OctoEverywhere: https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast 🤫 Get behind the scenes and exclusive content on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/thenextlayer💬 JOIN MY DISCORD: https://jle.vi/tnl-discord🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥00:00 Introduction02:18 Joel's 3D Printing Journey04:07 Community Evolution and Engagement05:46 Advancements in 3D Printing Materials07:36 Polymaker's R&D and Product Development12:38 Polymaker's Market Strategy15:48 Polymaker's Manufacturing in the USA24:47 Exciting Developments in 3D Printing28:50 Exploring New Filament Colors29:40 The Future of Nylon and TPU31:11 The Rise of PEBA Filaments32:25 Challenges in Filament Education33:19 Polymaker's Marketing and Transparency37:39 The Importance of Filament Variety44:32 Open RFID Tags in 3D Printing51:38 Upcoming Filament Releases56:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts👤 ABOUT JOEL FINN:Proud father of five and husband of twelve years, Joel began 3D printing as a hobby seven years ago. What started as a creative outlet turned into a lifelong passion that led him to join Polymaker, where he now helps makers connect, learn, and grow together.🔗 CONNECT WITH JOEL / POLYMAKER: 🔗👉 Polymaker - my favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker👉 Join Polymaker on Discord: discord.gg/MSSmSdb8👉 Subscribe to Polymaker on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Polymaker👉 Polymaker on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Polymaker.3D/👉 Polymaker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polymaker_3d/👉 Polymaker on X: https://x.com/Polymaker_3D🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/📍 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING USING MY LINKS! FULL LIST CAN BE FOUND AT: https://jle.vi/links
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Ep. 71: Nadir @ CN3D on Modding the Sovol SV08: Inside the Ultimate 7-Toolchanger Build
In this episode, we are joined by Nadir @ CN3D. Brought to you by PCBWay (https://jle.vi/pcbway) and OctoEverywhere (https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast).From tuning cars by day to upgrading 3D printers by night, Nadir brings his automotive engineering mindset into the world of 3D printing and maker culture.In this episode, we explore the fascinating intersection between precision car tuning and performance-driven 3D printing builds, highlighting how engineering principles from the garage translate seamlessly to the print bed. We also dive deep into the latest update on the Sovol SV08 7-Toolhead Build, where innovation meets meticulous craftsmanship.⏯️ My Sovol SV08 Toolchanger Build Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAIMkOXd_V9jdPlKDvLn1b1i14LN-vcyExpect insights on how automotive engineering principles inspire 3D printer mods, the challenges and breakthroughs behind the Sovol SV08 7-toolchanger build, tips for optimizing printer performance and reliability, and how makers can push the limits of open-source hardware to achieve next-level results.Whether you’re into 3D printing, open-source hardware, or high-performance builds, this conversation delivers a mix of engineering insight and hands-on experience.🎁 Get $5 off your first order at PCBWay: https://jle.vi/pcbway 🎁 Get 3 Months of FREE Premium Perks at OctoEverywhere: https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast 🤫 Get behind the scenes and exclusive content on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/thenextlayer💬 JOIN MY DISCORD: https://jle.vi/tnl-discord🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥00:00 Introduction01:33 Guest Introduction: Nadir @ CN3D02:32 Nadir's Journey into 3D Printing06:51 The Birth of CN3D13:02 Challenges and Vision for Open Source20:16 Partnerships and Future Plans27:35 Community Support and Sustainability30:43 Addressing Misunderstandings in Open Source31:47 Promoting Upgrades and Collaboration33:51 Challenges in the Open Source Community37:49 Future Projects and Innovations46:02 The Vision for the Future58:12 Supporting the Community and Final Thoughts🔗 CONNECT WITH NADIR: 🔗👉 Subscribe to Nadir on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nadir3D👉 Nadir on Printables: https://www.printables.com/@Nadir🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/📍 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING USING MY LINKS! FULL LIST CAN BE FOUND AT: https://jle.vi/links
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Ep. 70: Blayne Sapelli of Snapmaker on the Next Era of 3D Innovation and the Snapmaker U1
In this episode, we are joined by Blayne Sapelli. Brought to you by PCBWay (https://jle.vi/pcbway) and OctoEverywhere (https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast).Blayne Alan Sapelli is the Creative Marketing Manager at Snapmaker, where he focuses on bridging creativity, community, and industry in the world of 3D printing. In this interview, Blayne shares insights into Snapmaker’s mission, how marketing intersects with the maker movement, and why community is at the heart of their success.We’ll also dive deep into the Snapmaker U1, a groundbreaking color 3D printer currently live on Kickstarter and making waves in the 3D printing industry. With the campaign running until September 30, 2025, this is your chance to get an inside look at how Snapmaker is reshaping the possibilities of additive manufacturing.📌 Learn more and back the Snapmaker U1 on Kickstarter before September 30, 2025: http://jle.vi/snapmakerU1 Whether you’re a hobbyist, professional maker, or industry enthusiast, this episode will inspire you with fresh perspectives on 3D printing, product innovation, and how companies like Snapmaker are pushing the boundaries of creativity.🎁 Get $5 off your first order at PCBWay: https://jle.vi/pcbway 🎁 Get 3 Months of FREE Premium Perks at OctoEverywhere: https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast 🤫 Get behind the scenes and exclusive content on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/thenextlayer💬 JOIN MY DISCORD: https://jle.vi/tnl-discord🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥00:00 Introduction01:07 Introducing Today's Guest: Blayne Sapelli02:08 Blayne's Journey into 3D Printing04:05 Snapmaker U1: Development and Marketing06:38 Kickstarter Success and Challenges12:56 Corporate Espionage and Competition14:58 Manufacturing and Cost Control18:30 Marketing Strategies and Beta Testing25:58 Future Plans and Closing Remarks29:16 Community Feedback and Beta Testing30:41 Open Source Commitment and Klipper Integration33:15 Challenges and Innovations in 3D Printing36:49 The Importance of Open Source in Hardware Development46:35 Personal Journey into 3D Printing51:14 Kickstarter Strategy and Stretch Goals58:19 Conclusion🔗 LINKS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO: 🔗👉 The SnapMaker U1 Kickstarter: https://jle.vi/snapmakeru1 (supports the channel)👉 My first look at the Snapmaker U1 Toolchanger: https://youtu.be/4o1SyZM-NcM👉 My EXCLUSIVE Snapmaker Factory Tour: https://youtu.be/WcQxSbxNo9s🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/📍 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING USING MY LINKS! FULL LIST CAN BE FOUND AT: https://jle.vi/links
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Ep. 69: Valerian Weber of Factorian Designs on Engineering Creativity and 3D Printing Mastery
In this episode, we are joined by Valerian Weber. Brought to you by Sovol (https://jle.vi/sovol) and OctoEverywhere (https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast).Valerian is a 3D Designer, 3D Printing Tutorial Creator, and Consultant who seamlessly combines his engineering background, design sensibilities, and technical expertise to create refined digital and physical works. Through his tutorials, consulting, and creative projects, he inspires makers around the globe while making 3D printing more approachable and enjoyable for everyone.In this conversation, we discuss how Valerian got started in 3D design and printing, the role of engineering and design thinking in his creative process, his journey in creating tutorials that educate and empower new makers, the future of 3D printing as a tool for everyday innovation and problem-solving, and his insights into running Factorian Designs and connecting with a global audience of makers.🎁 Get $10-20 OFF using code NEXTLAYER at Sovol: https://jle.vi/sovol🎁 Get 3 Months of FREE Premium Perks at OctoEverywhere: https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast 🤫 Get behind the scenes and exclusive content on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/thenextlayer💬 JOIN MY DISCORD: https://jle.vi/tnl-discord🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥00:00 Introduction01:37 Guest Introduction: Valerian Weber02:46 Valerian's Journey into 3D Printing05:02 Content Creation and Design Process12:49 Business Models and Income Streams21:03 Exciting Trends in 3D Printing24:22 Functional and Minimalist Designs25:14 Bringing Fun to Everyday Objects25:32 Challenges of Transitioning from 3D Printing to Injection Molding26:21 Consulting Requests and 3D Printing Optimization27:18 Audience Questions28:43 Food Safety Concerns in 3D Printed Designs30:17 Material Choices for Chlorine Pools32:12 Exciting Developments in 3D Printing38:56 Recycling and Environmental Impact44:07 Design Process and Printer Preferences46:39 Conclusion🔗 CONNECT WITH VALERIAN: 🔗👉 Factorian Designs: https://factoriandesigns.com/👉 Factorian Designs on Thangs: https://thangs.com/designer/FactorianDesigns?affiliateCode=F24👉 Factorian Designs on Cults: https://cults3d.com/en/users/FactorianDesigns/3d-models👉 Subscribe to Factorian Designs: https://www.youtube.com/@Factorian_Designs👉 Follow on Factorian Designs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factorian_designs/👉 Follow on Factorian Designs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@FactorianDesigns🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/📍 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING USING MY LINKS! FULL LIST CAN BE FOUND AT: https://jle.vi/links
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Ep. 68: Bruno Boas of STLFlix on AI 3D Modeling & The Future of Creativity
In this episode, we are joined by Bruno Boas. Brought to you by PCBWay (https://jle.vi/pcbway) and OctoEverywhere (https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast).Bruno, the visionary behind STLFlix, is back on the podcast for a second time — and this time, we’re diving into STLAI (https://jle.vi/stlai) a groundbreaking tool set to transform the way makers design, customize, and access 3D models.From his beginnings as a passionate 3D printing enthusiast to building STLFlix into a go-to library for high-quality STL files, Bruno has always been driven by creativity, innovation, and community. Now, with the launch of STLAI, he’s taking things to the next level — giving designers and hobbyists the power to generate, adapt, and personalize models faster than ever before.In this episode, we’ll explore how AI is revolutionizing 3D design for makers worldwide, the practical use cases for STLAI in model customization and prototyping, Bruno’s insights on building a platform that empowers the maker community, and the future of AI-powered creativity in the 3D printing industry.🎁 Get $5 off your first order at PCBWay: https://jle.vi/pcbway 🎁 Get 3 Months of FREE Premium Perks at OctoEverywhere: https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast 🤫 Get behind the scenes and exclusive content on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/thenextlayer💬 JOIN MY DISCORD: https://jle.vi/tnl-discord🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥00:00 Introduction01:02 Introducing Bruno Boas and STLAI02:23 The Future of AI in 3D Printing03:44 Customization and Practical Applications07:15 Creator Tools and Community Involvement15:09 Challenges and Market Opportunities31:16 Hiring Challenges and Team Expansion32:30 Technical Challenges and Infrastructure33:55 Product Adoption and Customer Feedback35:32 AI Pricing Plans and Subscription Models41:32 AI in 3D Modeling and Future Prospects43:00 Technical Details and Industry Standards51:26 AI's Role in Creative Work56:23 Conclusion🔗 CONNECT WITH BRUNO: 🔗👉 STLAI: https://jle.vi/stlai👉 Subscribe to STLFlix on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCke6o2ZrbJ7ZGrzgDI4xM4Q 👉 Follow STLFlix on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stlflix👉 Follow STLFlix on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlflix_/👉 Like STLFlix on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STLFLIX🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/📍 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING USING MY LINKS! FULL LIST CAN BE FOUND AT: https://jle.vi/links
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