DURING his high school years, Jhonn Carl Lopez had no budget for a 3D printer and had no knowledge on how the technology works. However, thanks to Makerlab Electronics, he now owns a 3D Printing business that dominates the consumer product space with its customized pop culture figures.
“I started from nothing. I’m so passionate about the technology but I couldn’t pay for a 3D printer,” Lopez recalled.
“Makerlab was kind enough to lend me an SLA (stereolithography) printer and we agreed that they would allow me to explore the technology and try to sell my service, and I would pay them from my earnings until I have enough money,” Lopez recounted.
“I asked for a one-year installment but the machine paid for itself in just six months,” he added.
Armed only with the passion to open a new world of manufacturing, the then 17-year-old Lopez watched online tutorials and posted his prints and services on Facebook, marking the opening of MakerCarl 3D Printing Hub.
He recalled that he didn’t have a lot of customers that time but noted that he wouldn’t have been able to grow his business that fast without the help of Makerlab. “They are very hospitable to their clients and have a hands-on approach. I consider Makerlab as one of the foundations of my business,” Lopez told FrontpagePH.com.
He added that he went to other suppliers but he felt pressured to pay on the spot and impose heavy penalties whenever there are delays. “But with Makerlab, their terms are reasonable and they understand their clients’ needs. They listen to our problems so we were able to build transparency and mutual trust.”
Starting from a small room in his parents’ apartment, the second-year engineering student — with business partners Winston Dy and Marlon Vergara — opened a shop in Manila and reached over 11,500 followers online. They also expanded their offering to include 3D scanning, designing, rapid prototyping, and reverse engineering.
“From 15-year-olds to 50-year-old hobbyists, there is no age limit to starting a 3D printing business. All they need is the passion and the patience to learn the trade, just like in any industry,” said Mike Jassen Sy, founder of Makerlab Electronics.
In the past, an investment in a 3D printing business required at least P200,000 in capital.
But now, aspiring entrepreneurs can set up shop for only P8,499.75 with Makerlab’s 3D printer called Creality Ender 3. Prices are also set to drop further when Makerlab holds its 11.11 sale on e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada.
“You can buy a very expensive printer but the learning and accuracy skills are the same, just like having an expensive car does not make you a better driver than those with regular cars,” Sy said. “You don’t even need an Engineering background, you only need to have the willingness to learn.”
But despite the affordability, Makerlab does not scrimp on quality.
“Makerlab is an expert in the 3D printing industry and yet they are very receptive to their clients’ comments on what can be further improved. I feel assured that they are delivering products with great quality,” Lopez said.
Aside from 3D printers, Makerlab also offers low-priced microcontrollers, breakout boards, electrical enclosures, liquid-crystal displays, Raspberry Pi computers, prototyping, relays, sensors, soldering, and wireless technology.
Filipinos have an incredibly natural talent in arts and design. And because 3D printing is only starting to gain popularity in the Philippines, Sy said there are lots of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to find their niche.
Lopez echoes this, saying: “At first, it might be difficult to pinpoint your target market because 3D printing is not yet widely used here. Not all things will be sellable or turn into a trend so you need to be innovative and think outside the box.”
In his case, he started with Engineering products and tried venturing into prototypes, plastics, and agriculture, until he found his niche in customized toys and pop culture figures.
“Once you have carved a niche, your customers will keep coming back. Don’t focus on competition — think of the vast potential for growth in this emerging industry,” Sy explained.
The global market for 3D printing products and services was valued at around US$12.6 billion in 2020, according to Statista Research. The industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17 percent between 2020 and 2023.
To capture this growth, Makerlab plans to produce online tutorials and open service centers in the provinces.
“The Philippines is already lagging behind other countries. What’s worse is that after the technology reaches Metro Manila, it takes another year before it reaches the provinces. We want to solve this problem by setting up service centers outside the capital,” Sy explained.
He also credited 3D Printing Community PH — a group of enthusiasts who encourage beginners and help them troubleshoot problems — for helping spur the local industry’s development.
“The 3D Printing industry really grew due to this pandemic — there is a significant increase in interest versus two years ago. We did not expect this kind of exponential growth, and it continues until now,” Sy pointed out.
From prosthesis and face shields, jewelry and toys, drones and air conditioners, cake toppers and coffee drippers, construction materials and electronic devices — all the way to whole houses and boats, 3D printing is a vast world waiting to be explored. “Innovation is the future, but it will not happen if you don’t get out of your comfort zone,” he declared.