I am Melvin George, a self-made entrepreneur and businessman with a diverse background, and the Founder of MELS 3D LABS. As a Mechanical Engineer, Scientist, and Tech Researcher, I specialize in additive manufacturing Research and Development and 3D CAD sculpt designing. My journey also encompasses roles as a digital sculptor, musician, guitarist, lyricist, song composer, luthier, carpenter, coder, writer, audio engineer, electronics engineer, and software developer. Additionally, I’m a painter, photographer, YouTuber, blogger, web developer, sketch artist, vlogger, traveler, and martial artist, proudly hailing from Kerala—God’s own country.
In addition to my self-developed skills, I am an academic graduate from Kannur University, Kerala, holding a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree with specializations in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Banking & Auditing, Investment Analysis, and Marketing. While pursuing my Master's degree (M.Com) in Finance with a focus on Cost Management, Production Optimization and HR management, I dedicated my time and efforts to growing MELS 3D LABS, ultimately deciding to drop out of the program to focus on the company’s development..
I completed training in Chartered Accounting - CPT, from IAM studies, which enhanced my skills in mercantile law, patents, and trademarks, but I was unable to pass the exam due to health issues. I also hold an equivalent degree.
Since 2021, I have been collaborating with ISRO IIRS and various NASA departments, participating in NASA's ARSET (Applied Remote Sensing Training) program as a scientist. This training has equipped me to build climate risk assessments based on local vulnerabilities and exposures, utilize satellite data for air quality, and address environmental justice and equity issues. My training also involves geo data sharing and cybersecurity, transforming Earth Observation (EO) data into infrastructure datasets for disaster risk modeling, and applying remote sensing techniques to agricultural water management. The ARSET program has introduced me to advanced technologies and methodologies, enhancing my capacity to contribute to sustainable solutions in these critical areas.
CAD Expertise
Throughout my CAD design journey, I have mastered several software tools, including Autodesk Fusion 360, Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks, Blender, ZBrush, Tinkercad, FreeCAD, and KiCad. Additionally, I have begun developing my own basic CAD software from scratch, utilizing my own libraries. (Details Below)
THE MAGIC OF 1000 HOURS
Since 2020, I’ve been CAD sculpting, and after creating my first 300 models, I began to gain recognition for my intricate and optimized designs. The difference in quality compared to my earlier work is remarkable. On average, each model takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 8 hours to complete, totaling over 1,000 hours for those first 300 creations. With 1,000 hours of experience as a full-time designer, I've seen my skills improve tremendously, allowing me to bring ideas to life that I could only envision before.
Personal Development
Entrepreneurship is often an obsessive hobby that evolves over years through hard work and sacrifice. It’s a journey, not a destination. Throughout the development of MELS 3D LABS, I’ve gained numerous managerial skills. You wear many hats: CEO, director, worker, and cleaner. It’s demanding, mentally exhausting, and at times emotionally draining. Yet, there’s a silver lining—you can take a moment to acknowledge your own achievements.
Though the journey can feel isolating, with few who truly understand.
Every day, I engage in various roles, including:
- R&D Engineer
- Engineering Manager
- Product Development Director
- Sales Relations
- Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Event Management
- Logistics
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Web Developer
- CAD Sculptor
- Data Manager
I’m constantly learning and improving myself. My only breaks come between product releases and the start of new development. Much of this journey is spent alone, which can strengthen resilience but also lead to burnout lasting weeks. I achieve my goals one by one, yet often feel a sense of emptiness and an unquenchable desire to push myself further.
HIGHLIGHTS
Industry Highlights :
• 2023 3D Printing Industry Awards: Secured 6th place in the Trophy Design Competition.
Gcube R&D with Industry-Standard Quality: Developed a stainless steel-framed 3D printer, delivering industry-standard print speed and quality. (Read more about Gcube below.)
•Cults 3D Best Design Awards: Received over 30 Best Design awards from Cults 3D, the world’s largest 3D model database, from 2021 to 2024.
• 2024 Global Partnerships: Established licensing and sales partnerships with over 16 international brands and 65+ Authorised distributors for MELS 3D LABS.
2024: Submitted the world’s first print-in-place 360-link design, created in 2021, for the prestigious Formnext Design Award. Though the project stood out in a highly competitive field, it was not selected as one of the three finalists. However, I was honored with an invitation to attend Formnext 2024 in November.
•A highlight of my journey was when Josef Prusa liked one of my Twitter posts. This simple gesture from a 3D printing pioneer was a meaningful acknowledgment that inspired me to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft."
LITERATURE
In this paper, I explore my theory of problem-solving from a third-person perspective, examining how we navigate obstacles in life. I argue that challenges often arise from our creativity and collaboration, rather than individual efforts alone. I discuss the idea of obstacle avoidance, suggesting that shying away from problems can lead to unexpected opportunities for collective solutions. Additionally, I highlight the role of technology, particularly AI, in efficiently aggregating data to solve problems. Ultimately, I emphasize the importance of balancing personal initiative with collaboration in addressing life’s challenges.
In this piece, I explore the paradox of knowledge and its impact on happiness, using the metaphor of a chemist at a magic show to illustrate how greater understanding can lead to feelings of alienation. I argue that as knowledge expands, it becomes increasingly complex and overwhelming. I suggest that religion offers an unsolvable framework that engages the mind, prompting me to question whether science is becoming the new religion. Ultimately, I encourage readers to find joy in simplifying complex ideas while balancing the pursuit of knowledge with personal happiness.
In this study, I compare the performance and safety of brass, stainless steel, and mild steel nozzles in 3D printing. Starting with brass, I faced maintenance issues and health risks from lead contamination. Switching to stainless steel, I experienced improved print quality and less upkeep, along with its FDA-approved, food-grade status. While it requires higher temperatures and is pricier, I found it superior overall. Mild steel offers good heat transfer but poses environmental concerns. I conclude that stainless steel 304 is the best choice for balancing safety and print performance based on my experiences since 2021.
Background and Early Life
2010 : The Highschool
Everyone got a hobby in Highschool, some play football, some play cricket and some play other sporting events.
I used to try out different things, in-fact i used to do multiple things, i remember winning some small trophies for long jump, songwriting and drawing sketches.
I remember going for a sketching training, where the instructor made fun of me saying, why are you drawing penguins instead of a crowd of people. Well i was trying my best.
2012 : The sketching
Of All the hobbies, i found sketching to be the most rewarding, as it reminds you of all the details you went through.
So i kept sketching, by taking inspiration from whatever i have my hands on at the moment. I wanted to create something original, but my brain doesn’t have enough memories that are worth focusing enough to be copied the my canvas.
2013: Martial Arts & the Beginning of DIY
Martial arts became my lifeblood in 2013 as I spent countless hours watching movies featuring Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. Inspired by their dedication and skill, I began practicing various kung fu techniques and joined the Kalaripayattu Academy, immersing myself in this ancient martial art of Kerala.
The strength I gained through martial arts fueled my passion for DIY projects. I began creating small items like nunchucks and other martial arts accessories, as well as building beehives for dwarf bees. I became obsessed with crafting beehives, as it fulfilled my desire to create intricate homes for these fascinating creatures.
Zero power tools, Everything was created with kitchen knives and such.
I even started make homemade wine and a DIY wine Rack.
I still remember that morning, skipping breakfast, being dizzy and almost passe out from hours of wood carving.
Rock Collection
I developed a habit of collecting rocks, which started randomly but quickly became a passion. Through this hobby, I learned a great deal about gemstones and minerals, with amethyst being my favorite. While I didn’t find many valuable stones, I did discover some rough clusters of quartz.
Festive
Christmas would be one of my crafty time,
makimg cribs enabled me to improve my landscaping skills.
2014 : Lyrics & Composing
MTV took most of my 2013 and 2014
The pop influence was a lot. I learned the anatomy of a song. I started deconstructing popular lyrics, replaced the words with mine, improved my vocabulary, networking was my stronghold, i met a lot of people online, lots of learning, jumped into some “coding” groups, learned html and some java my own.
Everyone i met online was trying to make their own thing.
It was self development and knowledge sharing.
I wanted my own thing as well, but I didn’t know how to code app or mod apps.
Even the people you met online for a while wouldn’t give you the tricks. I was the last one to get the infamous crash codes which got patched shortly after.
Which fueled my desertion to create my own firsthand content, so i dont have to depend on anyone.
I was 17 or 18 at that time.
By that time i have learned how to theme UI of android apps. Create html based websites.
Most creators i met got themselves busy with their own things.
I made a lyrics with the title Electric lights,
It would go with the style of Owl city or Avril Lavigne as they were my favorite at the time.
So i have a lyrics!
Now i need the track.
For someone who doesn’t play any instruments, it was frustrating.
Thats when I realized, wait a minute, what if I could meet some people online who are facing same issue as mine,
What if there's a guitarist who cant compose lyrics, what if there’s a singer who cant play instruments or write.
I just have to solve the puzzle by finding the missing artists.
Electric Lights (co-composed by Jordan Levy, Ricardo Forbes)
VERSE 1
A shadow falls, daylight fades
With a string of night that stains the rays
Shocks ignite and twirl emotion
In an ocean filled without notion
Light is killed off when it stays till
Shades of fire slay all grey
Shadows follow in the dark
Day by day they stitch my heart
CHORUS
Electric lights ignite your life
They burn the dark that's comes to light
Watch your night, it intensifies
your emotions and that's your motion
VERSE 2
Dark surges from the soul
Desires ripped from their molds
Waves of light that shine so bright
Can't tame my heart but hold me tight
Head held high, my pride tattooed
Unveil the mask of fortitude
The darkness tells me I can't stay
So my candescent flames illuminate
CHORUS
Electric lights ignite your life
They burn the dark that's comes to light
Watch your night, it intensifies
your emotions and that's your motion
As I stay tonight
Darkness just fades away
As I stay tonight
I'm promised a better day
BRIDGE/RAP
I've been hiding in the dark
Wondering an wandering
Trying to hold one day at a time
Too bright to see too high to reach
Each day's a new fight to untangle the vines
I'm no loser just surviving without dope, without hope
Fighting through the pain trying not to get caught
Fumes of fire
Spark desire
That's the toughest battle I've ever fought
PRE CHORUS
Electric lights ignite your life
They burn the dark that's comes to light
Watch your night, it intensifies
your emotions and that's your motion
CHORUS
Electric lights ignite your life
They burn the dark that's comes to light
Watch your night, it intensifies
your emotions and that's your motion
As I stay tonight
Darkness just fades away
As I stay tonight
I'm promised a better day
The Lookout
I have no idea how many times Facebook warned me about reaching message limit or adding strangers, but after 6 months of lookout, I met an EDM producer, Ricardo Forbes, From florida. We vibed and he loved my lyrics. We just needed a singer.
By the end of 2015 we had enough artist to create a band. Which we did and named it as Midnight Riptide.
Early years(2015-2016)
The original line-up was formed in early 2015 and consisted of Guitarist and songwriter Melvin George from India and EDM producer Ricardo Forbes, from Florida, US, met through a Facebook group and teamed up as a duo. During this period, they produced a track and lyrics for the self titled debut single, 'Electric Lights'. Later, Melvin George brought on singer Mimi sparks in June 2015. The trio went on to work on the single, but as they were progressing, they faced financial difficulties to complete the single as independent artists.
In 2016, Melvin George met Sarah vardi, a music hobbyist, Volunteered to finance and manage the project. Their search for for a male singer and co-composer resulted in meeting singer/composer/songwriter Joshua Scalzitti from a YouTube channel who goes by his stage name Josh Scalz, from Indiana, US. With five members on the team, they continued the work on 'Electric Lights' Later they decided to be a band than doing just a project. Meanwhile the group met Joy xx, a YouTube singer from Athens, Greece and Jordan Levy, a YouTube Singer, composer and songwriter from New York, US, through a Facebook group joined the group in November, 2016. With a new lineup set the band decided to make an Album instead of a Single. On November 8, Melvin George named the Band Midnight Riptide' by combining the names Josh Scalz and Jordan Levy came up with.
Debut Album and further development
In 2017 Melvin George decided to begin work on their upcoming album and developed lyrics for 6 songs With the assistance of Josh Scalz and Jordan Levy. Later, Jordan Levy and Josh Scalz wrote "Every Second Counts" and "Cloud Memories" for the Album. By then Midnight Riptide started working on the music for the Album. The band decided introduce a drummer to accompany them and met Jerry Clark Tebbs, a sound engineer, music producer, DJ and drummer from Utah,US. He agreed to join the band as a drummer along with mixing and mastering their production. The live performance aspect of the band made the team search for instrumentalists, which lead to find Terezija Stimec, a Keyboardist from the United Kingdom,and Richard Clash, a Guitarist from , met from Facebook group for guitarists, who joined the team in 2017.
Debut Single
The band recorded their first single in July, 2017, at home studio of Jordan Levy and Josh Scalz. The self-titled debut single was released in 28 August 2017.
Richard's death & Jordan's Break up
Richard was found dead on October 11, 2017. The band only came to know about it after a week since they were still a virtual band. The band took a brief break before recording. The death of Richard Clash have left many questions regarding the cause of death. After Richard Clash's death in 2017, Jordan levy departed for educational pursuits. The remaining members continued to work on their upcoming Album.
In 2018 Elizabeth Ashbrook Joined the band, Started Composing, We released a single called City Wars and Glass Of wine by 2019.
Too much Effort and Less Rewarding.
The 5 years of efforts and things not working out as collab the way I've intended started questioning my ideas.
There was a point where it's just Me and Elizabeth doing all the work. I decided to learn instruments finally and Help her compose. By 2019 we have enough Singles for an album
As I progress with writing lyrics and composing, I started quoting my thoughts under a pen name @TheOneWithTheVision on Instagram
Which was more of my internal motivation page and rarely promoted until now.
The Passion for Mobile Photography.Throughout the years, Ive took hundreds of pictures which was shared on my photography instagram @melstaclick
The Food Vlog
Apart From other Hobbies, I started a Food vlog on Instagram @HalfpastSnack
The Goal was to create a collection of memory of my younger adult food lifestyle.
The New Beginning.
A Good Quality Instrument was really expensive for me to afford. So I've decided to build one myself.
I saved money skipping meals and bus fares to university by walking, Aliexpress had cheap parts that i could afford with the few dollars i made.
Spending over 6 months in Research and development, I've managed to combine all the features of different Guitarsbto create a Hybrid that can do solos and chords well.
The Guitar Named Melocaster was Designed and finetuned. Now the challenge was, To learn to play a guitar.
Spending few months on YouTube tutorials, meanwhile designing and developing guitar pedals, mixers and amps, learning the basics of electronics from scratch.
After Learning the Basics, Sharing some samples, Melocaster got Attention from International Brands like Fender and Stewmac
This Fueled my Research and Development to dive in deep.
Learning basics Electronics For Making guitar pedal
Salvaging components from discarded electronics was my life goal at this point.
I wish I knew about lead poisoning at that time. I believe I was not exposed a lot.
ROHS is still not strictly followed in India (2024) Anyone reading this, Make sure to use lead free electronics.
Ive spend weeks tinkering Circuits from used components and making DIY Etched PCBs.
The constant need for creating new pedals made me explore Programmable control boards like Arduino
Progamming Arduino polished my coding skills, Gave me a deep understanding of various aspects and interfaces with implementations.
From Basic Circuits to complex Multi-layered Audio Circuits, I've learnt so much with so many innovative applications, Since I was making everything from scratch, The cost was very low to develop something.
As I dive into Audio Engineering and Electronics, I've made sure to explore fun electronics projects
From a Homemade Battery to Glowing hot Logo wire, it was fun times.
Following the DIY build of the guitar,
I created a YouTube channel and Posted a Timelapse video of the guitar Build, which went popular in the guitar community and between musicians.
I documented my progress in learning the guitar through vlogs, which I shared on my personal music brand’s Instagram account, @MelvinGeorgeMusic.
COVID-19 Strikes
As I was developing my music studio from scratch, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, halting logistics from China. This prompted me to invest my time and effort into an alternative project: building a 3D printer to manufacture the necessary accessories. I collected reclaimed wood from old houses and furniture, as well as waste wood from a nearby mill. This endeavor led to the creation of my 3D printer, initially named Meloprinter and later renamed Melxlxtreme R1. The entire process took over six months of dedicated research and development, with upgrades made using parts printed by the printer itself.
The lack of power power tools made it a physical intensive work. Mentally draining.
I had time advantage due to COVID-19 and I decided to go crazy with the build.
After Many Months of Building the printer was ready.
Designed and Developed from scratch,
The calibration
it was a herculian task to get the printer calibrated from a blob of plastic to high end quality
I created a new Instagram Brand Account under the name @ManMeetsTec to post all DIY updates and progress.
Which later paved way for the company MELS 3D LABS
The Recognition
The Social Media Comments from the people
The GCUBE: 2021
The GCUBE is the successor to my wooden printer, addressing its shortcomings and achieving industrial standards. I used stainless steel frames to combat the termite damage that affected the wooden printer during the monsoon. This decision proved to be the best choice, yielding valuable data and improved performance.
The print quality was epic and speeds were on the higher end.
C1 : THE CONCRETE PRINTER
Melxlxtreme C1: A New Era in Concrete Printing
I developed the Melxlxtreme C1 as the successor to the Melxlxtreme R1, my bio-plastic 3D printer. This low-cost, modular concrete printer is designed for versatility, capable of expanding its X, Y, and Z axes to accommodate larger prints. The core module measures 2 square meters and can print an area of 1 square meter for under $5,000, with the potential to expand up to 15 square meters.
What excites me most about this project is the special concrete mix I've developed, which cures in just a few hours. My initial projects focus on creating a variety of concrete structures, including vases, pillars, bricks, windows, fish ponds, and even experimental bee hives and park benches.
The core module features modular wheels for easy transport and adjustment during development, allowing me to refine both the electronics and mechanics of the printer.
Ultimately, the goal with Melxlxtreme C1 is to manufacture eco-friendly, budget-friendly housing solutions for those in need, utilizing the best raw materials available.
Pi Pro V1
I developed the MELS3D Pi Pro V1.0 as the first-ever octa-core 3D printer motherboard, based on the Raspberry Pi 2040, which features a 32-bit dual ARM Cortex-M0+. This innovative motherboard supports up to 16 stepper motors, pushing the limits of what’s possible in 3D printing.
One of its standout applications is integrating with my MELS3D Color Madness, a 7-color mixing extruder that requires seven steppers—something no other motherboard can handle on its own. What started as a fun project quickly evolved into something powerful. As an audio engineer, I’ve also found the filter caps useful, as they can serve as a mini power backup.
Features:
- Supports 16 steppers
- Includes power supply filtering and UPS functionality
- Offers additional GPIO pins for expansion and development
In Development:
I’m also working on a standalone motherboard that can run Marlin without needing an additional Raspberry Pi.
Pi Pro Zero: This variant simplifies the development process for the Pi Pro V1, creating a standard board where I can focus on coding and additional features.
Project Resources:
Driver Extractor :
I created the Mels 3D Driver Extractor to streamline the process of connecting external drivers to the mainboard of CNC machines and 3D printers. When using high-powered stepper motors, like the TB6560 or TB6600, running jumper wires through the motherboard can be risky; loose connections can lead to short circuits or disengaged drivers.
The Driver Extractor solves these issues by allowing wires from the external drivers to be soldered directly to the module. This setup can then be easily mounted to the motherboard, eliminating the hassle and enhancing reliability. My aim with this innovation is to make high-performance setups safer and more accessible for makers and engineers alike.
Chronos Kinematics:
The idea for MELS 3D LABS CHRONOS, a 4-axis 3D printer kinematics, was conceived in early 2021. I designed it on October 27, 2022, and published the diagrams on GitHub on July 16, 2023. CHRONOS utilizes an internal ring gear for the arc axis movements of X and Y, with a theta axis for the tool head. I published the kinematics to establish proof of prior art and preserve credit.
This innovative printer features X, Y, Z, and theta axes, offering several advantages over traditional 3-axis printers:
- Vertical Strength: 4-axis printers compensate for the vertical weaknesses of 3-axis designs, strengthening prints.
- Speed: Theoretically, it can be up to 30% faster than Core XY.
- Dual Functionality: With the addition of the theta axis, it can also serve as a 3D scanner with a tool head swap.
- Heavy Loads: The use of ring gears allows for industrial applications.
- CNC Compatibility: It supports 4-axis CNC operations.
Chronos represents the 18th kinematics I've identified, which includes various types like Cartesian, Delta, and CoreXY. It stands as the 7th major kinematics category.
Hellfire Extruder :
Hellfire: A New Approach to Heating
Hellfire got its name from the playful question of whether the heat block might actually create hellfire! The concept is straightforward: rather than positioning the heater cartridge horizontally like traditional designs, this system heats the filament equally from both sides, vertically. This innovative approach results in faster and more consistent filament melting, ultimately increasing printing speed.
Color Madness :
I designed the MELS3D Color Madness, a revolutionary 7-color hotend and extruder, based on the VIBGYOR color model. While traditional RGB systems rely on three channels (Red, Green, Blue), each represented by an 8-bit number, my approach expands the color palette dramatically.
In RGB, each 8-bit channel can produce 256 shades, leading to a total of 16,777,216 possible colors (256 * 256 * 256). However, the human eye can typically perceive only about 5 to 10 million colors, depending on individual differences. To transcend these limitations in 3D printing, I incorporated seven colors of the rainbow—VIBGYOR (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red)—to create a far richer spectrum of shades.
With this 7-color system, the combinations become staggering: 256 shades per channel multiplied across seven channels gives us a jaw-dropping 72,057,594,037,927,936 potential colors! While it may seem excessive, the beauty of this system lies in its ability to create unique, complex gradients efficiently.
A feature I’m excited about is the extruder random color generator. This could be implemented as a slicer plugin or in the firmware, allowing users to explore unexpected color combinations. Imagine printing with colors that surprise you with each layer! While the project is still in progress amid other developments, I believe it holds immense potential for creative expression in 3D printing.
3D PRINTED LED BULBS
The inspiration for my 3D-printed bulbs and lighting struck me during a walk to town when I noticed discarded LED bulbs polluting the grasslands. This observation revealed a significant issue: the recyclability of LED lights. Currently, once these bulbs fail, they are nearly impossible to repair. Companies seal them tightly, making it difficult to access the internal components without causing damage. As a result, consumers are often forced to purchase new bulbs, contributing to the growing problem of e-waste.
In an average household, it’s common to have around ten LED bulbs, and in our case, we had to replace three in just the past six months. Over time, the brightness of LEDs diminishes, prompting me to wonder—what if there were a way to replace just the LED modules instead of the entire bulb? This idea led to the creation of our innovative bulbs, which feature easily replaceable LED modules, effectively addressing the recycling issue and reducing e-waste.
FROM HARDWARE TO SOFTWARE AND CAD SCULPTING - MODELLING
Vase Generator :I developed a vase generator software designed to allow users to create intricate and customizable vase designs with ease. My goal is to turn this innovative tool into a commercially licensed product, generating a small income stream that will support my ongoing research and development efforts. By combining functionality with creativity, this software empowers artists and designers to explore endless possibilities in form and structure. With a user-friendly interface and advanced algorithms, I aim to make this tool accessible to both beginners and experienced creators, fostering a vibrant community of innovators.
Cross Platform lite Slicer : I also developed a cross-platform slicer designed to be hosted online, making it accessible for users who may not have the necessary hardware requirements. This innovative tool streamlines the slicing process for 3D printing, allowing users to prepare their models for printing without needing powerful local machines. By providing a user-friendly interface and robust functionality, I aim to empower a wider audience of makers and designers, facilitating their creative projects and enhancing the 3D printing experience.
Sculpting Brushes : In my pursuit of creativity, I dedicated time to researching and developing my own digital sculpting brushes. This initiative not only aimed to create a cost-effective solution but also to add a signature touch to my artwork. By experimenting with various materials and techniques, I crafted brushes that perfectly aligned with my artistic vision, allowing for more fluid and unique expressions in my digital sculptures.
Collab With NASA ARSET
Collab with NASA ARSET was
CAD SPECIALISATION IN 3D PRINTING FUSING SCULPTING
The rising popularity of consumer 3D printers has increased the demand for artistic sculptures and unique printables. As an artist passionate about creating innovative and challenging designs, I’ve found strong support within the community for my creative endeavors. By offering commercial subscriptions and partnering with over 15 international platforms, MELS 3D LABS is growing steadily, continually opening up new possibilities every day.
The initial days of Designing was challenging and filled with hate.
But I had to prove them wrong. It took me 6 months of non stop improvement, with over 16 hours a day, skipping breakfast most of the days and I lost about 10kg during this period. It was either do or die mentality.
In 2021, I aimed to be original and unique, leading me to design and develop the world’s first 3D print-in-place 360 joints—an innovation that has not been achieved by any other designers. These groundbreaking links allow for full rotational movement, enhancing the functionality and versatility of 3D-printed models. This project showcases my signature style and represents my commitment to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing technology.
2023 : 3D Printing Industry Awards
I secured 6th place in the 2023 3D Printing Industry Awards trophy design competition, showcasing my skills and creativity in this competitive field.
2024 ; FORMNEXT AWARDS
In 2024, I submitted the world’s first print-in-place 360 links for the prestigious Formnext Design Award. While my project stood out among a highly competitive field, I was not selected as one of the three finalists. However, I was honored to receive an invitation to attend Formnext 2024 in November
INSTAGRAM VERIFICATION
One of the most significant achievements of the past decade for me was getting my Instagram account verified without any payment or subscription. This recognition is something I value immensely, as it has been a dream of mine since 2012. Twelve years of hard work and dedication made this milestone possible.
The verification tick not only enhances my credibility but also increases visibility and trust among my audience. It establishes my account as genuine, protecting me from impersonators and scammers. Additionally, it opens doors for potential collaborations and partnerships, allowing me to reach a wider community and further solidify my brand in the industry.
MELS 3D LABS INSTAGRAM VERIFICATION MILESTONE
Since my personal Instagram account was verified, I set my sights on getting MELS 3D LABS verified as well. During my research, I discovered that even some of the biggest names in the 3D printing industry had struggled to get their brands and company accounts verified. This challenge only fueled my curiosity and excitement. I dove into extensive research, determined to crack the process.
After six months of intense work, I met all the eligibility requirements and finally got the MELS 3D LABS account verified. The results were immediate: I saw a significant spike in sales, and new clients started reaching out, expressing that they trusted us more than other unverified profiles.
For me, this wasn’t just about the blue checkmark—it was the achievement of something once considered impossible. The rush of adrenaline I felt in that moment was matched only by the rewards: increased popularity, greater recognition, and a stronger sense of trust and backing from the industry.
Among the designer brands I know worldwide, as of 9/10/2024, only MELS 3D and my friend McGybeer are verified.
Although many people I’ve spoken to claim that verification doesn’t matter and holds no real value, from my personal experience, none of them are verified and lack the firsthand experience of going through the process.
From my perspective, if I were looking for a designer or brand to purchase goods and services from, I would trust a verified account more. Of course, this can vary from person to person, but that verification tick is the first step toward establishing legitimacy in a world full of scams and intense competition.
MELS 3D LABS VERIFICATION ACHIEVEMENT
Building a brand from the ground up and getting it verified on a social media platform is no small feat. It's a true testament to consistency, dedication, and commitment. The process goes far beyond simply submitting a government-issued ID for verification. It requires months of hard work: managing paperwork, fulfilling both government and non-government requirements, and navigating numerous legal and procedural hurdles to even get to that point.
As I delved deeper into the process, I realized that MELS 3D LABS is the first-ever 3D printing design brand on Instagram to achieve verification. While individuals can use personal identification documents to get verified, they must use their real name, not a brand name, on the account. This makes MELS 3D LABS’ verification particularly significant—a major milestone in establishing the brand’s credibility and presence online.
To celebrate this achievement, I made a post asking the community for support in confirming whether I truly am the first to accomplish this or if other businesses and brands have reached this milestone before me.
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