Jett3D emerged in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic under the wise leadership of CEO Katie Snediker. Snediker, who has a background in market research, analytics, and data analysis, used her expertise to launch Jett3D in July 2020 during a time of global uncertainty. She pioneered a unique hands-on 3D printing approach. “I wanted to do something a little more physical,” Snediker recalled, reflecting on her childhood, which was shaped by the construction industry.
Snediker’s journey to 3D printing was unconventional. She left her PR job at Weber Shandwick and decided to do an unpaid internship in 3D printing. Snediker had already been immersed in 3D-printing before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when the COVID-19 epidemic brought the world to its knees, Snediker saw the opportunity to apply her hands-on experience and create a different path.
“We were just hearing from a lot of people that needed assistance [with 3D printing]… there was a real push for volume [in the industry], but when it came to the actual client project management, like a specialized approach to 3D printing there wasn’t [anything],” she explained.
Snediker perceived a vacuum in the market – a space where more personalized, consultative solutions in 3D printing were needed. With the world in a pause, it seemed that the risks associated with launching a brand new venture were reduced.
Snediker’s background in market research equipped her with the essential project and client management skills, crucial in dealing with larger businesses. Working with such teams requires a different level of professionalism, a lexicon of ‘corporate lingo,’ and a nuanced approach. Her main focus? Understanding her clients’ needs.
This insight-driven approach powers Jett3D’s offerings. The company does not simply create physical parts or prototyping, but provides consultative services. They understand the intended function of every part, and then tailor the materials, design, and other aspects accordingly. Snediker used the example of a façade company who needed durable engineering-grade components for a project involving skylights. This was in contrast to another situation where a filler plastic part was needed.
In this era of transformation, Snediker and Jett3D demonstrate that understanding and fulfilling client needs – whether it’s 3D printed parts or consultation services – remains paramount. The company’s journey from a pandemic-born idea to a burgeoning enterprise emphasizes the power of innovation and the value of deeply understanding your market.
Jett3D: Current Team Structure
Jett3D began with three founders. Today, only two are actively involved. Jett3D is more focused on practical applications than creative pursuits, so one of the co-founders has left.
The other co-founder, a mechanical engineering student, plays an important role in the business. She is particularly involved with material selection. Snediker, who has yet to hire a production supervisor, recognizes that the need for a manager will increase as the company grows.
The company also has a number of freelancers who assist with jewelry drawings and patent drawings. This is another area that the company has begun exploring.
The Volume of Technologies and Their Applications
Jett3D is a 3D printer that uses multiple technologies. These include Fused Deposition Modeling, Stereolithography, Selective Laser Sintering and Multi Jet Fusion. Fast Radius, for example, is their partner of choice when it comes to specialized work. The company primarily uses HP’s MJF, preferring PA 11 and PA 12 materials.
Currently, Jett3D doesn’t aim to become a volume manufacturer, instead focusing on forming long-term relationships with its clients. Projects range from prototyping up to larger orders. They have worked on up to 50,000 piece orders, but their typical production volume is between 5 and 200 units.
Jett3D targets applications that are intended for end-users. It focuses on high-fidelity material to produce functional parts with unique properties. Their primary focus is on the automotive industry and construction. They work on smaller, often overlooked parts that can be 3D printed and customized to the client’s needs.
Jett3D collaborates also with engineers and designers to help translate their CAD drawings into 3D printable file formats. The company maintains a dialogue with its clients to ensure that they understand the 3D print process. The company has found that working with businesses can be more efficient and less price-sensitive, allowing them to better meet the client’s requirements without cutting corners.
When asked about the competitive landscape of her industry, Snediker had an intriguing take: “We’re not really competing with other companies. Occasionally, we compete on pricing but our value propositions are different. Where we shine is in the business-to-business and consultative realm.” This means that Jett3D isn’t locked in a battle for the lowest price point; instead, they’re offering a value-added service, particularly to companies that aren’t quite sure how to leverage 3D printing to their advantage.
Unfurling her company’s sales strategy, Snediker divided its approach into three distinct “funnels”: repeat business, LinkedIn outreach, and organic search. The most notable success, despite the time and effort spent on developing strategies to increase sales via email or phone, has come through LinkedIn. Snediker said that they strive to produce engaging content with a thoughtful tone, while balancing the need for authority with an approachable voice.
Finally, when asked about the pain points within the 3D printing technology platforms, Snediker’s response honed in on one key area: color. Many of Jett3D’s clients, particularly those working on building projects, require precise color matching. Snediker said, “We get a lot of requests for color, it tends to be like these construction facade projects often need color matching. It’s a very specific thing, but we get a lot of requests for it.”
Spreading Additive Adoption
The elusive idea of high volume or million-part production holds an allure in the ever-changing world of 3D Printing. This phenomenon often presents as a periodic trend, appearing and disappearing on the industry’s horizon. Snediker cited recent 3D printing projects with high volumes, such as the Adhesives Technology’s order of 1 million epoxy tube holders from Merit3D.
However, she also expressed that there is a lingering apprehension among businesses when it comes to 3D printing, partly driven by concerns over materials’ performance. “I think there’s a lot of mistrust in the materials, understandably, because even until recently, I still get a little nervous sometimes about whether this material will do what it’s supposed to do.”
This paints a picture of the industry’s conundrum: like taking a leap of faith, companies may find it challenging to trust in the capabilities of 3D printing technology fully. Snediker, however, believes that real-world case studies could help to alleviate this fear.
Regarding large-scale production, Snediker clarified, “I think a lot of businesses out there that are doing these larger production runs just think of 3D printing as maybe unreliable or slow, which it is and it isn’t. It can be seen as really expensive, which, again, it is and it isn’t.” The question of speed or price often needs to be reframed, depending on the application; and whether the user can accomplish their goal in any other way. If you think in a less nuanced way, it can be easy to miss out on the true potential of a product.
Jett3D aims at bridging the gap between CAD and 3D Printing by working closely with designers and engineers from various businesses. This will make the technology more effective and accessible for a wide range of applications. They maintain a dialog with clients to provide a better understanding of 3D printing and its unique benefits.
Snediker’s closing thoughts were a deep sense of gratitude and joy. She stated, “The thing that I like to share with people is just how genuinely happy I am to be doing this. I am so grateful… I genuinely love this company and it’s so cool and so fun. I just enjoy the fun that I have doing it.”
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The featured image is a PDW housing. Jett3D provided the photo.