A MIDDLEWICH resident has been running his own 3D printing business from his Harbutt’s Close home.

Joe Foulkes, 22, has been 3D printing for three years and last October he decided to start TechnoGeek3D.

Joe works at the Barclays Technology Centre in Radbroke and this opened the door for him to start his own business.

Joe said: “I started printing when I saw one in Barclays. They have these ‘Eagle Labs’ with 3D printers and laser cutters.

“They are basically creative spaces and as soon as I tried one I knew I had to get it.

“They used to be really expensive but they have come down in price, you could get a really good starter printer for about £200.”

A hobby soon provided a business opportunity for Joe.

Joe said: "I still work at Barclays, the 3D printing is a side business that I run in my free time.

“I have six printers but I only usually have three on at one time so I just thought I could make some money with the others.”

The devices can print almost anything using thermoplastic filaments, if the design files are provided.

Joe said: “I have not been doing this very long and there has not been any odd requests yet but there is always a possibility of one.
"I had to print parts for my friend’s 3D printer because he couldn’t print it on his own machine which was really interesting.

“The only issue I have had is that I have been asked to print items without the design files. If the design is not to complex I’ll try myself but it can be difficult.”

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