What material do you use to 3D print?

TPU! TPU best withstands the rigors of set use. You can drive a vehicle over it and it springs right back into form with no damage. It also offers durability and tolerance unlike any other plastic-based material. Because of its properties, TPU is even suitable for device mounts, especially when the item being mounted costs thousands of dollars. You wouldn’t want a traditional plastic like ABS or PETG to give out during a company move!

Where are your items made?

I have a strong affinity for American manufacturing, and I have probably spent more time than most trying to figure out the FTC’s legal definition when it comes to the “country of origin” for physical products. The short answer is: It’s messy. There’s made in USA, assembled in USA and then a bunch of gradations thereof, like “assembled in USA with __% of domestic components.”

Here’s the simplest way I can put it:

My BNC cables are 2/3 domestic: The BNC cable stock I use is manufactured in Indiana, USA. The cable braid I use is manufactured in New Jersey, USA. RearTwist connectors are made in Liechtenstein.

For DC cables, almost all the components are imported (besides certain cable stocks). Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to source obscure production power connectors stateside right now (though I continue to try!). Most cable stocks and assemblies are from China or Japan, with a few specialty connectors made in Liechtenstein.

3D printed items are printed on printers made in China, but the material itself is made in Pennsylvania. Magnets and any metal threaded inserts contained within 3D printed items are sourced from the USA or Canada whenever possible.

From where do you source your connectors?

Component vendors will vary, but typically I’ll source them direct from factory or from vendors that have the fastest lead times or have them in stock regularly.

Where did you learn your skills?

I have pushed myself to learn nearly all of my skills as an autodidact. For certain skills, like soldering, I have been extremely fortunate to learn from excellent peer mentors in the industry, and I try to pay it forward through pedagogy and mentoring at every opportunity.

Do you share your .STL files?

While I align with the democratization of 3D printing and maker culture, I do not currently offer my STL files for trade, sale or download. You can, however, find a selection of domestic items I have created and shared on Thingiverse.