A small 3D printing business, built and developed by Ryan Vogel in Jacksonville, Florida. Over $100,000 in sales over two years, and a whole lot of ideas made real.
Mandarin3D is no longer open for business. Thank you to everyone who was part of it. The prints, the story, and a few useful things we learned live on here.
At a little tech repair shop, Ryan was handed a 3D printer and a challenge: turn it into a business. He built a simple PHP and HTML tool that let people upload a model and get an instant quote. Eventually, the printers and software became Mandarin3D.
From custom nameplates to little everyday objects, this was as much a software project as a print shop. These are a few of the things that came off the build plate.
More of Ryan's story
Mandarin3D has closed, but Jacksonville still has people making great things. Here are two local businesses to explore.
Veteran-owned in Jacksonville. Custom 3D printing, CAD design, reverse engineering, and printer repair.
Explore their servicesJacksonville design and fabrication, including 3D scanning and product development. Design and consultation projects start at a $2,500 budget.
Explore their servicesStart with what you want to make: small PLA projects, larger functional parts, or multicolor prints. Then compare build volume, material support, and the space you have.
Our first place to look. Mandarin3D used Bambu Lab printers; their integrated printers, software, and material systems make a strong starting point.
Also worth comparing, especially if detailed assembly guides, repairability, and learning your machine matter to you.
Ryan offers consulting for people starting or running their own print businesses. Work through pricing, printer choices, customers, and operations. $300 per consulting session.
Explore consulting with RyanRyan Vogel on pricing 3D prints, finding customers, choosing printers, and building a quoting workflow, drawing on his experience building Mandarin3D.
Read guideEverything you need to know before ordering your first 3D print. From choosing the right file to understanding materials and what to expect from the process.
Read guideA practical guide to choosing between PLA and PETG for your 3D printing project. Learn when to use each material based on your specific needs.
Read guideCheck exported STL and 3MF files for scale errors, open edges, intersecting surfaces, and missing features without damaging the original model.
Read guide