Josh Melfi is a compassionate innovator. Through his company WeMakeThings3D, he harbors a vision for how 3D printed designs can impact the world for the better. Josh is a 3D printing maverick full of ideas. Beautifully 3D printed mushroom lamps ideal for reading or writing. Functional multi-compartment apparatuses for holding objects like tools and parts. Plus, fun stuff like fidget, fashion, and jewelry-like accessories. He imagines practical solutions, too. Think 3D printed parts akin to valves and connectors for potentially repairing damaged systems, like a water main for instance. Josh dreams of a world where people solve problems together. 3D printing is a vehicle that can do just that, and an open-minded process of collaboration is among his highest goals. 

Josh fell in love with 3D printing in his freshman year of high school. Niles West offered several elective professional tracks for developing young adult skillsets, and Josh selected engineering. This pathway granted him access to blueprint and drafting coursework, and the second semester he got his first look at a 3D printer. It was the coolest technology he had ever seen! It reminded him of his youth and the excitement of building things with Legos. Josh had often imagined ways that Lego-like solutions could solve problems. Now, before him, was a machine he could program into a design, exactly to his specifications, and have it manufacture a piece he could hold in his hands in less than a day. 

Josh loved this new technology so much that he bought his first 3D printer before even buying his first car way back in 2013. That’s a commitment, and he’s still using that machine through to this day. When something is meaningful to us, we invest a part of ourselves into it. In this case, the object of Josh’s passion was his first 3D printer, the beginning investment in himself of what has now become an eleven-year passion, his artform, and a lifelong calling.   

Speaking of artistry, Josh is also a curator of installations and experiences. He incorporates his printed mushroom lamps alongside holohedral platonic solids, a few of his favorite three dimensional shapes. He’ll utilize multi-colored string to suspend objects from the ceiling while also incorporating various lights in creating a scintillating and welcoming scene of ambience. This is only one example of a scene from his daydreaming. That’s one of the most fun parts of 3D printing, imagination is the only real limit. If you can envision it, Josh and WeMakeThings3D can likely model a way to bring it to reality. 

Imagine 3D printing as a technology that can improve happiness and quality of life. That’s why Josh dreams of a global community of like-minded printers applying ideas and sharing techniques to alleviate everyday problems. He’s always willing to help those who ask. Practice what you preach. He once taught a person in Belgium how to 3D model over the course of 3-days. What did they create first with their newfound knowledge? A keychain with the sign language symbol for 'love to share with his deaf parents. Honestly, that’s the real testament to creating a healthier community. Put forth what you want to receive. Practice it daily. Share knowledge, experience, perspective, and thoughts. We spread love through our ideas, especially when we invest ourselves purposefully. Such is the way forth towards progress, and Josh Melfi and WeMakeThings3D are ready to lend support, however they can. 

If you want to view the bevy of items Josh 3D prints or explore his multitude of services, visit his website at wemakethings3d.com and use the contact form to get in touch with him. You can also find him and his company on Instagram @wemakethings3D. 

--Electro Scribe--