In a remarkable leap towards technological advancement, 3D Lee Hub has emerged as the leading 3D printing business in Guyana, with the potential to transform several sectors by providing cutting-edge 3D printing technology to boost Guyanese innovation and encourage economic growth.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and owner of the Hub, Ackeem Thomas, has said, “3D Lee Hub was an idea born in 2022 at home, which came to fruition in March 2023 when the company (was) first launched. My wife, who named the business, adores little trinkets like keyrings and figurines, so I looked for alternatives to replace buying them.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and owner of the Hub, Ackeem Thomas, and wife Chelsea A. Lee, displaying their work
“And I was always intrigued by 3D printing. I invested in my first 3D printer and basic filaments, (and) for weeks I spent hours designing prototypes for animal figurines. And I printed her an owl – which took 14 hours – because she finds them strangely fascinating. I kept playing around with designs, and created dual-letter illusions; which took off after I recorded a few TikTok videos of them, and (they) quickly became our bestseller.
“Today we print personalized presents: key rings, company signs, figurines and more, for small and large businesses. We can print anything you imagine,” he boasted.
Using software such as Fusion 360 and Blender, 3D Lee Hub designs 3D models from scratch, or based on the client’s request. According to the young entrepreneur, “With Fusion 360, what you measure is what you get. It is the most precise when it comes to remodelling clients’ ideas, and (it) is quite versatile; whereas Blender is the most ideal for creating in models. Using this software, we print the designs from companies Creality and Bambu Labs. “Using calibrated calipers and rules, we can get precise measurements; and to ensure quality, we use the best type of filament: Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, or PETG material,” he explained.
He proudly stated that PETG is the most economical recyclable filament, with balanced mechanical qualities that make printing easy.
Like any business, 3D Lee Hub has faced obstacles. Raising awareness of 3D printing and its benefits is one difficulty. Many people are unfamiliar with the technology and its applications. The company tried to do this with its launch at a public event, the Fairre of the Ages, a few months ago. However, sourcing equipment and supplies remains difficult, as the company must source filament online, which is expensive.
How 3D Lee Hub can change manufacturing in Guyana
Thomas has proudly declared that 3D printing can enable rapid prototyping, lower production costs, and allow customization. In healthcare, for instance, it can provide affordable prosthetics, custom implants, and anatomical models for surgical planning and education.
3D Lee Hub makes complicated, unique things with outstanding quality and efficiency, using additive manufacturing. This capability benefits small enterprises and entrepreneurs who had previously faced high costs and long lead times from traditional manufacturing.
The company is encouraging artists, designers, and virtually anyone to realize their ideas. Making elaborate and personalized pieces allows for artistic expression and design research. As Guyana’s leading 3D printing company, 3D Lee Hub represents growth, and possibly more than a business. The company’s 3D printing technology is ushering in a new era of creativity, industry, and economic progress in Guyana.
“Using calibrated calipers and rules, we can get precise measurements; and to ensure quality, we use the best type of filament: Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, or PETG material,” he explained.
