WhiteClouds
WhiteClouds specialises in making the thoughts in your head come to life using the magic of 3D printing. The company launched its slick website at the end of last year and has made its trade show debut here, at International CES 2014.
For a company that promises to capture the public's imagination, this is the very best place for WhiteClouds, with visionary CEO Jerry Ropelato at the helm. TCT spoke to Ropelato back in November to learn more about this new and exciting 3D printing industry venture - and we were so enthused by his infectious enthusiasm for the technology we had to catch up with him in the TCT + Personalize-sponsored 3D Printing TechZone.
"I noticed the 3D printing industry zone has been the best place in the entire show. Really, it's right up there in the most popular zones. Some of the 3D printers are bigger players have really gone all out and there is a great variety of different products and services."
Ropelato was hesitant in referring to his CES experience as "prosperous" - he does not want to count his chickens. Nevertheless, as a passer-by it is hard not to spot the thronging crowds around the WhiteClouds stand.
"The surrounding traffic is jammed, which is good because people can't get through and they stall and then we talk to them. There are six of us here and any more of us and we would have been tripping over each other - next year we're getting a bigger stand.
"I've been surprised about how many people are taking pictures. I am going to tell my designers how well they did. I have also been surprised about how many businesses don't have a clue about what 3D printing is and have been coming to us and asking about how they might incorporate it. There's been so many people coming to our stand I am concerned we won't be able to keep up with the commitments we've been making," Ropelato joked.
"Just five per cent of what we've achieved here would be a great boon to our company. This has been a great show for sure," he continued.
CES is definitely on the agenda for WhiteClouds next year, with perhaps a few other shows in between - Ropelato mentioned attending a major architectural event in 2014 and did not rule out other exhibitions.
"This morning I wrote on my to do list start scoping out for next year. I am going to do this and we will be back," he said.
Ropelato remains the measured businessman, even though his obvious enthusiasm for his work and 3D printing is clear when he speaks his mind about the industry. "We are still evaluating ourselves working out what needs more work. We are working hard on building shows for next year and what will raise awareness.
"This last year was all about R&D, getting the infrastructure in place for the website. I think we have achieved everything we wanted to do - some has taken longer than anticipated ... but we are in a good place.
"You start a business in a new industry and sometimes wonder 'was that the right decision'? It's a big investment but I really believe in where the industry is headed. I think it's wonderful."
