Designer Spotlight: John Mulac (3DPrintingWorld)
So. Many. Collapsible. Creations. And plenty more models, all of which are designed by John Mulac (3DPrintingWorld) for any setup.
Do you like collapsible swords? If so, then you’ve come across John Mulac, a.k.a 3DPrintingWorld, the maker we chose for this week’s Designer Spotlight.
No, really. His collapsible katana has over 500 makes on Printables – Kill Bill cosplay, anyone? And the collapsing lightsaber has been downloaded over 43,000 times. Prints of a few of these, there have been.
John’s not just about these great designs, though. His portfolio includes a collapsing dice tower, a collection of puzzle gift boxes, and a stunning magnolia box. And if you’re part of his Printables club, you’ll have access to over 100 exclusive models, plus the almost 50 designs that can be purchased. To further support him, you can choose from one of three Patreon memberships, each with its own set of advantages and goodies.
Let’s learn more about John, his design process, and what his 3D printing journey has been like.
Q&A
All3DP: Tell us a little about yourself – what’s your background?
John: During the day I’m a design engineer for a custom machine builder. Before, after my workday, I would continue to design machines in the evening just for fun. Once I learned about 3D printing, I started designing as a break from my day job; it’s very similar but easier to design for, more fun, and low stress. I really enjoy bringing my crazy ideas to life.
How do you get the ideas for your designs?
I think the best ideas come from making gifts for friends or family members, or from their suggestions. For example, making the first collapsible sword was actually my daughter’s idea. I try to be original, so I don’t pay much attention to what other designers are creating.
How much does the technical side of 3D printing (e.g. supports, a design that requires assembly or one that’s printable in one piece) come into play when you’re designing? Or is your designing entirely independent from 3D printing and you later figure out how they work together best?
I think that designing for 3D printing is what separates my designs from some of the rest. I go to great lengths to make my designs so that they can be printed with an FDM printer without supports, because I don’t like to waste filament. I also design for different methods of printing and make many of my designs so that they can be printed in full color with a single-extrusion printer. Whether you’ve got a single-color, multicolor, multi-material, etc., setup, you’ll be able to get full color prints.
Of all the things you’ve created, which are you most fond of and why?
It would be the Mulbot, which is a “Mostly Printed 3D Printer”. Even the bearings’ housings, drive gears, and the timing belt are 3D printed. I love the RepRap concept and I believe this project was a great accomplishment and really highlights the power of a 3D printer.
If you could step back in time and give yourself some advice from the beginning, what would it be?
I honestly would not change a thing. What started as a hobby has turned into much more. I’ve learned so much and met a great group of people along the way. For future designers I would say, no matter what you design, put it out there. There is probably someone who would really love to print it.
Rapid Fire
- Favorite CAD software? Autodesk Inventor
- Favorite slicer? Orca Slicer
- Favorite 3D printer? Muldex (RepRap IDEX printer of my own design)
- Favorite filament material to print with? PLA (easy to print, high stiffness)
- Favorite filament brand? Protopasta
Find Him On
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License: The text of "Designer Spotlight: John Mulac (3DPrintingWorld)" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.