In this episode, we are joined by Blayne Sapelli. Brought to you by PCBWay (https://jle.vi/pcbway) and OctoEverywhere (https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast).
Blayne Alan Sapelli is the Creative Marketing Manager at Snapmaker, where he focuses on bridging creativity, community, and industry in the world of 3D printing. In this interview, Blayne shares insights into Snapmaker’s mission, how marketing intersects with the maker movement, and why community is at the heart of their success.
We’ll also dive deep into the Snapmaker U1, a groundbreaking color 3D printer currently live on Kickstarter and making waves in the 3D printing industry. With the campaign running until September 30, 2025, this is your chance to get an inside look at how Snapmaker is reshaping the possibilities of additive manufacturing.
📌 Learn more and back the Snapmaker U1 on Kickstarter before September 30, 2025: http://jle.vi/snapmakerU1
Whether you’re a hobbyist, professional maker, or industry enthusiast, this episode will inspire you with fresh perspectives on 3D printing, product innovation, and how companies like Snapmaker are pushing the boundaries of creativity.
🎁 Get $5 off your first order at PCBWay: https://jle.vi/pcbway
🎁 Get 3 Months of FREE Premium Perks at OctoEverywhere: https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast
🤫 Get behind the scenes and exclusive content on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/thenextlayer
💬 JOIN MY DISCORD: https://jle.vi/tnl-discord
🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥
00:00 Introduction
01:07 Introducing Today's Guest: Blayne Sapelli
02:08 Blayne's Journey into 3D Printing
04:05 Snapmaker U1: Development and Marketing
06:38 Kickstarter Success and Challenges
12:56 Corporate Espionage and Competition
14:58 Manufacturing and Cost Control
18:30 Marketing Strategies and Beta Testing
25:58 Future Plans and Closing Remarks
29:16 Community Feedback and Beta Testing
30:41 Open Source Commitment and Klipper Integration
33:15 Challenges and Innovations in 3D Printing
36:49 The Importance of Open Source in Hardware Development
46:35 Personal Journey into 3D Printing
51:14 Kickstarter Strategy and Stretch Goals
58:19 Conclusion
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO: 🔗
👉 The SnapMaker U1 Kickstarter: https://jle.vi/snapmakeru1 (supports the channel)
👉 My first look at the Snapmaker U1 Toolchanger: https://youtu.be/4o1SyZM-NcM
👉 My EXCLUSIVE Snapmaker Factory Tour: https://youtu.be/WcQxSbxNo9s
🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒
📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing
📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation
📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard
📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech
📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam
📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker
📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/
📍 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING USING MY LINKS! FULL LIST CAN BE FOUND AT: https://jle.vi/links
