SHAPEWAYS × KOVA

BY SASCHA

3D PRINTED HEADPIECES AND CROWNS

ALLEVIATE STRESS AND COST WHEN 3D PRINTING YOUR PRODUCTS

“Shapeways is an innovator in the 3D printing space. In kova by sascha’s early stages when we were first getting quotes for 3D printing, no one beat Shapeways in terms of affordability – not even China! Chinese manufacturers were giving us higher quotes than Shapeways, local to us in Queens, NY.”

SHAPEWAYS: CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT KOVA AND HOW YOU FOUND SHAPEWAYS?

Kova by Sascha: At kova by sascha we make badass 3D printed crowns and headgear for festival-goers, brides, and people with amazing style. I was always fascinated with the capabilities of 3D printing technology and when I found a need in the market for lightweight headpieces designed for people who want to move around in them and dance all night, I immediately thought, “I have to be able to 3D print them!” I discussed my idea with friends, and one of them recommended Shapeways to me. Now, it’s my main means of production for kova by sascha’s 3D printing needs.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BENEFIT TO YOUR BUSINESS USING SHAPEWAYS OVER TRADITIONAL MANUFACTURING METHODS SUCH AS INJECTION MOLDING?

Working directly with a 3D printing factory like Shapeways allows us to have peace of mind, there's no stressing over the moving parts of traditional production.

ON THE OTHER HAND, WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF USING SHAPEWAYS OVER OTHER 3D PRINTING METHODS SUCH AS DESKTOP PRINTING?

Our designs are so intricate that they can only be printed with SLS printing by Shapeways. Also, we don't add the supporting structures to the designs which is required for desktop filament printing.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON MATERIAL YOU PRINT WITH AND WHY?

We always use nylon because it's flexible, as most of our headpieces are designed on a headband that softly hugs the head, and lightweight to wear.

WHAT ARE THE ADDED BENEFITS OF USING SHAPEWAYS OVER A DIFFERENT VENDOR OUTSIDE OF OUR 3D PRINTING CAPABILITIES?

We're assigned a dedicated account specialist who can answer our questions regarding production and help expedite some shipments. A few times, on short deadlines, Shapeways shipped directly to the client and saved the day! Also, by creating a shop on the Shapeways Marketplace, we are able to sell right on the Shapeways site. The dashboard design is neat and organized. Scalability is not an issue with these guys either. Plus, when Racked did a video feature on us, the Shapeways crew put together a behind-the-scenes SLS printing video of our Dragon headpiece, which was amazing.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT OF A 3D PRINT THAT IS CREATED FOR YOU BY SHAPEWAYS?

The aesthetics, detailing of the pieces, and lightness of weight.

DO YOU UTILIZE SHAPEWAYS FOR EARLY STAGE PROTOTYPING? FINAL STAGE PROTOTYPING? END USE PRODUCTS?

We use Shapeways for end use products.

ANY ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS?

We are so grateful to have found Shapeways and to continue our partnership for 3 years and counting. It's been a pleasure to see the company continue to innovate, support independent artists like myself, expand in capabilities and grow.