We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin D’angelo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.

Justin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

One of the ways Printera sets itself apart is by leveraging 3D printing over traditional casting methods. Casting has long been the industry standard, but it’s a cumbersome process involving heavy molds, lengthy setup times, and significant material waste. In contrast, 3D printing allows us to achieve intricate designs with precision, minimal waste, and greater flexibility.

A perfect example of this is our project at 25 Water Street in Manhattan. We were tasked with creating a 60-foot-long lobby planter that wasn’t just decorative but functional—it incorporated built-in benches, separated the stairs from the ADA ramp, and added greenery to the space. On the rooftop, we designed custom benches to complement the stunning views.

Traditional methods would have required large, unwieldy molds and special equipment to hoist these elements to the rooftop. With 3D printing, however, we were able to break the designs into manageable segments that could easily fit into the building’s elevator. This eliminated the need for cranes or other heavy equipment, saving both time and cost for the client.

The ability to fabricate these pieces with precision and assemble them seamlessly on-site highlights the core advantages of 3D printing. It’s faster, more sustainable, and adapts to the unique constraints of modern construction. At Printera, we’re not just building structures—we’re reimagining what’s possible in design and execution.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Justin D’Angelo, founder and CEO of Printera. My journey into this industry was driven by a fascination with innovation and a desire to create something meaningful. After years of working as an agile project manager in IT and tech , I decided to channel my skills into a space where I could push boundaries. That’s what led me to 3D printing and, ultimately, to founding Printera.

At Printera, we specialize in creating architectural elements and custom designs using advanced 3D printing technology. From bespoke planters and benches to large-scale installations, our work combines artistry with precision engineering. But more than just fabricating objects, we solve problems—delivering high-quality, customizable solutions faster and with less waste than traditional methods like casting.

One of my favorite examples of our work is the coffee bar at Flatbread and Butter in Tampa. This project featured a stunning Voronoi-patterned wall and a fully 3D-printed barista counter with a subtle wave design. These intricate elements would have been prohibitively complex and expensive to produce with traditional methods. But with our technology, we were able to achieve a unique, cohesive design that has become a signature feature of the space.

What I’m most proud of is how Printera is helping to redefine what’s possible in design and construction. We’ve printed everything from artificial reefs in Florida to functional yet artistic elements like the Tampa coffee bar. Each project is a testament to the efficiency, sustainability, and creativity that 3D printing brings to the table.

For potential clients, I want them to know that working with Printera means more than just getting a product. It’s about partnering with a team that values creativity, precision, and sustainability. We’re here to bring your vision to life in a way that’s faster, smarter, and better for the planet.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, Printera started as a side hustle and has since grown into my full-time business and passion. Back in 2021, I was experimenting with concrete 3D printing in my garage in Palm City, Florida. At the time, I was focused on printing outdoor living items like custom planters and furniture, and I quickly realized how much potential 3D printing had to disrupt traditional manufacturing and design processes for a whole bunch of architectural applications.

What started as moonlighting soon gained traction. I saw a growing demand for unique, customizable, and sustainable designs, and I knew I couldn’t keep it as a side project for long. One key turning point came when I raised funds on a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), which gave me the resources to scale up operations and transform Printera from a garage POC into a proper startup.

Another milestone was when I secured my first commercial project, which validated the business and showed me that there was a real market for this type of work. From there, we steadily grew, completing more complex projects and investing in the technology and infrastructure needed to deliver at scale.

Looking back, those early days in the garage were crucial. They gave me the freedom to experiment and really understand the fundamentals of 3d printing with concrete, which laid the foundation for Printera’s success today. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come, and I’m excited for what’s next.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

The story of how I met my business partners, Justin Sheinberg and Alex Cadena, is deeply rooted in our shared passion for innovation in 3D printing. Their company, Sinter Form, was a pioneer in architectural applications for concrete 3D printing. They even printed the first house in Florida, located in Tallahassee—a groundbreaking achievement in itself.

When they discovered the unique printer I was using, they reached out because they believed it could produce a superior product. At the time, I was still building Printera, and they wanted to collaborate. They assisted on several of my early projects, bringing their expertise and perspective to the table.

It became clear that we complemented each other perfectly—my approach to design and innovation meshed seamlessly with their deep experience in architectural applications. What started as collaboration turned into a full partnership, and together we’ve been able to scale Printera and take on even more ambitious projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.printera3d.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/printera3dcp
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/printera3d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/printera3d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Printera3d
• Other: Printera is taking public investment via startengine : www.startengine.com/printera