Case Studies shared with approval
A chin rest should not cost thousands of dollars
A chin rest holds a head still while you measure something else. The design is about two centuries old. It is a frame, two posts, and two pads. Dr. Jason Geller went looking for one and kept getting quotes in the thousands, and his question when he came to us was not “can you build this” but something closer to “is there something about these devices I am not understanding?” We went looking for that answer and could not find one either.
Engineering an Award-Winning Board Game
A first-time game designer had one chance to impress the industry's best. Think Variant transformed their idea into an award-winning, production-quality prototype through product development, rapid prototyping, engineering, and manufacturing.
Engineering the Pour: Underground Beer Lab Tap Handles
Underground Beer Lab is built on experimentation, precision, and a relentless commitment to freshness. When they approached Think Variant to design their tap handles, the goal was to create something that reflected that same mindset. By transforming their geometric brand identity into a functional, ergonomic design, we engineered a tap handle that stands out behind the bar while leaving room for future creativity. It’s a small piece of hardware, but a powerful example of how thoughtful design can accelerate real-world ideas.
Conservation, Education, and Bird Beaks with Metal 3D Printing for Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Teaming up with Budmen Industries, Rosamond Gifford Zoo we 3D printed five stainless steel bird beaks. And as far as we know, they’re the only 3D printed stainless steel bird beaks in the world.
Optimized Automotive Panel
We recently partnered with an automotive manufacturer to 3D print a critical fixture for their assembly line. Together, we created an assembly fixture, optimized for large scale additive manufacturing, that demonstrated unprecedented performance characteristics. At Think Variant we are committed to providing innovative solutions, expertly tailored to address the unique needs of our clients.
Bigger is Better
Bigger is better. A design agency came to us and asked us to 3D print an 8ft sign as a statement piece featured in the company’s headquarters. With our massive printer, we built this sign in a single unite, creating a piece that was huge, lightweight, and customized.
Who says you can’t 3D print car parts?
Who says you can’t 3D print functional car parts? Here at Think Variant, we built the Vault 3D Printer with a massive build volume, so we can.
Mock Up V12
Within our giant chamber of 7ft x 5ft x 5ft, The Vault 3D Printer prints full size and custom parts, standing in an additive manufacturing league of its own.
The Polycaster Electric Guitar
This fully functional 3D printed electric guitar was printed on the Vault 3D Printer. The ergonomic 3D printed body was optimized during the 3D printing process to perfectly balance the instrument. This semi-hollow electric guitar was part of our sweepstakes at Syracuse Nationals, the largest car show in the Northeast.