The Passion Behind VanderLab: From Code to Creation
Hi! I'm Richard, and if you've ever felt the spark of excitement that comes from a new idea, you and I are already on the same page. As the owner of VanderLab LLC and a lifelong geek, my journey into the world of engineering started back in 1990 with nothing but a computer, some floppy disks, and a healthy dose of curiosity. Whether I was tinkering with BASIC or Turbo Pascal, I rarely knew exactly where I was headed--I just knew that building things was where I belonged. That early passion for experimentation paved the way for my career as a Software Engineer, where I've had the incredible opportunity to dive into everything from robotics and assembly code to board design and modern cloud infrastructure like OpenShift.
What truly sets VanderLab apart isn't just the machinery; it's the fact that most of my equipment has been directly built or heavily customized by my own hands. My background in software engineering allows me to treat hardware as an extension of code--malleable, precise, and infinitely adaptable. Because I've engineered my own tools, I can fine-tune every setting to meet the unique demands of your specific project. Whether you're looking for a simple print or a complex prototype, I don't just hit "start"; I leverage my entire engineering background to ensure the final product matches your vision perfectly.
In the lab, I operate a versatile array of four FDM printers--including the high-performance AnyCubic Kobra 3 and the reliable Ender 3, both of which I've enhanced with upgraded hot ends and direct drives. For larger-than-life ideas, I even designed and built the VanderPrint 2, a custom machine capable of massive 600mm x 600mm x 1000mm multi-filament prints. When precision is paramount, my AnyCubic M5S resin printer delivers stunning detail for small-batch runs. This fleet allows me to work with a wide spectrum of materials--from standard PLA and PETG to durable ASA, ABS, TPU, and even Polycarbonate--turning your concepts into tangible reality with impressive speed.
But 3D printing is only part of the story. My workshop also features a 4ft by 3.5ft CNC table based on the LowRider 3 design from V1 Engineering. This setup allows me to accurately cut through wood and aluminum or perform intricate laser engraving with a 10W diode laser. When we combine these machining capabilities with custom 3D modeling in Fusion 360, we can take a project from a digital sketch to a finished, professional-grade prototype all under one roof. Whether you need a design partner to collaborate on a new invention or a local maker to bring a prototype to life, I'm here to bring that signature VanderLab passion to your next big idea.