3D Printing afficionado and one of the founders of Printplace, graduated as a commercial engineer and his company is a benchmark for 3D printing applications in Belgium.
Interviewing Wesly is just about the easiest thing in the world. All you have to do is mention 3D printing and there’s no stopping him. Resolute, passionate, and with an infectious enthusiasm he tells his story which, even without the Harry Potter references, reads like a fairy tale.
Passion and determination is all you need to succeed.
Born and raised in the outskirts of Brussels, the choice for VUB was obvious and based on practical considerations. After his studies Latin-Science in high school, with a broad interest in languages and culture, social sciences seemed the way to go. However, he came to realize that his talent is more oriented towards organizing and connecting things and after visiting the university campus, his attention and intention shifted.
“The description of the curriculum during the info sessions made me realize on the spot that this was what I wanted to do. It was hard, because I wasn’t really prepared for it, but I managed.”
He soon developed a passion for all things 3D and is allowed to work on his own project, under the tutelage of Prof. Mark Goldchstein, who is an inspiration and supervises the entrepreneurial projects of graduate students.
“I am inclined to say that I did not get a degree in commercial engineering. I got a degree in 3D printing while studying. It is as if 3D chose me, rather than the other way around. I read and devoured everything about it, which wasn’t easy back in 2009. And after my graduate project was successfully completed, I already knew that I would be making a career out of it. Little did I know I wouldn’t be following the business plan that I outlined at that time.”
Materialise
Wesly graduated, started up Printplace, a 3D printing company. and also worked for Materialise, one of the largest and most long-established organisations in industrial 3D printing globally, where he was involved in setting up the 3D printed eyewear production line with production facilities in Poland. Around the same time, Wesly gets in touch with Pieter De Backer, Dimitri Buytaert and Tim Martens, with whom he starts PrintPlace .
“I got the opportunity to work both in their medical and industrial department, which absolutely boosted my knowledge, and in the meantime developed ideas about Printplace. The success of our startup is largely owed to the complementary nature of our team. All of them are excellent in their field, all of them – except one – are VUB alumni, and all of them are passionate about our project. Up to a point where we lose a lot of sleep over trying to develop that one piece of the puzzle that will make the difference.”
Recently, Wesly went back to his roots and now works part-time as a business developer for the Additive Manufacturing Research Lab of VUB, focusing on metal 3D printing.
“My job is to translate academic findings and projects towards commercial valorization and create openings for industrial projects.
It’s no exaggeration to say that I wake up and go to bed with 3D printing. Most of the printers we use are at my house, it’s a very intensive way of living, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I enjoy the challenges, the difficulties, everything that surrounds a new project.“
Wesly’s tips and tricks
For first year students. Connect with people outside your faculty, wherever you meet them. Participate in activities. The friends you make here are friends for life, and will help you to broaden your horizon. So reach out. Reach out to lecturers and staff. If they can help, they will. If you don’t ask, they simply don’t know of your needs.
On a more practical level: work from the start, it will makes things easier to endure, and it allows you to spend some time on all the fun things you can do in and around the campus.
For the graduate students: Don’t go for the easy road. Sure, we can all have a career with the big four, but there’s so much more to do. Explore your entrepreneurial side, venture out and do exciting stuff. It pays off.
“VUB to me was a dream come through. The quality of the curriculum is outstanding, the entrepreneurial side is also covered by the ties with Solvay Business. There are a lot of interesting academics, who really know what they are talking about. I also enjoyed the vicinity of the city center; it made me stand stronger in life."
Making the world a better place
Wesly and his team have worked together with European Space Agency, with medical professionals and professionals in various industrial areas. He literally sees no end to what can be achieved with 3D printing.
“The collaboration with ULB and ESA was fantastic. The ability to explain to those people how to solve a certain problem, what the precise nature of the solution was and their openness to dialogue, eagerness to understand and the willingness to accept our expertise was unforgettable.
3D printing can bring enormous progress to the medical sector. We’ve already built a 3D model of a heart to assist in surgery, to simulate the procedure. That’s the exciting thing about our business, you don’t not know yet in which direction it will evolve and where the possibilities reside.”
He didn’t need the VUB credo of critical thinking to adopt their societal engagement or critical attitude. It was always a part of him, and his way of living and being.
“It’s a typical case of student chooses teacher. I have been concerned with ecology and diversity for as long as I know. I guess that living in Brussels shapes you like that. So I adhere to those values, those ways of thinking. I did not need a reminder to know that those things are important. And I try to incorporate that in my work too.“
Want to study an advanced Master of Business and Technology, just like Wesly? Discover the study program. And don’t forget to check out Wesly’s work .