Ep. 72: Joel Finn of Polymaker on Why Community Is Key to 3D Printing Innovation

In this episode, we are joined by Joel Finn. Brought to you by PCBWay (https://jle.vi/pcbway) and OctoEverywhere (https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast).Joel Finn is the Community Manager at Polymaker, a leading manufacturer of high-quality 3D printing filament trusted by makers and professionals around the world. What began as a simple hobby seven years ago turned into a life-changing passion that led Joel from retail management to a career at one of the most respected brands in the 3D printing industry.In this conversation, Joel shares how Polymaker drives material innovation, supports creators, and helps shape the future of 3D printing through accessibility and collaboration. From filament science to community growth, Joel gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Polymaker a trusted brand among makers and engineers worldwide. 🎁 Get $5 off your first order at PCBWay: https://jle.vi/pcbway 🎁 Get 3 Months of FREE Premium Perks at OctoEverywhere: https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast 🤫 Get behind the scenes and exclusive content on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/thenextlayer💬 JOIN MY DISCORD: https://jle.vi/tnl-discord🎥 IN THIS EPISODE: 🎥00:00 Introduction02:18 Joel's 3D Printing Journey04:07 Community Evolution and Engagement05:46 Advancements in 3D Printing Materials07:36 Polymaker's R&D and Product Development12:38 Polymaker's Market Strategy15:48 Polymaker's Manufacturing in the USA24:47 Exciting Developments in 3D Printing28:50 Exploring New Filament Colors29:40 The Future of Nylon and TPU31:11 The Rise of PEBA Filaments32:25 Challenges in Filament Education33:19 Polymaker's Marketing and Transparency37:39 The Importance of Filament Variety44:32 Open RFID Tags in 3D Printing51:38 Upcoming Filament Releases56:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts👤 ABOUT JOEL FINN:Proud father of five and husband of twelve years, Joel began 3D printing as a hobby seven years ago. What started as a creative outlet turned into a lifelong passion that led him to join Polymaker, where he now helps makers connect, learn, and grow together.🔗 CONNECT WITH JOEL / POLYMAKER: 🔗👉 Polymaker - my favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker👉 Join Polymaker on Discord: discord.gg/MSSmSdb8👉 Subscribe to Polymaker on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Polymaker👉 Polymaker on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Polymaker.3D/👉 Polymaker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polymaker_3d/👉 Polymaker on X: https://x.com/Polymaker_3D🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/📍 PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING USING MY LINKS! FULL LIST CAN BE FOUND AT: https://jle.vi/links