Women in business. Women in 3D printing. And women in charge of offering unique expertise and products within the US. Ashkhen Hovsepyan and Ani Abgaryan have carved out their own niche with 3D Store, established in Europe but with headquarters in San Francisco now too. On a mission to make 3D printing both accessible and exciting for all who are interested, the two Armenians come to the industry with foundations built in both physics and digital design.
3D Store offers REC 3D printing filament, and they are the only distributors to do so in the US. They are at the forefront in the Russian 3D printing industry, offering 3D printing and 3D scanning technology in their stores.
“We believe in the world where people use technology to enhance the quality of life and magnify the technological progress. Our mission is to bring 3D printing to people’s homes and make it more inclusive and accessible,” states the team in their mission.
REC PLA filament in beige is available from 3D Store.
They are fond of using the pop-up venue, and will be offering just that soon at both the San Francisco Public Library and Hack Temple, with dates and times to be announced. There are also plans in March for educational workshops and programs regarding desktop 3D printing and prototyping.
At previous popups such as those at Lush Gelato and ReLove, Hovsepyan and Abgaryan have demonstrated 3D printing with a Zortrax M200 using REC filament.
“Our goal is to demonstrate the accessibility of 3D printing and create a learning environment through live prototyping sessions everywhere,” said Abgaryan. “We want to contribute in growth of thriving community of 3D printers users such as designers, makers, and engineers.”
“My friends and I would play games with robots and fascinated by the prospects of virtual reality as something almost impossible,” Hovsepyan said.
Ashkhen Hovsepyan at the Lush Gelato 3D printing popup [Image: 3D Store]
Ani Abgaryan
Abgaryan is a designer known worldwide and acknowledged for her 3D printing work. She has a degree from the Moscow Architectural Institute, along with a digital design degree from San Francisco State University. Her design agency has worked with Google and other progressive companies.
“…Founders have to wear many hats at the same time, constantly switching tasks and priorities, be proactive and complement each other’s skills,” said Abgaryan. “I love having different areas of focus and switching from time to time. Putting on that role makes me actively engaged in the process.”
“One of the many benefits we saw in expanding 3D Store to the U.S. was the openness for new ideas and innovative environment,” said Hovsepyan. “People here have the culture of collaboration, networking, and sharing. I hope one day the whole world will operate the same way.”
Discuss in the 3D Store forum at 3DPB.com.
[Source: The Armenian Weekly]
