Decatur residents Walt and Janelle Jaeger have turned their entrepreneurial dreams into a reality with the launch of Jaegertech, a 3D printing and digital imaging business that caters to various industries across the Southeast. After spending over 16 years refining his expertise as a 3D printing specialist, Walt decided to step away from working for others to start his own venture.
In this new role, Janelle applies her background in education and insurance to manage client interactions, contracts, and project timelines. She takes pride in educating clients about the processes, materials, and equipment involved in their projects, striving to streamline timelines and enhance customer experiences.
Walt has been at the forefront of 3D printing technology, and along with Janelle, is now working on groundbreaking projects, including a partnership with universities to develop a 3D printer capable of creating biological tissues. This initiative aims to provide essential tools for research labs and private companies to explore innovative treatments and possibly grow replacement organs. One such university partner is set to integrate a bioprinter into their workflow soon.
Their business recently relocated to the Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center, designed to support the growth of new businesses through shared resources and guidance. Having moved from the busy Dallas-Fort Worth area to the serene atmosphere of Decatur, Janelle expressed their love for the community and their beautiful new home.
Walt showcased the efficiency of 3D printing by detailing a project that produced a complex gasket for a client, cutting costs and time significantly. Instead of the slow traditional methods, 3D printing permits rapid, precise manufacturing, which is particularly beneficial for sectors requiring immediate production of parts.
They have worked with various manufacturing clients, creating everything from 3D printed sand casting molds to replacement parts for bottling companies, showing how this technology can reduce costs and lead to substantial savings. Highlighting the advantages of 3D printing, Walt illustrated instances of creating lighter and more durable components, such as a lighter mold for fire hydrant parts, which improved safety and efficiency.
As the couple continues to innovate in the 3D printing landscape, they remain motivated by a vision of rejuvenating the manufacturing sector in the U.S. by harnessing the power of technology and creativity to deliver quality solutions that respond to the needs of businesses today.