A new store named Digital Dragon 3D recently opened in downtown Sanford, designed to cater to the growing interest in 3D printing. The soft opening took place on January 17, with an official grand opening scheduled for February 7 at 10 a.m. Located at 152 N. Steele St., the shop aims to provide a range of products and services that facilitate 3D printing.
Luke Ingerman, who co-owns the shop with his wife Jennifer, emphasizes that Digital Dragon 3D is unique in its offerings. The store sells household 3D printers, printing filaments, and supplies essential for maintaining these machines. Their setup features a dedicated maintenance area and prototyping supplies, making it easier for customers to get hands-on assistance and advice about their 3D printing needs.
Ingerman notes the collaboration with local businesses, stating that the shop will create custom items such as picture displays and promotional materials. This initiative allows local enterprises to utilize 3D printing for their specific demands. With a wide range of custom possibilities, he highlights the importance of assessing whether a product truly benefits from being custom printed.
Furthermore, Digital Dragon 3D is poised to play a role in prototyping for local and national businesses. Ingerman explains how 3D printing serves as an effective means for making prototypes, leading to discussions about the best production methods, whether through injection molding or CNC machining, depending on the project scale.
In an effort to build community, the store plans to host “make days” where individuals can come in and work on their 3D printing projects. Ingerman, who found his passion for 3D printing after receiving his first printer as a gift, now owns and operates around 32 printers. He hopes the new store will establish a place for connections among the local 3D printing community.
With a nod to his childhood influences and a background in cybersecurity, Ingerman dubbed the store Digital Dragon to reflect his interests. Beyond sales, the business plans to engage the community through collaborative projects like creating “Dragon Eggs” through shared creative efforts utilizing various mediums.
Store hours are Monday by appointment only, and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Sunday hours from noon to 7 p.m. The shop also offers flexibility for additional hours based on customer needs. Visitors are welcome to discuss their projects and interests in 3D printing with Ingerman and his team.
For more information about the store, check their website: digitaldragon3d.com.