FROGPOD: A 3D Printing Small Business Success Story
Learn how Tom Baisch is using 3D printing and MatterHackers Build Series TPU to turn one of his many inventions into a lucrative business.
I'm Tom Baisch, a maker who started my journey in a cramped two-car garage, surrounded by big metal machines and a collection of old tools. While I loved making YouTube videos, it was always a struggle to set up a tripod in such a small space. I often ended up with mediocre or unstable shots, or just gave up out of frustration. That's when I came up with the idea for the PuckPod.
I took an old hockey puck, drilled some holes, and glued in magnets. Then, I attached a 1/4" 20tpi bolt and connected my GoPro. Over time, my making skills improved and I launched a website called Infinite Craftsman. I set a goal for myself to design 100 items in two years. I received some great advice from a stranger online, who told me I didn't need a million-dollar idea. Instead, he suggested finding a niche category and making 200 products for it. That way, even if each product only sold once a month, it would add up to a lot of sales. I realized I was already in a niche market, which I refer to as the pampered chef of workshop tools.
The FROGPOD is a Versatile magnetic mount for your phone, camera, lights, and more.
I hit the ground running and designed 35 products in the first 35 days! My only rule was to make whatever idea came to mind. I stopped asking questions that might hold me back, like whether it would sell, if it cost too much, or if anyone would care about it. I also stopped bouncing ideas off of others, because even the most well-meaning maker could kill an idea with the wrong rebuttal. Instead, I shared everything on Instagram as I went along, which helped me think through my ideas and get feedback from others.
After that initial burst of productivity, I hit a wall. My wife and I were considering a move and a job change, which consumed my time and energy for months. I knew I had to keep going with my 100 product goal, so I revisited some old ideas.
That's when I redrew the PuckPod and realized it wasn't very good. It had lost its character and function, so I decided to start fresh. I recently got my first 3D printer, which allowed me to explore other materials like MH Build Series TPU. This material is strong but also flexible, and it inspired a lot of ideas for compliant mechanisms, which I have an affinity for.
I redesigned the PuckPod, giving it a smaller size and six legs that magnetized together. However, when I tested it, the legs all clumped together and made the PuckPod unusable. I cut off three legs and got bigger magnets, and after several more iterations, I finally arrived at the design for the FROGPOD, which I listed on my website as product 39/100. Unfortunately, no one bought it in the first 24 hours, but that's not uncommon for new products. Within that same time frame, however, a fellow maker and friend named AJ Huff told me the FROGPOD would make a great Kickstarter product, and that's how it all began.
What is FROGPOD?
FROGPOD is a versatile magnetic mount for your phone, camera, lights, and more.
What kind of 3D Printers and Materials are you using?
I print with MH Build Series TPU filament on my Prusa Minis.
I switched to MatterHackers' TPU a while back because I was tired of the inconsistency of buying whatever was cheapest on amazon. It was costing me tons of time and wasted filament. MatterHackers' TPU is the most affordable TPU that is reliable and consistent for all my 3D printing projects.
Why did you turn to 3D printing to make FrogPod?
There are so many obstacles that prevent ideas from making it to the market. Manufacturing is one of the biggest. Injection molding is a superior method for FROGPOD but it holds a $60k+ price tag to get started. This means it's not actually superior. 3D printing makes it easier and more affordable to create products.
What is your favorite part about 3D printing?
It makes real products of real quality. It's so simple!
If you could change something about 3D printing, or your 3D printing process, what would it be? How would you improve it?
TPU filament requires me to use a glue stick on the print bed so that the TPU doesn’t destroy the bed. I actually spent hours looking for a manufacturer to put glue sticks in a deodorant container. This way I could cover a bed plate in 4 swipes instead of 40.
Are there any other products or business endeavors that you are exploring?
Yup, I’m working on another camera mounting product code name “NaturePod”. The FROGPOD simply doesn’t magnetize to trees. Not even ironwood. :) I want a mountain biker to stop at the top of the next obstacle, mount their GoPro with one hand in under 3 seconds, run the trick until they clean it, and grab their camera for the next obstacle.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, with either 3D printing or launching a business, what would it be?
Just do it, stop getting hung up and all of the “What if’s” and just put your product out there. No one will steal your idea, they’re bogged down with all the same things that are preventing you from launching.
Where can people find/buy FROGPOD?
FROGPODArmy.com and on Instagram @FROGPOD_Army (a group of frogs is called an ARMY. Like a crash of rhinos or a murder of crows)
Is your business using 3D printing? We'd love to hear from you! Please email rhonda.grandy@matterhackers.com for more information.