We are at the dawn of a new era when it comes to manufacturing, and Kelowna’s Industrial Plastics and Paints is leading the way in the Okanagan.
Whether it’s artists in search of materials or those with side gigs in need of 3D printing filaments, Industrial Plastics and Paints, which is under new ownership, is the perfect place to start.
The store, which is located at 1934 Windsor Rd., offers plastics, composites, castable resins, chemicals and coatings. They are currently popular in the production of river tables and decorative castings, and also for boat building and boat repairs.
“If you have a need for industrial plastics or for casting resins, if you’re into making composites, we are not only your local source, but your source of technical information and your technical liaison to be able to help you with those types of projects,” Industrial Plastics and Paints chief operating officer Greg Fraser says.
It’s the company’s foray into the 3D printing market, however, that has Fraser really excited.
“The reality is 3D printers right now are kind of like where the Compaq computer was in 1993,” Fraser says. “People are looking at it and saying ‘I need to get my kids into this technology, because it’s going to give them future career opportunities.’
“The future of manufacturing will ultimately be additive manufacturing, because it’s less wasteful and it’s more productive. So parents right now are very, very interested.”
Industrial Plastics and Paints has seven stores in Western Canada, making it the region’s largest brick-and-mortar chain that sells 3D printers. The Kelowna location now offers the Creality brand of 3D printers, including the award-winning Ender 3 line platform.
In other words, those in the Okanagan who had to go through the hassle and cost of ordering 3D printing materials online can now pay a quick visit to the Kelowna store, which is located between the Landmark District and Orchard Park Shopping Centre.
“Our people know the product and know the process,” Fraser says. “Most of them are creators or makers in their own right. So they use our materials for their own projects and are really good resources. When you have a problem, the staff in our store really understands that.”
The only limitation when it comes to what a 3D printer can create is your own imagination. They can be used to create art pieces and models that can then be painted, but some use them to create and sell items on the side. Fraser notes there is a 14-year-old in the Lower Mainland who has had plenty of success making plastic replacement pieces for people, whether it’s light switches or broken parts of a bigger item. More women than ever before are creating with plastics and 3D printing, too.
“There’s an infinite range of what you could make,” Fraser says.
Industrial Plastics and Paints does not have 3D printers to rent, but it can print items for you or put you in touch with those who offer 3D printing services. It also supports Okanagan Regional Library’s 3D printing program, which offers services at its Kelowna, West Kelowna and Vernon locations.
More information about Industrial Plastics and Paints can be found here.
This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.
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