For Alan Wooler, 3D printing represents more than just making things — it’s about freedom. The freedom to solve problems, to design without limits, and to improve everyday life with creativity and precision.

“I’ve always wanted to be a creator,” Alan said. “I loved taking things apart to see how they were made, then see if I could improve them to my needs. The issue was finding a suitable plastic box to house my circuit boards — it was always hard.”

That simple frustration planted a seed. As someone who designs PCBs and IoT devices, Alan had the technical mind, but not yet the means to bring his ideas fully to life. Then in April of last year, a colleague showed him how accessible modern printers had become. Within a week, Alan bought his first printer — and everything changed.

Turning Curiosity Into Capability

Learning CAD was Alan’s first big challenge, but one he embraced with characteristic curiosity. “The really good programs were expensive,” he said, “so I found a free one — FreeCAD — and dove in.” He discovered parametric design, where dimensions are defined by variables in a spreadsheet instead of fixed numbers. “If you change one thing, everything updates automatically. It makes designing so much easier,” he explained.

That technical precision paired perfectly with his hands-on creativity. Soon, his home became a test lab for ideas, and reliable materials became essential. Alan has found Overture filaments exceptionally dependable, producing smooth, professional-quality prints every time. He used them for everything from practical household fixes to complex projects like his EV charger enclosure, which needed to withstand heat, rain, and UV exposure. Even under the UK’s unpredictable weather—from freezing snow to scorching summer days—his PETG parts have remained strong.

Designing for Real Life

Each of Alan’s designs is built to enhance functionality and solve real needs. From an EV charger enclosure engineered to withstand rain and heat, to storage tools, car accessories, and household fixes, each project starts with a simple goal: to make something more practical and more personal.

“When I design, I want it to solve a problem,” he said. “If something doesn’t exist or doesn’t quite fit my needs, I make it.” 

That spirit led to one of his proudest creations — a collapsible camping table designed entirely from scratch. “We take a small fridge camping,” Alan explained. “I wanted a table that could clamp around the sides of the fridge, hold our coffee machines, and still pack down small.” 

The result is a brilliant example of how 3D printing can enhance everyday living. Made with Overture PETG-CF for strength and heat resistance, the table locks together with sliding connectors, reinforced bars, and even magnetic leg joints — all designed by Alan himself. “Since this is for camping, it had to be strong but easy to take apart and store. Every piece can be assembled and disassembled by hand,” he said.

It’s more than just a table — it’s a perfect example of how customized 3D printing can improve daily life.

A Network of Makers and Endless Possibilities

At work, Alan runs a “3D Printer Owners Club” on Microsoft Teams, bringing together colleagues who already have printers and those considering one. The group shares advice, posts photos of prints, tracks printer models with tags, and maintains spreadsheets detailing filaments and user experiences. What began with UK staff quickly grew to include members from five other countries, all united by a shared passion for problem-solving and improving their printing skills.

Alan encourages experimentation for every maker, new or experienced. He urges trying new settings, taking risks, and exploring different filament types like PLA Silk, PLA Dual Colour, TPU, and, where possible, ASA or PETG. Recently, he tested Overture PLA Professional Copper, noting the clean lines, strong layers, and vibrant color. Small successes like this keep him inspired and drive his continual creativity.

Design Without Limits

For Alan, 3D printing represents a kind of everyday empowerment — the freedom to design what he needs, share what he learns, and help others discover the same joy of making.

“3D printing gives you the power to create what doesn’t exist yet,” he reflected. “That’s what keeps me hooked — the idea that you can always improve something.”

That same spirit of freedom and constant improvement is what drives Overture — enabling makers like Alan to explore without boundaries, create with confidence, and turn imagination into something tangible. Together, they celebrate a shared belief: that true creativity begins when you’re free to make anything you dream of.