Spotlight on Innovation: Juan Thomas’s 3D Printing Solutions at Bridge Park
At Bridge Park, we're always looking for innovative ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the curve. Juan Thomas, one of our dedicated Bridge Park Service Technicians, has truly embraced our core values and is helping push the boundaries of what's possible with 3D printing. His forward thinking approach is making a significant impact on how we manage our resources and streamline maintenance.
Juan embodies our value of "Be Fearless" by experimenting with new technologies like 3D printing, which has opened the door to substantial cost savings. He's not just using off-the-shelf solutions but is also designing custom parts tailored to our specific needs. For example, several of our wall-mounted toilets have begun to need support brackets, which typically cost $135 each. Thanks to Juan’s ingenuity, he was able to create these brackets for under a dollar! In another case, Juan designed and printed a small part for a blind—an obsolete piece that would have required replacing a $700 blind. Instead, the part was printed for just 30 cents. "Treat it like you own it". Juan is living that philosophy every day by thinking like an owner and finding ways to protect our bottom line.
As a side project, Juan is currently creating a 3D print of the Dublin Link Bridge, which will be on display in the Bridge Park office. This piece will even light up, just like the actual bridge showcasing not only his technical skills but also his dedication to creating something that reflects the community we serve.
His innovation is also a perfect example of "Long-term Greedy". The investments we're making today in 3D printing—like Juan’s pioneering efforts will yield long-term benefits, from reducing replacement costs to creating the potential for a dedicated 3D printing department in the future.
Looking forward, Juan’s vision aligns with the idea of "Timeless Effort". The possibilities are vast. In the future, we could be remotely printing parts for our properties, which means cutting down wait times and further reducing costs. With a centralized library of digital components and the ability to print on-site, we’ll be able to handle even rare or obsolete parts with ease ensuring quick solutions without breaking the bank.
Beyond his technical skills, Juan is always quick to offer support and share his knowledge with others, reflecting our core value of "Be Nice". His collaborative spirit has inspired his colleagues to think more creatively and contribute to our collective success. Juan’s work is setting the stage for a future where 3D printing could become a central part of our maintenance operations. His dedication to continuous improvement is helping Bridge Park stay efficient, innovative, and ahead of the curve.