We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Choi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
TurtleForge started in June 2023 when we, a group of engineering students with backgrounds in fabrication and design, were brought a discarded spool of plastic strapping from a factory and asked if we could find a way to repurpose it instead of letting it go to waste. When we determined it was PET—the same strong, flexible, and resilient plastic used in bottles—we saw the potential to transform this industrial scrap into something valuable: filament for 3D printing. The idea of repurposing discarded material to create a high-strength, eco-friendly filament that was actually useable was exciting, and it fit perfectly with our team’s mission to reduce waste and innovate within 3D printing.

It’s been a journey of problem-solving and adapting along the way. We faced every kind of technical challenge, from failing motor controllers to overheating parts, and found creative solutions at every turn—like modifying a 3D printer controller board with custom firmware to manage our equipment. After our first stable batch of filament from bottle PET, we applied similar methods to industrial PET strapping, designing a high-torque worm gear drive, custom spools, and other unique adaptations to handle the demands of the material.

TurtleForge has also allowed us to carry forward the RepRap philosophy from the early 2000’s, using JadePET (what we call our filament) to print parts for the TurtleForge itself, echoing the idea of ‘self-replicating 3D printers’ that are both made of and can produce printed parts. We’re committed to publishing our designs, documenting our process, and sharing updates on our Instagram page (@turtleforge), making it a toolkit for students, engineers, and eco-conscious makers alike.

In the future, we’re open to selling prints made from JadePET. By handling the complexity of printing with this unique material ourselves, we can offer eco-friendly, high-quality 3D prints to those who want sustainable options but may not have the advanced printing setup required to use JadePET. Ultimately, TurtleForge is about giving a second life to discarded materials and contributing a meaningful, sustainable solution to the maker community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been a curious student of how the world works, fascinated by our built environment and the systems around us. My journey has been about acquiring skills in fabrication, CAD, graphic and architectural design, and 3D printing—each skill a piece in the puzzle I’m piecing together. Embracing what I call a ‘perpetual beginner’ mentality—staying humble, observant, and always learning—has been crucial to my development. This outlook keeps me open to opportunities, helps me find innovative solutions, and fuels my growth.

I believe in an Abundance Mindset and am willing to invest in myself because I see the lifelong value in good tools, quality software, and books that challenge and inspire. The knowledge and experience I gain from them, far exceed their monetary cost. I’m committed to quality and have no hesitation spending on the resources that will ultimately help me create something extraordinary.

One of my biggest inspirations is Steve Jobs’ quote about “the crazy ones” who dare to disrupt the norm and make “a dent in the universe.” There was a tweet reflecting on that quote which said that you need to be just a bit delusional to dare to believe you can go up against the status quo, face industry giants, and break convention. That concept has stayed with me, and it’s especially meaningful now in this second wave of disruptive startups aiming to solve market inefficiencies. It reminds me to stay bold, stay driven, and to be willing to try something new—even if it sounds a little crazy.

Getting to where I am professionally has been a mix of resilience, learning from setbacks, and a willingness to bet on myself. While it hasn’t been easy, the challenges have taught me that nothing truly worthwhile ever is. I’ve learned that passion and curiosity go hand in hand with persistence. I hope that my journey shows others the importance of continuous growth, believing in one’s vision, and, most importantly, not being afraid to break the mold. Dare to try, dare to build, dare to be bold, dare to be a little crazy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As an avid fan of art and design, I’d start by taking my friend on a museum tour of LA’s incredible art scene. We’d hit the Getty Center for breathtaking views and art, then the Getty Villa for a deep dive into ancient history. After that, we’d check out MOCA, The Broad, and LACMA to explore modern and contemporary masterpieces. These buildings are as beautiful and iconic as the works inside. I’d make sure we swing by the Petersen Automotive Museum to see exotic cars, and in the future, we’d definitely stop at the California Science Center to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour. I was awe-struck when I got to see the temporary exhibit when it first arrived, and I can’t wait for the new permanent exhibit!

Since LA is practically a living movie set, I love taking friends to places they’ll recognize from their favorite films or TV shows. We’d stroll through Hollywood, Melrose Ave, Bunker Hill, Broadway and the Arts District, taking in the street art, unique architecture, and boutique shops. I’d point out the 6th Street Bridge, the Disney Concert Hall, and the LA Department of Water and Power Building, among other iconic LA locations. There’s something special about seeing these iconic spots in person after spotting them on-screen.

We’d spend time at the beach—Venice or Santa Monica for their lively boardwalks or Malibu for a more relaxed vibe. And we’d definitely squeeze in a sunset hike at Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon for some amazing views of the city. There’s nothing like LA’s energy, and I’d want to give my friend a real taste of the city—from its rich art and culture to the little hidden gems that make LA such a dynamic, exciting place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my TurtleForge partner, Steve Otto, the lead mechanical designer of this project. Steve’s relentless focus and dedication to learning new skills and refining designs have driven much of TurtleForge’s progress. His commitment to excellence and innovative approaches are inspiring and truly appreciated. Steve’s keen eye for detail and thoughtful design considerations inspire me to hone my own abilities and think more creatively. I’d also like to recognize previous contributors: Andres Garcia, Luis Garcia, Randy Quintero, and George Gonzalez. Each one of them has left a lasting impact on this project, and I’m grateful for their contributions as we continue to grow TurtleForge together.

Website: https://turtleforge3d.com

Instagram: @TurtleForge

Image Credits
Photos by Sam Lee

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