Case Study: PowerUp Kayaking achieves rapid, cost-effective custom kayak motor mounts with 3D Systems' scan-to-print solution

Powering Up Kayaks with 3D Systems 3D Scan to Print

PowerUp Kayaking was founded by retired dentist and avid paddler Mark Schmidtke after a grueling outing convinced him to adapt a trolling motor for kayaks. The core challenge: most kayaks lack level, consistent mounting surfaces, so creating a universal, custom-fit motor mount and related components without a large workshop was essential to commercialize the idea.

Mark solved the problem with an integrated 3D Systems workflow—Sense 3D scanner, Geomagic Design CAD and CubePro nylon 3D printing—scanning a kayak in about 5 minutes, designing a custom shim in ~10 minutes and printing it overnight. The fast, low-cost process enabled reliable custom fittings, helped him form PowerUp Kayaking, earn a US patent Notice of Allowance, and begin fitting customers’ kayaks for a growing business.

PowerUp Kayaking

Mark schmidtke

Owner