He and his wife turned his hobby into a quietly growing biz offering affordable 3D prints

Fox & Train’s 3D printing business broke even just five months after its launch

3D printing has steadily gained traction in Singapore over the past decade.

From rapid prototyping in tech startups to creative applications in design, education, and even home decor, the technology has moved beyond industrial labs into the hands of hobbyists and small businesses. 

This includes Fox & Train, a 3D printing and design business in Singapore founded by husband-and-wife duo Caleb and Clarissa Ellis. Born out of Caleb’s passion for 3D printing, the business offers a range of affordable, customisable 3D-printed products.

We spoke with the duo to find out how they went from experimenting with a hobby to running a growing venture.

Starting up Fox & Train

Caleb, 22, was born in Kansas, USA. He spent much of his childhood in countries like Uganda and South Sudan as his parents were missionaries.

His interest in technology began at a young age, as he learned from his father, a computer repairman, how to disassemble, troubleshoot, and rebuild computers. He refined these skills when he started university in 2021, building and repairing PCs for friends.

That same year, Caleb also started experimenting with 3D printing, using his school’s free printing service to bring his ideas to life. He taught himself Fusion360, a 3D modelling program, and quickly developed the skills to turn his concepts into tangible designs.

In 2022, Caleb connected with Clarissa, who was an HR specialist in Singapore, via a mutual friend when the latter needed help promoting an online conference. They naturally clicked and their relationship blossomed into a platonic and, eventually, a romantic one. They got married in Singapore last year, and Caleb settled down with his wife here.

Throughout these years, Caleb continued refining his 3D printing techniques. With support from Clarissa, the couple officially launched Fox & Train in Oct 2024.

Initially, Fox & Train offered a wide range of 3D printed products—from clocks and housebirds to seasonal decorations and pen holders—but the duo quickly realised that the assortment was overwhelming and lacked a cohesive brand identity. Many early products didn’t sell, and the platform’s limited customisation made both operations and customer experience cumbersome.

Learning from this, Clarissa and Caleb relaunched their website and social media channels in Sept 2025 with a clear focus on three key collections: Japanese-inspired designs, Batik-themed products, and a curated range of vases.

The couple claimed that the Japanese- and Batik-inspired pieces are original designs that draw from Clarissa’s Peranakan heritage and Caleb’s fascination with Japanese motifs, featuring items that range from sticky note holders to tabletop organisers. On the other hand, the vase collection showcases designs by fellow 3D print creators such as SabreDesign, from whom the couple purchased commercial licences.

Every print takes seven to eight iterations, with their filament suppliers carefully chosen to match the pastel colour theme of their brand. Common 3D printing issues like clogs or “spaghetti” (stringy) prints require additional post-print care, such as sanding rough edges, to meet standards. As such, each item takes two to three days to complete.

Banking on affordability and customisation

However, 3D printed products aren’t new in Singapore. Many businesses already offer similar items, and makerspaces, community workshops, and online marketplaces like Carousell have made it easier than ever for anyone to experiment with 3D printing.

With this growing accessibility, small businesses face the ongoing challenge of standing out in the market while balancing quality, pricing, and creativity.

To differentiate themselves, Fox & Train is banking on affordability—and customisation. 

Most of the products on their website are priced between S$8 and S$30, which the couple claims are more accessible compared to typical 3D-printed items.

Beyond ready-made products, the couple also offers custom print jobs, which currently form the backbone of their business. Their 3D printing services start from as little as S$0.05 per gram for PLA (Polylactic Acid), a biodegradable filament popular in 3D printing. The service comes with no setup fees, hourly charges, or hidden costs, making it straightforward and affordable for customers.

Conversely, the couple shared that others typically charge S$0.10 per gram or more, and costs can easily snowball as weight and time affect the price of a printed product.

We are one of, if not the most affordable, 3D printing services out there. People come to us for both quality and design.

Caleb Ellis

To keep costs low, the couple uses eco-friendly packaging like honeycomb paper, focusing on “fair pricing” rather than high profits.

Growing Fox & Train

It seems like Caleb and Clarissa’s strategy has been paying off. Fox & Train started with a single BambuLab A1 Mini printer but now operates multiple machines to keep up with growing demand. The couple reported that they broke even in Mar this year, just five months after their launch.

Every now and then, the couple are constantly brainstorming for new ideas to grow their passion project. At the same time, they acknowledge that marketing has been challenging, relying primarily on organic growth through social media, word of mouth, and Carousell. 

To expand their reach and online presence, the duo has been actively pursuing collaborations. Recent partnerships include Hip Van’s Communa app, a home-styling inspiration and shopping platform that will soon feature their products as home decor items.

Clarissa also highlighted a perception challenge: Fox & Train doesn’t explicitly advertise that its products are 3D-printed. “Some people assume that implies lower quality, which isn’t true. Our pieces are both aesthetically pleasing and practical,” she explained.

That said, the couple remains undeterred and continues to grow their brand. Ultimately, Fox & Train provides an outlet for Caleb to bring his hobbies to life. Beyond 3D printing, the business also offers PC services, one of Caleb’s passions, including cleaning and building, with services starting at S$45—a segment that has proven to be in high demand.

Throughout their journey, Clarissa and Caleb have learned the value of patience and focus. Early on, launching too many products at once taught them that a clear brand identity matters, and spreading themselves too thin can lead to wasted time and resources.

“Start slow. When you move too fast, things can fall apart,” Caleb said.

• Find out more about Fox & Train here.
• Read more stories we’ve written on Singaporean businesses here.

Also read: This 25 Y/O S’porean 3D prints fidget toys inspired by local snacks—sold 15K+ units 4 mths in