Dennis Klappe
Curriculum Vitae
Software developer and AI integration specialist running Klappe Development, where I build custom websites, web apps, and automation for clients across the Netherlands. Most of my work is taking repetitive manual processes and replacing them with software: internal tools, integrations between systems, and backends running on Cloudflare. Increasingly that means putting AI where it genuinely helps, reading messy input that no parser can handle, and leaving the arithmetic to code that gets it right every time. I graduated in July 2026 as an Industrial Design Engineer (ir./MSc) at the University of Twente, which is where the automation habit started, and I still run a CAD and 3D printing business on the side.
Education

MSc (ir.) Industrial Design Engineering - Management of Product Development

2024 to 2026 at University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands

Thesis: Democratising multi-axis 3D printing, an open-source retrofit for 5-axis printing, published as Rep5x. Developed the complete system: hardware redesign, five-axis firmware, browser-based tooling, documentation and community, all under GPL v3.

BSc Industrial Design Engineering

2020 to 2024 at University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands

Thesis: Design and Construction of a Measurement Setup for Pump Bearings in Aerospace Manufacturing, carried out at Aeronamic.
Minors: Cybersecurity & Cybercrime (Sep to Nov 2022) and Industry 4.0 (Nov 2022 to Feb 2023).

VWO Technasium

2012 to 2018 at 't Hooghe Landt, Netherlands

Experience

Software Developer & Founder at Klappe Development

Jan 2020 to Present, Enschede, Netherlands

Running Klappe Development, building custom websites, web apps, and automation for clients. Work ranges from Astro-based sites and WordPress/WooCommerce plugins to internal tools, marketplace integrations, and full backends on Cloudflare Workers. Long-running client work includes PESCHECK®, where I rebuilt and still maintain their website with a focus on performance, UX, and SEO. Part of what I build is released as open source.

Graduate Research Student - 5-Axis 3D Printing

Sep 2025 to Jul 2026, Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands

Master's thesis research on democratising 5-axis 3D printing, published as Rep5x. Earlier work in the group had already shown an affordable five-axis retrofit could work; the barrier was that nobody could reproduce it. Developed the whole system that closes that gap: a retrofit redesigned to fit several common desktop printers, a Marlin fork with native five-axis kinematics, and browser-based tools replacing the command line and commercial licences for firmware, setup, printer control and G-code, plus the documentation and community around it. Released under GPL v3 and evaluated through independent build attempts.

Design Engineer & Founder at 3Dennis

Jan 2023 to Present, Enschede, Netherlands

Running 3Dennis, a CAD modelling and 3D printing business serving clients from small startups to large companies. Managing a print farm with multiple Bambu Lab printers and selling custom-designed products through online marketplaces.

Graduate Student Researcher at Aeronamic

Sep 2023 to Jan 2024, Netherlands

Worked on a confidential project in the Manufacturing Engineering department, developing an advanced measurement setup for aerospace manufacturing processes. Collaborated with professionals using practical engineering principles and design methodologies.

Growth Hacker at PESCHECK®

Mar 2022 to Sep 2023, Enschede, Netherlands

Specialised in maintaining company website and implementing digital marketing strategies. Applied technical skills in web development and SEO optimisation to enhance online presence and drive engagement.

Various Roles in Australia

Feb 2019 to Nov 2019, Australia

Gap year working across Australia in diverse roles including mango picking in Moora, utility work and yard operations in Karratha, and sales in Sydney. Developed adaptability, work ethic, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Certifications
Technical Skills

Software development

  • TypeScript
  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • HTML/CSS
  • Astro
  • SvelteKit
  • Next.js
  • Tailwind CSS
  • Node.js
  • Cloudflare Workers
  • SQL (D1 / SQLite)
  • REST & Webhook APIs
  • AI / LLM Integration
  • OpenAI & Claude APIs
  • Vision Models
  • Prompt Engineering
  • WordPress
  • WooCommerce
  • Shopify Apps
  • Git Version Control
  • Web Performance
  • SEO & Digital Marketing

Design engineering

  • Siemens NX
  • SolidWorks
  • Fusion360
  • Onshape
  • Blender
  • 3D Printing (FDM)
  • 3D Modelling
  • Topology Optimisation
  • CAD/CAM
  • Rapid Prototyping
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Manufacturing Processes
  • Product Development
  • Process Optimisation
  • Quality Control
  • Six Sigma
  • Lean Working
  • SPSS
  • JASP
  • Excel
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Project Management
  • Technical Writing
Languages
  • Dutch (Native)
  • English (Fluent)
Interests
Beyond my technical work, I enjoy running and staying active. I'm active within student activities, and enjoy going for a (craft) beer at the Beiaard. I love travelling and experiencing different cultures, my gap year in Australia was a great experience and I'd love to go back one day. I'm always eager to learn new technologies and enjoy prototyping and creating physical products that solve real problems.

Interested in working together?

Have opportunities for me or know someone who does? Get in touch or share this CV.

Get in touch
© 2026 Dennis Klappe