When Are Casting and Molds Better than Injection Molding or 3D Printing?

It's important to remember that 3D printing is a means to an end, so we always have to ask ourselves, based on what a client wants to achieve, what's the best path to take to get there.  Sometimes, the answer isn't 3D printing.  One alternative is casting and mold making which is worth considering when you want:

• Low to medium part quantities - from 10s to 1000s
• Production-quality finishes with the look and feel of injection-molded parts
• To spend less -
  • Typically lower unit costs than direct part printing
  • Fraction of the tooling cost required for injection molding
• To cut lead time from months to weeks for tooling compared to injection molding
• To select:
  • Food-grade and medical-grade materials
  • Elastomers to rigid plastics ranging from 20A - 90D durometer
  • Other materials such as silicone, plaster, concrete and other composites
• To create electronics housings, gaskets, cosmetic parts, displays and low volume production

To see if this approach is suitable for your project, check out these Design Guidelines.

Join Women in Manufacturing Oregon Chapter's Workshop/Networking Event

Join us on Wednesday, June 27!

WiM Oregon is hosting a mini workshop and networking event on Wednesday, June 27! Renee Eaton, WiM Oregon Chair, RapidMade CEO and former management instructor, will facilitate a session where participants complete the Kolb Learning Style Inventory and explore how their preferred learning styles impact their approaches to problem solving, communication, conflict and team effectiveness. Attendees will also have time before and after to network and socialize. We hope to see you there!  Refreshments will be served.

Date:
Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Time
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location
Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
5193 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. A  
Hillsboro, OR 97214

Pricing:
WiM member: $25
Nonmember: $40
Student: $20

*Limited space available.

RSVP

Thank you to our event sponsor!

Jet Fusion Makes 3D Printing Faster and Affordable

What do custom dog helmets, human prosthesis, phone cases and machine parts have in common?  They are being 3D printed overnight on an HP Jet Fusion at a fraction of the time and cost of older additive manufacturing technologies - without compromising quality...  

Advantages include:

• Lowest cost plastic (Vestosint PA-12)
• High strength
• Heat and chemical resistance
• Durable
• Wide range of composites and polymers
• Structurally sound
• Lightweight

Why compromise?  Ask us how we can meet your prototyping and production needs.

RapidMade CEO Promotes STEM Careers to Skyview High School Students

RapidMade supports nConnect, a non-profit organization that connects professionals and schools, to promote career planning and college preparation. 

It's always great to get back into the classroom!  On Friday, RapidMade's CEO Renee Eaton  participated in nConnect's Speed Networking event at Skyview High School in Vancouver.  Students especially enjoyed seeing all of the 3D printed objects she brought.  And they loved hearing how additive manufacturing is changing the fields of medicine, aerospace, marketing and manufacturing - and how important STEM professionals are to the industry's growth and success.

These events are always a lot of fun for presenters and participants.  Based on the questions asked, there were many highly motivated first year students.

Afterward, Renee had a chance to meet the school's Manufacturing faculty and see their bank of desktop 3D printers.

HP Jet Fusion: Have it All - Better, Stronger, Faster, Cheaper Prints

Life is often filled with compromises.  If you want something faster, you have to pay more or settle for less.  If you don't want to pay a premium, then you have to wait or compromise on quality.  Not any more...

The HP Jet Fusion's cutting-edge technology allows us to provide:

• Superior surface finish, feature detail and mechanical properties to other printed plastics including Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

• Isotropic mechanical properties and fully dense parts ensure balanced strength and durability in every axis

• High chemical and heat resistance

• High part accuracy of +/-0.008"

• VESTOSINT is a modified polyamide powder (Nylon, PA-12 - click here to see data sheet.) 

Get durable, accurate and repeatable nylon products at or below machined and injection-molded prices - in a fraction of the time.

Let us show you how.

3D Printed Periscope Phone Case Allows Everyone to be a Photo Pro

Defox has launched its Periscope Case, a novel phone case that uses mirrors and straps to transform one's smartphone into a versatile, easy-to-use camera that enables active photography. Manufactured in Portland, Oregon, Defox is using RapidMade's new HP Jet Fusion 3D printer to produce the cases in sturdy nylon.  Act now for the early bird discount!

K9 Helm Shields Hard-Working Dogs from Serious Injuries

RapidMade often has the privilege of working with some extremely innovative designers and entrepreneurs.  We love collaborating with clients to fast track their ideas from conception to production. We never tire of seeing revolutionary products being 3D printed!  One of our favorites is K9 Helm whose Trident helmets safeguard dogs committed to serve and protect others...  If you love dogs, you will love this video and the company's credo...

“The Trident wasn’t designed on a computer. It was hand sculpted as a flowing, organic shape that works harmoniously with the anatomy and movement of the dog. Technology has its place, of course. Original forms are scanned, transformed into CAD models, and given physical form using HP Multi-jet Fusion 3D printing — ideal for small batch production where high precision and maximum durability are desired.

​

The result is our Trident K9 Tactical Helmet. Made for dogs who engage in dangerous work, it’s our tribute to them and a constant reminder to us — never stop innovating, never compromise, and never, ever give up.”

3D Printing Advocate Shares "The Practice of Innovation"

 Jan Baum to discuss Additive Manufacturing at Stevenson University's Dell Lecture (photo credit: What Weekly)

I worked and lived in Maryland just as 3D printing was gaining public acclaim.  There was a vibrant and supportive Additive Manufacturing community, centered in Baltimore, most often led by Jan Baum.  An early adopter and advocate, Jan recognized the power of 3D printing to transform manufacturing, and she promoted its adoption as a way for Maryland to solidify its position as a premier manufacturing base that would allow it to offer high-skilled workers a secure income.

I'm pleased to see that Jan, the founder and director of Object Lab and a professor at Towson University, is still actively spreading this important message.  Jan is one of the first (and most engaging) professionals I  met during my tenure in Maryland.  I loved that she was a female role model in a traditionally male field.

She'll be discussing "The Practice of Innovation" at the SOLVE Center on March 21 at 5 PM.

Women in Manufacturing is Coming to Oregon!

Join WiM Oregon for a Chapter Launch and Networking Event!

WiM Oregon is hosting its first event! Join WiM Oregon members as they promote WiM's newest Chapter at the Launch Party event. Hear Allison Grealis, President of WiM, speak about the work WiM does in supporting women across the manufacturing industry. This will be a great opportunity for local female manufacturing professionals and students to engage and network with women who have experience working in and with the manufacturing sector. The event will include dinner and a cash bar. We hope to see you there!

Allison Grealis 
President
Women in Manufacturing (WiM)

View Allison Grealis Bio.

Date:
Thursday, March 22, 2018

Time
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location
Laurelwood Brew Pub
5115 NE Sandy Blvd  
Portland, OR 97213

Pricing
$20 for WiM members/nonmembers (this is special offer for nonmembers)
Dinner included with cost.

*Limited space available.

RSVP

Feel free to contact RapidMade's CEO Renee Eaton, the chapter's president at reaton@rapidmade.com, for more information.

NAS Pax River Event Features Mobile 3D Printing to Promote STEAM

NAWCAD's FabLab will be open to visitors at Technology and Arts Expo (DCmilitary.com - photo credit)

We were living in Maryland just when interest in 3D printing was being fueled by technological breakthroughs and extensive media hype.  A consortium of additive manufacturing advocates there preached its potential to accelerate business development if educators insured a ready and willing workforce.  One locale heeding its message is Southern Maryland, home to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River.  To promote interest in STEM, NAS Pax River volunteers will host an event this Saturday at the Technology and Arts Expo at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

A featured attraction will be NAWCAD's FabLab:

“a place where makers can take their ideas from concept to prototype for projects involving rapid prototyping, accelerated modeling and collaborative learning opportunities.”

— http://www.dcmilitary.com/tester/news/local/pax-volunteers-to-exhibit-lend-a-hand-at-naval-air/article_45b72b1d-984d-544d-a7f2-5fadbd0a9f18.html

The FabLab houses 3D printers, CNC mills and laser cutters and other prototyping equipment.

This region, nestled between the Potomac and Patuxent, is often better known for its access to the Chesapeake Bay than advanced technology - despite the expansive naval base.  Hopefully these enthusiastic advocates will change that perception - almost makes me miss Maryland. 

Women in Manufacturing Launching Oregon Chapter to Support, Promote & Inspire

A local group of Women in Manufacturing are launching an Oregon chapter of WiM. As part of the national organization, WiM Oregon will support, promote and inspire women who are pursuing or considering careers in manufacturing.  We hope to encourage

“the engagement of women who want to share perspectives, gain cutting-edge manufacturing information, improve leadership and communication skills, participate in sponsoring programs and network with industry peers.”

— http://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/aboutmain/about

As someone who literally grew up in a family-owned production plant, I was surprised - and disappointed - to discover how few females were in manufacturing when I graduated in the early 80s and started my management career in food processing.  More shocking are recent statistics showing an erosion of the gains I witnessed then... A 2013 survey found the

“women’s share of the manufacturing sector is currently just over 27 percent – the lowest level since 1971. This means that while women represent nearly half of the total U.S. labor force, they only constitute approximately a quarter of the U.S. manufacturing workforce.”

— https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeswomanfiles/.../the-rise-of-women-in-manufacturing/

According to SME, 

“Women comprise only 11.1% of executive officers, 14.2% of board directors and 2% of CEOs.”

These are statistics we hope to change.  If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please contact me at reaton@rapidmade.com.

HP Jet Fusion Delivers Injection Mold Quality without the Mold

3D printed part

Mold no more!  For small and medium-batch production runs, slash cut part cost and accelerate delivery speed with HP Jet Fusion:

• No tooling costs
• Limitless iterations
• Design freedom
• Lower engineering costs
• Collapsed delivery timelines
• Production-quality parts

Contact us for a quote.

RapidMade Helps Firms Complete Year-End Project in Days, Not Months...

Every holiday season, purchasing agents and design engineers everywhere feel pressure to complete capital projects before they can celebrate the New Year.  Who wants to forfeit hard-earned budget allocations because time constraints prevent delivery before the 2018 count down?  Make your holidays happy instead.

Thanks to Additive Manufacturing (3D printing), year-end projects can be completed in days, not months.  Services include:

• Rapid Prototyping
• 3D Scanning
• Production Parts
• Thermoformed Products
• Reverse Engineering 
• Industrial Patterns
• Printed and Machined Tooling
• Custom Displays, Exhibits and Promotions
• Engineering Design

Additive Manufacturing benefits:

• Short lead times
• No tooling costs
• High customization
• Small-batch production
• Eliminated design limitations
• Pre-built assemblies
• Reduced structural weight

Businesses Celebrate Holidays with Custom 3D Printed Gifts & Promotionals

Businesses looking to create novel gifts and promotional giveaways are increasingly turning to 3D printing to customize - and maximize - their marketing efforts.  Consider these benefits:

• Pens and magnets are boring and forgettable. Make a promotional giveaway your customer has never before seen.
• Come to us with nothing but an idea for a promotional product, and we can take care of the rest.
• Personalize your giveaways to the exact customer you are handing it to with custom messaging.
• Many promotional products require expensive tooling and long lead times to accomplish - RapidMade can make your promotional products in a week or less.
• Get your products in front of customers where it would otherwise be difficult or impossible.
• Customize marketing materials with logos and designs.
• Infinite customization to achieve the exact effects you desire.
• Get concept models in front of customers early in the product development cycle to get feedback before spending too much money on the wrong track.
• Get tangible products in your customers hands instead of a 2D computer image.

Contact us to learn more.

HP Announces New 3D Printing Materials for 4200 Jet Fusion Series

RapidMade's HP Jet Fusion in action

RapidMade is pleased to share that HP is expanding material options for its Jet Fusion 3D printer.  Recognizing that material selection, performance, quality and cost have been barriers to additive manufacturing adoption, HP has focused aggressively on product development and accessibility.

Now, in addition to its 3D High Reusability PA 12, HP plans to offer:

• 3D High Reusability PA 12 Glass Beads - designed to produce "stiff, low-cost, quality parts"
• 3D High Reusability PA 11 - formulated to create "ductile, quality parts" at an unbeatable price

A key to its speed-to-market success has been HP's decision to encourage an Open Platform where key suppliers collaborate to accelerate material innovation.

RapidMade looks forward to including these revolutionary nylon powders in its operations.

RapidMade Attends Operations & Technology Management Symposium

Renee Eaton returned to the University of Portland's campus last week to attend its Operations & Technology Management Symposium.  Renee, a former management instructor at UP, always welcomes a chance to reconnect with faculty, students and fellow operations executives.

This year's event included Key Note Speaker Mike Malin, VP of IT Product & Merchandising Solutions at Nike, who explained his philosophy on managing technology given the acceleration of innovation. Other presenters included Vikas Sharma, an Intel Technology & Process Development Manager who talked about the trends and challenges surrounding Artificial Intelligence and Keith Burton, an Intel Director of IT Marketing Solutions, who described how his firm is using research, marketing and customer services to manage operations globally.

The annual symposium is always a great way to celebrate Manufacturing Month.

RapidMade Brings Goodnuss to Founder and Other Entrepreneurs

One of the most enjoyable aspects of working with entrepreneurs is seeing them – and their projects – come to fruition, orin Lizz Hampton’s case – to nutrition!  Lizz is one of our favorite success stories, especially given that she is among RapidMade’s first customers, dating back to its first year in business.

Lizz came to us with a product idea that would make it easier for people to make fresh nut milk at home. The product concept itself was very simple, however the design requirements were very complex.

Over the course of the past 4 years, we have worked with Lizz to simplify this revolutionary product through hundreds of prototype iterations, helping her streamline from more than 15 complex parts down to 4 simple parts and then supporting her pivot away from a device into a reusable, mess-free nut milk bag.

“I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without Micah and his team at RapidMade. Not only did they help me develop a better product, they provided essential insight into how it would need to be manufactured, important engineering considerations and top quality parts for my prototypes. Above all else, they have been there to support me on my journey and believe in the product I am creating, which is invaluable to me as a young maker/designer. ”

— Lizz Hampton, Goodnuss Founder

As of October 17th, Lizz’s reusable, mess-free nut milk bag is available for pre-order on Indiegogo. We are helping her spread the word about her launch because we believe in supporting our customers and doing our part to help them succeed.  If you are interested in supporting Lizz and helping her get her product manufactured, please click this link

You can also check out her website, which is full of funny videos.

If you are not a nut milk drinker, we’re sure you know someone who is and would love this product!  If you are not able to support her campaign financially, please share with your network so she can build her dream company.

At RapidMade, we believe in helping our customers achieve their goals, whether it’s developing or producing a product for commercial use, creating a prototype for an entrepreneurial project or making displays for retail spaces, we are dedicated to helping our customers succeed with superior products.

RapidMade Announces HP Multi Jet Fusion Services

In honor of National Manufacturing Day 2017, RapidMade demonstrates commitment to continuously invest in technology, training and increase our knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques.

October 5, 2017: RapidMade announced today it is offering services based on HP’s award- winning Multi Jet Fusion technology. Based in Portland, Oregon, RapidMade offers customers expertise on materials, engineering and manufacturing processes including advanced technologies like 3D printing. On the heels of its move into a larger facility to increase capacity for larger clients, the company is delivering on its promise to expand its capabilities and invest in new technology such as HP’s Jet Fusion 3D 4200 printing solution.

“With National Manufacturing Day coming up on Friday, October 6, it is worth reflecting on our goal when we founded RapidMade in 2011,” said Renee Eaton, RapidMade CEO. “We felt there was an opportunity to capitalize on the growing additive manufacturing market, sustainably localize manufacturing and do our part to employ and educate a new generation of manufacturing professionals. The addition of transformational technologies such as HP’s Multi Jet Fusion is at the forefront of our mission.”

“We share HP’s vision for the digital transformation of manufacturing, and as we look to help our clients compete in the digital age, we are so excited about the capabilities of HP Multi Jet Fusion,” added Eaton. “Whether our customers are looking for design support, prototyping or more complex projects, the quality, speed and cost savings enabled by the Jet Fusion 3D 4200 solution will deliver.”

The HP Jet Fusion 3D 4200 solution lowers the barriers of entry to additive manufacturing by providing faster build speeds, high-quality functional parts, and breakthrough economics. The HP Jet Fusion 3D 4200 machine operates through a unique Multi-Agent printing process, offering dimensional accuracy, fine aesthetics, and superior mechanical properties. Parts can currently be printed in High Reusability PA 12. Additional materials will be available as the largest chemical companies in the world develop certified materials for HP’s Open Materials Platform, providing customers with an ever-growing portfolio of materials for different applications.  

About RapidMade

Based in Portland, Oregon, RapidMade’s knowledge of materials, engineering and manufacturing processes extends to both traditional and advanced technologies. We like to design and build things, and we like to work with clients who feel the same way. We believe that our customers’ competitive advantage stems from their ability to create, produce and market better products. That’s why we focus on applying the latest materials, manufacturing and engineering technologies to the process of developing, prototyping, manufacturing, and marketing products. And we use this knowledge to help our clients apply the right solutions to their business needs. If you are looking to create a new product, improve an existing one, find a new manufacturing solution or want a partner who can help you take advantage of the latest digital and additive technologies then we can provide you with a range of services from a simple part or prototype to a complete analysis of your product or processing needs. It is this focus and passion, together with our ability to provide these services in a unique and cost effective way, that makes us different. 

Contact RapidMade to learn more:

To request a quote, submit a Quick Quote, or email RapidMade at info@rapidmade.com.

RapidMade Clients Named PBJ Small Business & Innovation Award Winners

Congratulations to Innovarai and Madorra Medical who are among Portland Business Journal's 2017 Small Business & Innovation awardees!  Their achievements will be recognized and their products showcased on November 1st from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Portland Hilton Hotel.

Rapid prototyping and low-volume production, made possible through 3D printing (additive manufacturing), are lowering the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and start ups.  These advanced manufacturing technologies lower costs, reduce lead times, and optimize designs, making product launches more affordable and timely.

There's a New HAAS in Town!

Our new HAAS CNC machine is "sitting pretty" in our new location.

The Tigard location is filling up quickly.  Both our HP Jet Fusion and HAAS CNC machines were delivered this week.  And they're being installed as this post is being written.  RapidMade is on track to move in and start up operations on August 1 as planned.  Help us fill up our new and existing equipment.