Join Oregon Chapter of Women in Manufacturing Networking Night

End your day with appetizers, refreshments and conversation!

Join WiM Oregon for our upcoming Networking Night. This is a great opportunity for manufacturing professionals at all levels to network over appetizers, and to discuss December fundraising opportunities for WiM Oregon.

No matter what level you are in your manufacturing career, we look forward to meeting with you.

Date:
Tuesday, November 12

Time:
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location:
Delap LLP
5885 Meadows Road
Lake Oswego

We hope to see you there!

Student: Free
WiM Member: Free
Nonmember: Free

Register

Oregon Chapter of Women in Manufacturing Shares Safety & Ergonomics Best Practices

WiM members enjoying the view before dodging rare Portland thunderstorm

The Oregon chapter of Women in Manufacturing hosted a panel discussion on Safety & Ergonomics, led by Sherwin WIlliam’s Purdy management team. In addition to participants sharing best practices, the event’s highlights included refreshments and networking on a Portland rooftop garden, enhanced by city and river views. Attendees especially enjoyed the magnificent thunderstorm which entertained everyone during their meal.

Upcoming events will include a financial presentation hosted by DeLap LLP, a local CPA firm and a tour and talk on 3D printing hosted by RapidMade, a Portland-based additive manufacturing company.

Contact Renee Eaton at reaton@rapidmade.com for more information about the Oregon WiM chapter.

Participants share safety and ergonomic best practices

Join WiM Oregon for a Lively Discussion on Workplace Safety & Ergonomics

WiM Oregon is hosting a dinner and roundtable discussion on Wednesday, June 26! Join us for a roundtable discussion concerning safety and ergonomic issues and best practices in the manufacturing environment. 

The event will include dinner, refreshments, and networking with industry professionals. We hope to see you there!

Date:
Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Time:
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location:
Vista Pearl
1150 NW Quimby Street
Portland, OR 97209 

Pricing:
Student: $10
Member: $15
Nonmember: $20
Registration includes dinner and two drink tickets.

Sign Me Up!

Why Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)?

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has rewritten the rule book for modern design and engineering. 3D printed parts are durable and inexpensive at low volumes. They:

• Achieve previously impossible complex geometries

• Do not require any tooling or other start-up expenses

• Reduce initial production costs

• Enables on-demand manufacturing

But the best design practices for traditional manufacturing technologies do not apply directly to additive manufacturing, and, in fact, can prevent users from getting the greatest value out of their 3D printing operations.

To Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM):

• Start early in the Product Development cycle to include the benefits of AM

• Factor in mechanical differences; 3D printing can produce shapes not possible with injection molding or machining.

  • Design latticed interior structures to reduce part weight and volume without sacrificing strength

  • Change part orientation to manipulate part rigidity levels

  • Think about ways to increase build density to increase part quantity and cost.

Design for Additive Manufacturing Workshop with HP and RapidMade

Learn how innovative design and HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing can improve part quality, reduce costs, and speed up production.

Where: RapidMade | 15883 SW 72nd Ave, Tigard, OR 97224

When: Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 | 9AM - 4PM

Additive manufacturing is rewriting the rulebook for product design, which is why RapidMade is teaming up with HP for a free all-day event about design for additive manufacturing (DFaM) on the HP Multi Jet Fusion. Engineers and product designers are invited to join us for a special workshop led by additive manufacturing experts to learn more about how to get the most from 3D printing.

Here's what you'll learn: 

• Why HP used the Multi Jet Fusion instead of injection molding to manufacture over 140 functional parts used in each of its new MJF 500/300 3D printers

• Identifying applications for additive manufacturing across your product lifecycle

• Training on the fundamentals of effective design for MJF

• Design strategies for MJF process optimization

• How the materials behave and what to consider when designing for each of them

• New design paradigms for additive manufacturing and the required mindset change

• Designing for value maximization (process and cost)

• Training on the fundamentals of effective design for MJF

• Live Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) demo and application examples to inspire you

This free event will feature breakfast and lunch, as well as the opportunity to tour our facilities and consult directly with specialists from RapidMade and HP.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Registration is limited, so click the link below to reserve your spot today.

REGISTER HERE

Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 – 9:15 AM Welcome & introduction

9:15 – 9:45 AM Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) basics

9:45 – 10:15 AM Why 3D & case study of HP's adoption of Multi Jet Fusion technology for production parts

10:15 – 10:30 AM Break

10:30 – 11:30 AM Deep dive on designing for additive manufacturing – strategy, guidelines, materials, considerations, machining & threads, bonding, process control, etc.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Cases for tooling and final part production – urethane casting, thermoforming, fluidics management, industrial applications & electric vehicle examples

12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch

1:00 – 3:00 PM Applications discovery workshop

3:00 – 4:00 PM Consult with HP and RapidMade experts on your parts

We look forward to seeing you!

Can't attend?
Get in touch with our 3D printing experts here.

French Motorcycle Manufacturers Create Innovative Mini Bike with 3D Printed Metal

Last week, TheFabricator.com reported a 3D printing success story about VIBA, a French motorcycle manufacturer. VIBA wanted to make a limited-edition mini bike in homage to the iconic Honda Monkey, which they decided to call “Jane.”

The team faced one problem, however; they wanted to make the Jane in a run of just 23 bikes. Such a small manufacturing volume meant that the machined metal parts typically used in motorcycle manufacturing would be prohibitively expensive.

The solution to their problem came in the form of 3D printed metal. Not only did the 3D printed metal parts cost substantially less per unit than their traditionally manufactured alternatives, but they also did not require any tooling, molds or lead times. The combined cost and time benefits of 3D metal printing allowed VIBA to produce a fun and innovative homage to a cult favorite that would otherwise have been impossible to manufacture.

In addition, the versatility offered by 3D printing allowed the VIBA team to take a novel approach to designing the Jane. Because 3D printers can create complex geometries that would not be possible to machine, designers were able to combine multi-piece assemblies into single parts, like the Jane’s combination mudguard/headlight support. They were also able to create hollow levers which allow wiring for signal lights to pass through.

Perhaps the most exciting part of VIBA’s Jane is the 3D printed aluminum gas tank, which has a unique internal honeycomb design  To begin with, this lightweight design is printed in a single piece and eliminates the welding required by traditional gas tanks.

But it’s the functional benefits to riders that really set this gas tank apart. By breaking up the interior space of the gas tank, the honeycomb structure prevents gas from sloshing back and forth as the bike jostles around, keeping the bike more balanced and creating a smoother ride.

VIBA’s story is a great example of how 3D printing can provide businesses with cost-effective and innovative design solutions. At RapidMade, we are dedicated to helping our customers achieve their manufacturing goals using the most advanced technologies on the market. Click here to learn more about our 3D printing services.

Congratulations to VIBA on making such an exciting product!

University of Pittsburgh Awarded Grant to Improve 3D Printing of Tungsten Carbide

Carbide Parts provided by General Carbide Corporation (photo chredit University of Pittsburgh)

My alma mater in home town Pittsburgh continues its research in additive manufacturing. One of its latest projects involves evaluating the effectiveness of binder jet 3D printing technology to produce robust tungsten carbide parts. Researchers hope that binder jet-based 3D printing will overcome a challenge often encountered in fusing layers by “energy beam-based 3D metal printing” which can cause part failure due to rapid heating and cooling.

Pitt’s industry partner is General Carbide which is located in Pennsylvania. While the partners don’t specifically identify the 3D printer being used, researchers can be seen gathering around an ExOne (headquartered close to Pittsburgh) printer, so that would be a logical choice. Good luck Panthers.

Oregon Business Magazine's Manufacturing Issue Highlights Gender Gap

RapidMade CEO Renee Eaton

Kudos to Oregon Business Magazine for its feature, Women’s Work, which details the chronic gender gap that continues in manufacturing. The article is based on interviews with female professionals in trade organizations, manufacturing firms, and higher education.

Together they show how improving gender representation requires a concerted approach from across the industry to reshape an institutionalized culture of gender-based segregation and redefine archaic norms of what work women can and cannot do.

Strategies proposed include:

• Advising businesses that diversity will ease the labor shortage and improve the bottom line.

• Promoting manufacturing careers to female students and professionals.

• Providing supportive networks, like Women in Manufacturing and Oregon Tradeswomen, to help women secure employment and businesses find and retain female employees.

• Breaking down the “bro culture” prevalent in manufacturing.

RapidMade CEO Renee Eaton, a Women in Manufacturing chair of its Oregon chapter was among the women featured in the article. RapidMade is a Portland-based additive manufacturing (3D printing) and engineering services firm.

Women in Leadership Forum Prompts Lively Discussion

RapidMade’s CEO Renee Eaton recently spoke at the University of Portland’s Women in Leadership Forum. The event “connects UP students with women who are leaders in the greater Portland community. The forum is a place for sharing stories, building connections and supporting” leadership development.

As a former university instructor at UP’s business school, Renee was thrilled to return to campus, catch up with former colleagues and meet with students, faculty and staff. She described her career path, lessons learned and starting a business in 3D printing (additive manufacturing) and engineering services.

RapidMade CEO to Speak at University of Portland's Women in Leadership Forum

Renee Eaton, RapidMade’s co-founder and CEO, will speak at the Women in Leadership Forum next Wednesday, November 7 from 7 - 8 PM. The free event is being held at the University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business which is sponsoring the evening’s discussion.

The Women in Leadership Forum connects UP students with dynamic women who are leaders in the greater Portland community. The Forum is a place for sharing stories, building connections and supporting the development of women in leadership.

Prior to launching RapidMade, a 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) and Engineering Services firm, Renee Eaton was a university instructor at UP where she taught management classes for almost 8 years, so the engagement is a welcomed opportunity to return to campus.

RapidMade Presents at NW Electronics Design & Manufacturing Expo

Alex Nolan, RapidMade Sales, explains Additive Manufacturing options to NEDME participants

Mark Eaton, RapidMade’s VP of Sales and Marketing presented at the NW Electronics Design & Manufacturing Expo where he spoke about 3D Printing technologies and Additive Manufacturing’s evolution into final part production as a solution to short-run, custom manufacturing.

Recognizing that 3D printing is a means to an end, RapidMade’s team works to understand customers’ priorities to determine whether Additive Manufacturing is appropriate, and if so, which technology is the best fit. Regardless of the technology employed, additive manufacturing is redefining the ways in which things are made. We’re moving from mass, overseas production which requires extensive inventories to mass, localized customization which involves managing electronic files. Advances in materials allow a transition from metal to plastic finished parts. And with the introduction of HP’s Jet Fusion printer, the process dramatically reduces lead times and costs.

Contact us to learn more.

RapidMade's Manufacturing Team Expands with Summer Heat

RapidMade has expanded its manufacturing staff this summer.  Please join us in welcoming:

Drew Christensen

All the way from the distant land of Wisconsin is our new Shop Technician, Drew Christensen. He's been a mold maker, fab tech, model maker, and everything in between. You can find Drew kayaking, fishing, or camping when he's not doing side woodworking projects. His ideal job would be what he's doing now, working with his hands. We're happy to have  Drew join the team.

Max Poroj

Max Poroj, a specialist in CNC programming, machining, and manual programming, is our new Mill & Machining Operator. When he's not taking wrestling with his 5 kids, he loves to go camping with them to enjoy the outdoors. He's a big fan of dark science fiction, 3D modeling, and listening to audio books and podcasts in his free time. Welcome to RapidMade, Max!

Cameron York 

Our newest 3D Print Tech, Cameron York, is an Oregon-native packaging manager and 3D modeler. He spends his off hours playing Frisbee golf, camping, and skateboarding. His dream job would be to own a 3D modeling studio. We're excited to see what you can create, Cameron!

Ryan Colindres

Ryan was recently promoted to the position of Shop Supervisor. He grew up cage-free, Oregon-raised in Eugene and is an Industrial Designer. When he's not running the shop, he's creating, modeling, and designing; he craves adventures. You can find Ryan biking, swimming, hiking, and "camping, baby". Ryan hopes some day to be a serial entrepreneur. Congratulions, Ryan!

Dragons Return to Merry Ole England, Thanks to 3D Printing

Photo Credit: 3D Systems

A favorite perk of living in England was access to some of the greatest landmarks on earth.  One such treasure was a mere 20-minute train ride away.  Kew Gardens in Richmond is home to the Great Pagoda

“commissioned in 1761 during the reign of King George III... the striking 163-foot structure with its ornate and highly fashionable Chinoiserie style”

— https://www.3dsystems.com/blog/2018/2018-07/how-help-older-dragons-lose-weight-look-great-3d-printing

Atop its magnificent roof once stood 80 fierce wooden dragons that were removed, but not forgotten, in a 1761 renovation.  Now they are being lovingly recreated by the magic of 3D scanning, reverse engineering and 3D printing - hopefully before our next "trip across the pond."

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.

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.