RapidMade is Hiring...

Shop Technician (Tigard)

RapidMade, a 3D printing and engineering services firm located in Tigard, has an opening for a Shop Technician.  The starting wage is $16 - 18/hour, depending on experience and the work schedule is Monday – Thursday or Tuesday - Friday on its 7 AM – 5 PM or 9 AM - 7 PM shift.  New hires may be trained to perform all job duties. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•             As directed, performs thermoforming, CNC machine programming, casting, mold making, painting and finishing duties.

•             Completes assigned production orders.  Ensures orders are delivered on time, below cost, and meet customer specifications and quality requirements.

•             Provides feedback to Shop Supervisor on order and shipment status.

•             Utilizes work flow software as directed.

•             Maintains work area as needed to ensure workplace safety and quality output.

•             Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

•             High school degree or equivalent experience in related field.

•             Adapts to changing customer requirements and operates in a fast-paced environment.

•             Good communication, interpersonal skills, and able to handle multiple priorities.

•             Meets job-specific physical requirements.

•             Follows all safety and quality-related work procedures.

•             Manufacturing experience preferred.

BENEFITS:

•             Paid holidays

•             Vacation/PTO

•             Monthly Production-Related Bonuses

•             Medical Insurance offered to full-time employees

Contact jobs@rapidmade.com

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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 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.

Congratulations to Paper Packaging on Retirement After 53 Years in Business

Paper Packaging, Pittsburgh landmark, closes this week

This week, Paper Packaging closes after 53 years in business.  Why would RapidMade be marking this occasion you may ask?  Its founder, Dan Unico, who worked every day in 2D printing and box making, is the father/grandfather of three of RapidMade's owners.  

Dan, who also turned 90 this month, will continue to work along with his wife Joan, 85,  and two sons Ken and Mark to dismantle, crate and ship equipment to new owners.  In the spring, they anticipate - finally - retiring.  Maybe...  

Dan and Joan taught us that starting a business was - and is - a path to a better life. And we learned that lesson at an early age. As children, we would play in the factory, sometimes doing odd jobs until age and experience allowed us to "graduate" to working on the various print and die-cutting machines.  This was NOT additive manufacturing.  The work could be hard, dirty, and monotonous.

 It is a testament to Dan that his wife, three of his four children, one son-in-law and one of his grandchildren (so far) has chosen manufacturing as a career.  That is a legacy one can be proud of.  Happy Birthday and Happy Retirement!

congratulations!

RapidMade Featured in U.S. News Article on 3D Printing

RapidMade's founders were recently interviewed by U.S. News and World for an article explaining how 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has helped entrepreneurs innovate.

Here's an excerpt from the story which was published on line this week:

“Renee and Mark Eaton, with their son Micah Chaban, founded RapidMade, a 3-D printing, manufacturing and engineering company, based in Portland, Oregon, in 2011. About to graduate from the University of Oregon, Chaban told his parents he was contemplating job searching in Germany. Living in England at the time, the Eatons had read an article in “The Economist” on 3-D printing and the idea for RapidMade was born.

’We had both worked in manufacturing for years and were disheartened that so many kids were gravitating to lower-paying service jobs because high-tech manufacturing jobs either weren’t well known or readily available,’ Renee Eaton, chief executive officer of RapidMade, wrote in an email.

’During our careers, we had both been forced to close or downsize plants and relocate production, so we wanted very much to bring back manufacturing. We thought Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) was a great local and sustainable way to do that.’

She explained that entrepreneurs can develop and evaluate a design in little time with rapid prototyping and that by using 3-D printing to create tools, they can decrease lead times and cost. Most of RapidMade’s customers are new to 3-D printing, and the company’s engineers can help determine the best technology to create a product from a design, she wrote.”