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.

Display Your Way to Generate More Business

Capture your customers' imagination with creative, one-of-a-kind displays and models.

Pump cutaway model shows off internal components of Cornell Pumps

Marketing

• 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.

Custom promotional giveaway for "Red Bull Guest House" party in Florida

Promotions

• 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.

Colored graphic blocks used by Amazon Web Services to explain its cloud services to prospective customers

Displays

• Drive traffic to your stores at the window and sales with custom retail displays.
• Stand out and get attention at your next trade show with eye catching models.
• Capture your customers' attention and make them remember your brand
• Lean on our design team to come up with a creative solution that will satisfy your customers and be flexible for your budget.

Reproduction of 3D scanned priceless Native American mask printed for Seattle Art Museum

Exhibits

• Store geometric and color data for priceless artifacts and works of art permanently with 3D scanning technology.
• Use digital object data to engage visitors online with interactive web exhibits.
• Create to-scale or re-scale replicas that let your visitors safely interact with models of priceless artifacts without endangering the original piece.
• Create complimentary pieces for your exhibit from object data scanned by other museums around the world.

Development model shown to Portland City Council for project approval

Architecture

• Turn around in as little as 24 hours means more time to perfect your designs.
• Embedded textures lets you simulate the colors of building materials like brick, stone and wood.
• Small features lets you design realistic windows, doors, beams, facades and other important visual design elements.
• Prints come directly from your BIM models.

How can we help you?

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.

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