Call: 503-943-2781

Get Something 3D Printed!

New? Check out our How To Guide!
Is the Instant Quote not your thing? You can also call (503)943-2781, email info@rapidmade.com or complete the custom quote form. (24 hour turnaround).

Please Read the Fine Print:

  1. The minimum order value is $150.
  2. Orders placed after our 4PM EST / 1PM PST cutoff Monday thru Friday or on weekends will be initiated next business day.

    2 business day RUSH orders placed before the cutoff: Saturday/Sunday/Monday ship on Wednesday, Tuesday on Thursday, Wednesday on Friday, Thursday on Monday, Friday on Tuesday.
    5 business day STANDARD orders placed before the cutoff: Saturday/Sunday/Monday ship next Monday, Tuesday next Tuesday, Wednesday next Wednesday, Thursday next Thursday, Friday next Friday.

  3. Please make sure your units (in or mm) are correct in the left-hand column. STL files have no units and must be user defined.
  4. Large files may take time to process and the maximum acceptable file size is 50mb.
  5. No order is ever initiated without a payment or purchase order (if you are approved for terms.)
  6. Parts must conform to specifications below under the See Material Options menu or the order might be rejected. Minimum wall thickness requirements are particularly important.
  7. Threads thinner than each machine’s minimum wall thickness in plastic will not resolve and are best done by hand. Metal cannot print threads. Heat stake brass inserts can be ordered for Jet Fusion nylon and Filament Extrusion ABS parts under Finishing Options. Clearance for mates should be 0.020″ or 0.5mm.
  8. As a general rule, plastic printed parts have best accuracy and quality when designed similarly to injection molded parts. Walls thicker than 0.250” and unfilleted edges can particularly cause quality issues. If your parts ignore these rules, the tolerances may be worse than our guidelines – uncontrolled dimensional growth and shrinkage. You may also get surface defects like “elephant skin” (surface cracking,) “thermal bleed” (fused powder on the surface) and “meniscus” (significant surface sink.) Less material saves money too!
  9. Parts larger than a printer’s bed size will need to be bonded together from multiple pieces. Hollow parts will need to include outlet holes to let out support material. Customers approve all splits before production.
  10. Do not have multiple bodies in the same file. That is very difficult for the shop to process and parts too close together will fuse.
  11. Orders over $10,000 in Jet Fusion and $1,500 in other processes may have lead times beyond 5 business days. Rush orders over $2500 in Jet Fusion and $750 in other processes may take longer than 2 business days. Custom lead times will be communicated during scheduling. Please contact sales before ordering if you are concerned about the ship date.
  12. .PDF, .DXF, .DWG and other 2D drawing formats are not supported by the tool. Models must be 3D CAD files to quote via the tool – over 45 CAD formats supported including STL, OBJ, SLDPRT, STP/STEP, IGS/IGES, 3DM, X_T, IPT and much more! Please contact sales for consultations on drawings and pictures.
  13. Large, flat parts may be warp prone in all technologies but FDM. There are no hard/fast rules for this and parts will be reviewed and flagged by print technicians. Like injection molding ribs help significantly with geometric stability if designed correctly. Ribs should be 1/3 to 1/2 wall thickness with filets as large as possible. If you have concerns before ordering, please use our chat feature for a consultation. We will review all files for printability and give feedback upon which we can cancel the part order or run on a best effort basis with your approval.
  14. If you have deep, thin holes with little or no line of sight, please consult with our staff. We may have issues clearing them out and in some cases could fuse shut if your part is thick enough. Depending on your design parts may have to be drilled out after printing.
  15. Will Call is available for Oregon and Washington customers. Will call is open 10am – 12pm and 4pm to 6pm Monday through Friday for standard orders. Rush orders can coordinate with the sales team for extended pick up hours.

See Material Options

Jet Fusion | Low Cost Production | Nylon 12 & TPU Rubber

Overview
  • The best all-around technology for production applications
  • High volume, strong and lowest cost
  • Extreme detail with quality matte finish
  • Real thermoplastic parts with additional finishes
  • Functional prototypes, industrial-strength parts, and short run production
Specifications
  • Minimum wall thickness: 0.020″
  • Accuracy: +/-0.012” or +/-0.2%, whichever is greater
  • Resolution: 0.0015″
  • Build bed size: 14.95″ x 11.2″ x 14.95″

High Speed SLA | Ultra High Resolution | Various Materials

Overview
  • Highest level 3D print detail and surface finish for prototyping and production
  • White CE and clear acrylic, rigid
  • Digital ABS black, engineering plastic
  • Digital Polypropylene clear, flexible plastic
  •  
Specifications
  • Minimum wall thickness: 0.040″
  • Accuracy: +/-0.012” or +/-0.2%, whichever is greater
  • Resolution: Up to 75um
  • Build bed size: 10.8″ x 6.3″ x 15.7″

Filament Extrusion | High Accuracy | ABS

Overview
  • Versatile option for functional parts and prototypes
  • Highest accuracy
  • Lowest resolution finish and slow print speed
  • Largest number of colors available
  •  
Specifications
  • Minimum wall thickness: 0.020″
  • Accuracy: +/-0.010″
  • Resolution: 0.010″ or 0.007″ (hi-res mode)
  • Build bed size: 10” x 10″ x 12″

Direct Metal | Low Volume Parts and Prototypes | Stainless Steel Bronze

Overview
  • Strong 60% steel 40% bronze material
  • Medium-quality detail and finish
  • Offers three very unique metal finishes
  • Good choice for prototypes or very small runs of metal parts
Specifications
  • Minimum wall thickness: 0.040” (No knife edges)
  • Accuracy: +/-5%
  • Resolution: 0.004”
  • Build bed size: 15.7” x 9.8” x 9.8”
AMFG App Embedding Test

If you like our work, please take 10 seconds to review us!

Our Guarantee: We are dedicated to continuous improvement, industry leading customer service and your complete satisfaction. We are working toward over 99% on-time and quality for orders.  

Unlocking the Possibilities: How to Get Your Custom Creations 3D Printed

In a world where rapid innovation is the norm, the ability to swiftly turn ideas into reality is invaluable. This is especially true when engineers and designers consider the practicality and efficiency of 3D printing. Whether it’s a prototype, a bespoke part, or a complex design, the option to get something 3D printed has transformed the approach to manufacturing. This technology, known as additive manufacturing, offers a unique blend of speed, precision, and versatility, making it an essential tool in modern production.

3D printing isn’t just about creating objects; it’s about revolutionizing the manufacturing process. For those looking to get something 3D printed, the benefits are clear: reduced time from design to production, unparalleled customization, and a significant reduction in material waste. The technology has made its mark across various sectors, from medical devices to aerospace components, each leveraging its potential to push the boundaries of what’s possible. As we explore the capabilities of 3D printing, it becomes evident that it’s not just a manufacturing technique; it’s a gateway to innovation and creativity.

Understanding 3D Printing

3D printing, a remarkable facet of modern manufacturing, is a process that brings digital designs into the tangible world. This technology, also known as additive manufacturing, begins with a digital blueprint, typically a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model. The 3D printer meticulously constructs the object layer by layer, depositing material according to the design’s specifications. This additive process, building up materials rather than carving them away, distinguishes 3D printing from traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques.

Diverse types of 3D printing technologies cater to various applications and materials. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is widely recognized, where a thermoplastic filament is extruded through a heated nozzle to build the object layer by layer. Stereolithography (SLA), another prevalent technique, employs a laser to harden liquid resin into solid structures. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a laser to sinter powdered material, often nylon, creating robust and durable items. An advanced technology worth mentioning is Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) developed by HP. MJF works by depositing a binding agent onto a bed of powdered material, which is then fused together by applying heat. This technology stands out for its speed and ability to produce high-detail, strong parts with consistent mechanical properties, making it suitable for both prototyping and production.

The range of materials used in 3D printing is as varied as the technologies themselves. In FDM, plastics like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PLA (Polylactic Acid) are popular for their ease of printing and adaptability. SLA favors resins for their ability to achieve fine details, ideal for intricate models and prototypes. SLS and MJF often utilize materials like Nylon 12, prized for its strength, durability, and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for functional parts and complex assemblies. The advent of metal 3D printing, incorporating metals such as titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum, has extended the reach of 3D printing into more demanding industries, including automotive and medical.

To sum up, 3D printing stands as a cornerstone in the landscape of modern manufacturing. Its versatility across various materials and technologies opens up a spectrum of possibilities, from crafting simple objects to producing intricate industrial components. This technology not only complements traditional manufacturing methods but also paves the way for innovative solutions in design and production.

Benefits of 3D Printing

3D printing, a technology that has matured significantly over the past few years, offers a plethora of benefits that are transforming industries and manufacturing processes.

  1. Customization: One of the most compelling advantages of 3D printing is the ability to tailor designs to specific needs with ease and precision. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which often require expensive molds and are not cost-effective for custom or small-batch production, 3D printing thrives in producing unique or tailored items. This capability is especially valuable in industries like healthcare for custom prosthetics, in aerospace for specific tooling needs, and in consumer goods for personalized products. The level of customization that 3D printing allows is unparalleled, enabling designers and manufacturers to create objects that perfectly fit their requirements or the unique needs of their customers.

  2. Speed: In the realm of prototyping and production, speed is of the essence. 3D printing dramatically accelerates the process from design to prototype and from prototype to production. Traditional manufacturing methods can take weeks or even months to move from the design phase to having a functional prototype. In contrast, 3D printing can produce prototypes within hours or days, significantly speeding up the development cycle. This rapid prototyping not only enables faster product development but also allows for more iterations, leading to better end products.

  3. Cost-Effectiveness: 3D printing also scores high in terms of cost-effectiveness. It reduces material waste by using only the amount of material required to build the part, unlike subtractive manufacturing methods that remove material from a larger block. Furthermore, there’s no need for expensive tooling or setup costs, which is particularly beneficial for short production runs and custom items. This cost reduction makes 3D printing a viable and attractive option for startups and small businesses, not just for large corporations.

  4. Innovation: Perhaps the most exciting benefit of 3D printing is its ability to push the boundaries of design and manufacturing. With 3D printing, designers are not constrained by the limitations of traditional manufacturing processes. They can create complex, intricate shapes and internal structures that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to produce otherwise. This freedom opens up new possibilities in design, leading to innovation in various fields, from intricate architectural models to lightweight, high-strength components for the automotive and aerospace industries.

3D printing offers customization, speed, cost-effectiveness, and innovation, making it a game-changing technology in modern manufacturing and design. These benefits not only improve the efficiency and economics of production but also encourage creativity and experimentation, leading to advancements across a wide range of industries.

The Process: How to Get Something 3D Printed

Getting an item 3D printed is a journey that transforms a mere concept into a physical reality. This process, while intricate, can be broken down into a series of well-defined steps:

  • 1. Conceptualization and Design: Every 3D printed object starts with an idea. This concept is then translated into a digital design using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. CAD allows designers to create precise, detailed models of their ideas. This stage is crucial for defining the dimensions, shape, and functionality of the object. For those without CAD expertise, many 3D printing companies offer design services to help bring ideas to life.
  • 2. Selecting the Right Technology and Material: Once the design is ready, the next step is to choose the appropriate 3D printing technology and material. This decision depends on the intended use of the object, its required properties (such as strength, flexibility, or temperature resistance), and the level of detail needed. Common choices include FDM for robust, less detailed parts, SLA for high-detail prototypes, and MJF or SLS for functional, durable components. Material selection ranges from various plastics and resins to metals, each offering different benefits. If you are using a desktop machine you will typically have way more technology and material limitations than if you are working with a service bureau (covered below in step 4.) Desktop machines are typically limited to small scale filament and resin machines with few exceptions.
  • 3. Optimizing the Design for 3D Printing: Before printing, it’s important to optimize the CAD model for the chosen printing technology. This step involves ensuring the design is structurally sound and making adjustments to avoid printing issues. Factors like wall thickness, support structures, and print orientation need to be considered. Optimization helps in reducing material usage, minimizing printing errors, and ensuring the final product’s quality. Design optimization is 100% based on the technology selected. Different processes have different design rules and it is best to consult design guides or experts.
  • 4. 3D Printing the Object: The actual printing of the object marks a pivotal moment in the process, where digital designs materialize into physical form. At this stage, one crucial decision is whether to use a desktop 3D printer or engage a professional service bureau.
    • Using a Desktop 3D Printer: For individuals or small businesses with access to desktop 3D printers, this option allows for in-house printing. Desktop printers are ideal for smaller projects, prototypes, or personal use. While they offer convenience and immediate control over the printing process, their capabilities are often limited in terms of size, precision, and material options compared to professional-grade machines. Users need to have a good understanding of their printer’s settings and capabilities, and be prepared to handle any maintenance or troubleshooting. This is an enormous investment in time and money to get consistent quality and is usually only worth it for repeat users or hobbyists.
    • Choosing a Professional Service Bureau: For larger, more complex, or high-quality prints, a professional 3D printing service bureau is often the preferred choice. These bureaus house advanced 3D printing technologies, like SLA, SLS, and MJF, which may not be feasible for individual users to own. They offer a wider range of material choices, professional-grade precision, and the expertise of experienced technicians. Additionally, service bureaus can provide valuable insights into optimizing designs for better results. While this option may come with a higher cost and longer turnaround time, it ensures a higher quality and consistency, especially for commercial-grade projects or specialized applications.
  • 5. Post-Processing: After the object is printed, it often requires post-processing to achieve the desired finish and functionality. The extent and nature of post-processing can vary significantly depending on whether the printing is done using a desktop 3D printer or through a professional service bureau.
    • Post-Processing with Desktop 3D Printing: When using a desktop 3D printer, post-processing is typically a hands-on, DIY task. It may involve removing support structures, which are extra pieces of material added during printing to support overhanging features. Sanding or filing may be needed to smooth out rough edges or surfaces. Users might also engage in painting or sealing the object to enhance its appearance or durability. While these steps can be rewarding and offer a high degree of customization, they require time, effort, and a certain level of skill from the user.
    • Post-Processing through a Service Bureau: Professional service bureaus offer a more comprehensive range of post-processing options with greater precision. These may include advanced techniques like chemical smoothing, color dyeing, or UV curing, which are not typically available for home users. The bureau’s expertise ensures that the finished product has a higher level of quality and professionalism. Additionally, for materials like metals, which require specialized post-processing (like heat treatment to relieve stresses or CNC machining for precision features), a service bureau is equipped to handle these complex procedures.
  • 6. Quality Check and Delivery: The final phase in the 3D printing process involves ensuring the printed object meets the desired quality standards and is delivered to the end user. This stage varies notably between desktop printing and using a professional service bureau.
  • Quality Check and Delivery with Desktop 3D Printing: In a desktop printing setting, the quality check is typically conducted by the individual who performed the printing. This involves inspecting the object for accuracy in dimensions, structural integrity, and surface finish. Any discrepancies or defects might require reprinting or additional post-processing. The advantage here is the immediate feedback and control over the quality process. However, the limitation lies in the subjective nature of the assessment and the potential lack of specialized measuring tools. Obviously parts are made in-house so a major advantage here is no need for shipping.
  • Quality Check and Delivery through a Service Bureau: Professional service bureaus employ a more rigorous and standardized quality control process. They utilize advanced measuring and inspection equipment to ensure that each part meets precise specifications and quality standards. This may include dimensional accuracy checks, material quality assessments, and functional tests, depending on the nature of the object. Once an item passes these stringent checks, the service bureau arranges for its secure packaging and delivery to the client. The benefit of using a service bureau lies in their expertise and access to advanced quality control methods, ensuring a high-quality, reliable product. Additionally, their experience in logistics allows for safe and efficient delivery, particularly important for larger, more complex, or sensitive items.

Throughout this process, the role of CAD models and design optimization cannot be overstated.  They are the foundation upon which successful 3D printing projects are built, ensuring that the final product not only looks good but also performs as intended. Junk in, junk out!

Should You Need a Service Bureau: Our Expertise in 3D Printing at RapidMade

At RapidMade, we have established ourselves as a leader in the 3D printing industry, combining deep-rooted expertise with a relentless commitment to excellence. Our journey in additive manufacturing is marked by continuous innovation, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. We pride ourselves on offering a range of state-of-the-art 3D printing services and technologies, tailored to meet the varied and specific needs of our clients.

Our range of 3D printing services at RapidMade is designed to meet a variety of needs across multiple industries. We specialize in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for creating strong, durable prototypes and functional parts. Our expertise in Stereolithography (SLA) offers clients high-detail and precision for intricate models and components. Additionally, we have embraced advanced technologies like Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) for producing high-quality, complex parts with speed and efficiency. We also offer Direct Metal Binder Jetting (BJT) for metal printing, providing an alternative to traditional metal fabrication methods with its ability to create detailed, robust metal components and tools. Direct metal components are much cheaper than DMLS and offer an extremely competitive option for volume small part metal production in small to medium volumes.

Quality is the cornerstone of our operations at RapidMade. We employ stringent quality control measures, ensuring that every print adheres to the highest standards of precision and excellence. Our meticulous approach to detail and our commitment to using premium materials guarantee superior outcomes for every project, regardless of its complexity or scale.

Understanding the importance of time in today’s dynamic market, we are dedicated to delivering projects rapidly without compromising on quality. Our advanced technologies and optimized processes enable us to meet tight deadlines, providing swift and reliable results. Whether it’s a prototype or a final product, our clients trust us for our ability to deliver timely solutions.

Beyond our technical capabilities, what truly sets RapidMade apart is our exceptional customer service. We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients, offering personalized support and guidance at every step. Our team of experts is always available to answer queries, provide professional advice, and ensure that each client’s individual needs are met with the utmost satisfaction and care.

Our track record of success stories underscores our capacity to handle a wide range of projects. From small businesses requiring bespoke parts to large corporations in need of complex, industry-specific solutions, our clients have consistently praised our ability to bring their visions to life. You don’t need to hear it from me – just scroll up! Our customer reviews are posted on this page. We have a 4.9 star rating and the most glowing customer feedback you have ever seen. What more do you need?

In choosing RapidMade, you are partnering with a company that is not just proficient in 3D printing but is also deeply invested in your success. Our combination of technical excellence, speed, and customer-focused service makes us the ideal choice for any 3D printing project. Experience the difference with RapidMade, where your ideas are transformed into reality with precision, efficiency, and unparalleled dedication.

If you need a quote on your project – you are already in the right place! Our instant quote tool is right at the top of the page. You can login, drag and drop your model, select your material options and get a quote and/or order in minutes. If instant quote tools are too high tech for you we also offer a manual quote service or you can contact us today for a quick consultation.