The Layer-by-Layer Bulletin
Ready for a deeper dive? Whether it’s a deeper dive into what we know about 3D printing or a closer look at who we are as a company, the Layer-by-Layer Bulletin intends to be the ultimate resource to help you decide if NW Rapid Manufacturing’s Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing is the right choice for your project.
Layer-by Layer Bullletin
Getting Started: From Zero to Printed
This article series is your guide to mastering Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing— from the basics to advanced preparation. Learn how SLS works, how to choose the right material, and how to design for success.
Functional Prototyping with SLS 3D Printing
You want to know exactly how it's going to work before you take the plunge… It sounds like you need a functional prototype. And if you’re here, we’re guessing you aren’t sure…
Step 3: So, what are you doing with your prototype?
Business plan? Check. CAD Drawing? Check. We know, you’re like, “I did all of it so now let’s get freaking printing!!!” But before we do that (trust us, we really like the printing part too)…
A different kind of 3D printing service
We print to solve problems and achieve goals. We know that to achieve this, we must be willing to work a little harder, work a little smarter, and develop strong relationships…
Build (Almost) Anything with 3D Printing
Welcome to the future. Before 3D printing, waiting for the correct part could delay manufacturing production and lead to a loss of profits. With the help of modern technology…
Step 1: From idea to prototype
It’s a HUGE leap. We all have ideas, and more often than not, we don’t pursue them. But now and then, there’s that one idea that you can’t get out of your head. That you’re confident…
How to Talk to Your Kids About 3D Printing
It’s time for some education with Northwest Rapid! To help you introduce your children to 3D printing, here’s a helpful guide from our Engineer, Chantelle…
It's More Than a Printer: What You Need to Know About Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (also known as 3D Printing) is more than your average print job. While it's faster than traditional methods, it doesn't work like the printer in your office…
The 3D Printing Process: What to Expect When You’re Expecting a 3D Printed Part
We print to file! When a service bureau receives a CAD file, the industry standard is to “print to file,” which means that the bureau prints what you send. The 3D printing process is as simple as that…
Why Every Architect Should Be Using 3D Printed Models
"What is this? A school for ants?" In the 2000 movie, Derek Zoolander didn't quite understand the purpose of a model before the ground was broken for his new school. 3D printing architectural models allow…
Print Smart: Your SLS 3D Printing Playbook
Print smart with SLS by following key setup, material selection, and design guidelines—explored in our series of step-by-step articles.
How to Choose the Best Material for Your Design
You’ve got an idea for a 3D print project. Maybe you’ve drafted the design and even have a tentative sense of the pieces you need to use. But how can you choose the best materials…
MIL-Spec Paint What?
So, you send us your 3D printing project, including color and BAM, and we ask you if you’d like to provide us with a MIL-Spec paint color instead… And you have no clue what we’re talking about…
Simple Design Tips for Intricate 3D Printing
One of the powerful aspects of 3D printing is its ability to print almost anything. You're not as limited as with traditional manufacturing practices. However, not every design is perfect for 3D printing…
Creative Engines: Hiring Design Experts
A consices series on how to find and hire the right 3D printing design experts—covering skills, portfolios, and project fit.
Swipe Right on Industrial Designers Too!
You know how you don’t know what you don’t know? Well, we didn’t realize that there are outstanding professionals called industrial designers who, just like all the engineers…
Step 2: You’re Ready for your CAD
Now that you have your business plan for your prototype, you’re ready for the fun part — completing the design in a format that can be printed. In other words, it’s time to get a CAD design…
Looking to the Future: In SLS/3D Printing
Explore a series of articles on the future of SLS 3D printing—where innovation, materials, and manufacturing are headed next.
Nylon FR — Fire retardant material for FAR 25.853 critical applications
Our Nylon FR, fire-retardant material, is ideal for applications where FAR certification is required (meeting FAR 25.853 60-second burn specification). Typical applications include…
The Future of 3D Printing + The Medical Industry = Mind-Blowing Advancements
Engineering has taken another significant step into the field of medicine with tissue regeneration through 3D printing. If you haven’t yet heard, doctors and engineers have been partnering…
Printed Proof: Case Studies that Deliver
Discover how our team solved real-world part & prototype challenges using SLS 3D printing—this article series shows the custom solutions we've delivered, one success story at a time.
3D Printing Solutions for a Local Screen-Printing Company
Problem: In the past, Tri-S had to purchase a complete set of tooling — 16 base cups and nose cones — for the printing process. The tooling costs approximately $8,000-$20,000 for each bottle style, with a typical 8-week turnaround time…
An Out-of-the-Box Solution for a Heavy-Metal Problem at The Schnitz
Problem: The Schnitz Performing Arts Center's 1920 drinking water fountains required an upgrade to eliminate lead plumbing, ensuring they are fit for drinking water. It came down to either finding or fabricating a replacement…
Beau's Story — How it All Came Together
Problem: One of our engineers happened upon a video on the North American Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) forum. The video was requesting help to lighten an oxygen tank bracket for a small wagon…
Designing the First Drone of Its Kind
Problem: Matternet asked NW Rapid to help them build a new drone. This drone would be the first specifically designed to transport small goods. It needed to be lightweight for flight, easy to assemble, and durable for transportation…
Manufacturing Wearable Technology for the Military
Problem: Bionic Power, Inc. contacted NW Rapid to produce a prototype for a fully functioning, wearable technology for charging rechargeable batteries intended for military use for the U.S. Army and Marines…
Northwest UAV Unmanned Vehicle Engine Component “Puck”
Problem: NWUAV developed a component, “puck,” to hold UAV engine parts that plug directly into the aircraft. To meet the demand of a short timeline, they required a prototype to check the fit and function of the puck…
Propelling the Beavers with a Racing Fuel Tank
Problem: Whether you're a Beaver or a Duck (and we have both!), it is always enjoyable to work with one of the local Oregon universities. OSU students requested help creating a Global Formula Racing Fuel Tank for competitions…
Reaching New Heights with a Prototype for POA Design
Problem: POA Design contacted NW Rapid to assist with developing a jump training prototype. Excited to work on Kurt Hausheer’s PlyoTower with the design firm, we created a workable prototype that was later turned into the actual product…
Ready to Aim and Fire with Replacement Firearm Parts
Problem: TREKKER Design & Manufacturing had a request to produce replacement parts for antique firearms whose components had become obsolete. Our project was to design and create a replacement magazine for the Remington Model 591…
Replacing Automotive Parts with Additive Manufacturing
Problem: The temperature knob in a client's 1996 Honda Accord had failed. Each subsequent replacement failed. The customer contacted NW Rapid Manufacturing to produce a replacement part, ensuring the beloved car maintains…
COVID-19 and the Unlikely Hero — 3D Printing
Problem: As COVID-19 turned our lives upside down, depleting supplies, an unlikely hero emerged… 3D Printing. Across the globe, 3D printers, from hobbyists to large organizations, answered the call; here are their stories…
NW Rapid Manufacturing News & Announcements
Stay informed with our latest company news, case studies, service updates, and announcements.
A Passion Project: Why We Love Working with Local Businesses and Oregon State Students
We detailed a project that we assisted with and sponsored for an Oregon State University senior’s project. The student came to us for design and manufacturing guidance for a fuel tank for OSU’s student SAE, Global Formula Racing team…
Roping in the Next Generation with Lasers and Cake
One of our engineers graduated from PCC with an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Mechanical Engineering Technology. She stayed in touch with the CMET program instructor and invited the students to NW Rapid for a tour…
Shepherds of the Nerd Herd
Educating the next generation of techies is the only way to keep innovation alive. That’s why we take every opportunity to help young people interested in the work we do. We hosted a tour for the local, award-winning robotics team, the Nerd Herd…