Fueling Passion: Why We Love Collaborating with Local Innovators
Fueling Passion: Why We Love Collaborating
with Local Creators and Oregon State Innovators
Every great build starts with a spark, whether it is on a high-speed track or a custom workbench.
We teamed up with an Oregon State University senior to engineer a custom race car fuel tank for OSU’s Global Formula Racing team. After refining the design and executing the build, that 3D-printed tank competed on international tracks in Austria, Germany, and Michigan.
We brought that same collaborative energy home to Hillsboro, Oregon, partnering with TREKKER Design & Manufacturing. When legacy firearm components were no longer available on the market, our team 3D-printed custom replacement magazines to bring cherished heirlooms back to life.
Why DIY 3D Printing Falls Short for Industrial Manufacturing
The internet is full of “3D printing fail” compilations for a reason. While a desktop setup works fine for printing desk toys, functional additive manufacturing demands industrial precision. You wouldn't rely on a home inkjet printer to run a commercial print shop, and the same rule applies to critical mechanical parts.
When a component must withstand high speeds, fuel exposure, or tight mechanical tolerances, the amateur approach creates risk. Functional parts require exact engineering, professional equipment, and optimized materials at every stage.
The Power of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM)
To guarantee performance, both projects required going back to the original CAD files. Our engineering team collaborated directly with each client to optimize models for print accuracy, strength, and flawless execution.
- Hands-On Collaboration: Direct access to our engineering team eliminates guesswork.
- CAD Optimization: Refined geometries ensure superior structural integrity and precise tolerances.
- Industrial Accuracy: Commercial-grade equipment yields reliable, repeatable parts built to perform under pressure.
Turn Your Prototype into a Production-Ready Part
The best products happen when passionate creators pair up with experienced manufacturing engineers. Skip the trial-and-error cycle of desktop printers and build something that lasts.
Got a complex project or a design challenge? Contact NW Rapid today for an engineering consultation, or upload your CAD file and request a quote.