It’s always a good thing to take advantage of an opportunity to teach the rapid prototyping business to the next generation. This is the daughter of one of our Realize Team members. She’s 11 and in the 6th grade at Noblesville west middle school. She spent time in the office today, so we put her to work. She set up a couple of builds for us! With all of the applications moving forward for the 3D printing industry this is certainly a good place to start learning how the process works.
At Realize we have many different projects and ideas for prototypes that come through our doors. It’s always exciting to take on a new challenge and help develop new ideas clients bring to us. We also enjoy reflecting on the product and experience once it’s completed and out in the market. We talked with the creators of The Feinger about the development of their product, the 3D printing/additive manufacturing industry, and what they are up to now.
1- Tell us about your business/product and how we started working together.
Our business is the Feinger, we are manufactures of a mobile device accessory that allows a user to secure their device on their hand, in their vehicle, home or office, literally anywhere with a flat surface. Our product is very sensitive to fit and we knew we had to get prototypes made prior to building our production die. After searching through Indianapolis listings, we found Realize and immediately reached out for a consultation.
2- How did you use Realize and 3D Printing to help with your project?
We were able to implement Realize 3D printing to test different designs to find the best fit for our product. Without this ability to visualize and physically test our concept, the production die development would have been much more costly and lengthy.
3- How do you think you will use additive manufacturing in the future and are there any new directions or capabilities you would like to see in the industry?
After experiencing the value of Realize, we will continue to use additive manufacturing during each product development. Again, in order for our product to be successful our fit of our ball and socket design must be precise. The implementation of additive manufacturing has allowed us to save so much time and money by being able to physically inspect the concept. If there were anything I would have changed in regards to the industry, it would be to continue to improve the resins to simulate particular plastic combinations a bit more accurately and reducing breakdown.
4- What were the biggest challenges with creating the parts we did for you?
Obviously there were not many challenges at all working with your organization. Everyone was always very friendly and professional that we interacted with. Again, the only possible change that I could see that may have benefited us is the ability to get the order resin finish to be able to test the ball and socket it as it is popped on and off.
5- What is something that you personally would like to have 3D Printed?
Personally, because I am so intimately involved with our product, it is hard to think of anything other than an our concepts in development. We have some very exciting things happening in regards to integrating our product into cell phone cases, developing pocket clips, and a universal handle bar mount that can be used on a bike, motorcycle, baby stroller, grocery cart, literally anything with a bar. However on a lighter note, if I was able to get something printed for fun, it would be a bust of Albert Einstein.
6- What else do we need to know about The Feinger and where can we get one?
The Feinger is an exciting new accessory that is just beginning to developed a strong market. Our product is the most versatile compared to all of our competition. The product is affordable and available online at www.thefeingernow.com We will soon be launching a selection of popular smart phone cases that will be Feinger ready. This will allow for no mistakes during installation and we are very excited as we believe it will get a better response from consumers. Pop It, Lock It, You Won’t Drop It!TM
What is that strange glow? No, this is not something out of a Sci-Fi movie, it’s just one of our machines doing it’s part to help create the best prototypes in the world. This is what it looks like when we are curing our platforms to get ready for the next build. We are using our old school post curing apparatus to the get the desired results.
We have an excellent and award winning team in our advanced custom finishing department. Here is a photo showing just a small amount of some of the “tools of the trade” from that area of the building. You never know what you will need for customization of a particular part. 3D Printing and SLA prototypes can require some out of the box thinking.
Not all of the jobs surrounding the additive manufacturing and 3D Printing industry are glamorous. Sure, we are able to create amazing prototypes out of thin air, but there is also maintenance and up keep involved with the machines and tools used to create the parts! Here is a typical moment during our end of the month resin inventory check.
3D Printing/Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing