One of our SLA Viper machines hard at work creating new prototypes. Lasers, resin and stuff.
The Realize Featured Project: Volvo Truck 3D Model
Realize, Inc. worked with Auto Research Center to create a 3D Printed model of a Volvo truck.
“When Steve (ARC) came to us for help we were very happy to be a part of it. This SLA project is especially unique because it is going to be on display in our customers lobby. These are fun projects for the whole team and when it all comes together like this- it is always exciting to see the finished model.”
-Alan Conlu, Sales Manager at Realize, Inc.
Realize: How did this project come about?
Steve: The Volvo truck model came about to fill a void in our OEM tractor inventory. We do quite a bit of testing for both aftermarket aero device manufacturers, fleets and regulatory agencies. Several had requested the 670 VNL for their testing, so we completed it to satisfy customer requests.
What do you plan to do with this prototype?
The model is now available for any customer to use to advance their knowledge of tractor trailer aerodynamics.
What makes this design different then what’s out there now?
So far as we know, this is the only publicly available wind tunnel model of the Volvo 670 VNL for rent.
Tell us about the design process and how much time is involved for a project like this.
We started the design by renting a full sized truck, bringing to ARC and laser scanning it. From there it was converted to surface files and the model designed from there. The overall design process took about two months. Before we release the files to you, we have the whole model built in the CAD world to check for interferences and fits.
The hardest part in the process of creating this prototype 3D model was?
The most difficult part is scanning such a large object. The physical size simply creates unique problems that we need to work around. Since we have scanned many other vehicles for the same purpose we have a good handle on it and can get to the solution fairly quickly.
At Realize we are always looking for the latest new products and technologies to provide our clients with the best and most effective tools for their projects. So it’s no surprise we are the first company in the US to use the new Somos PerForm material.
“Somos PerFORM offers heat resistance and stiffness unlike anything currently in our portfolio. It’s the first composite material we’ve installed and we’re looking forward to seeing the applications our diverse clients find for it.”
– Todd Reese, President- Realize, Inc.
For more information about Somos PerForm CLICK HERE
When your project calls for parts that require thermal stability, extreme accuracy and a quick turnaround, turn to our latest composite material — Somos® PerFORM. Available for both 355 and 365 nm photopolymer-based machines, parts made with this material exhibit superior sidewall quality, along with excellent detail resolution. In addition, Somos® PerFORM is exceptional for parts that are designed for wind tunnel testing and unique applications in rapid tooling.
Excellent detail resolution, Faster, easier processing & finishing Superior high heat tolerance Expanded applications, Ideal for a variety of applications.
With its excellent high heat tolerance, outstanding detail resolution and stiffness, Somos® PerFORM is the ideal material for applications including:
• Tooling • Electrical Casings
• Wind Tunnel Testing • Automotive Housings
• High Temperature Testing

Realize, Inc. recently partnered with Impulse Product Development on a new and exciting project. Impulse was in need of RTV Castings made of silicone for a client that wanted prototypes of their new product The Kupp‘. Here is the story of how Realize and Impulse helped create the first prototype of The Kupp’!
The Kupp’ is a six ounce European glass outfitted with a colorful silicone sleeve. It’s designed for children three and older. Produced in Europe and the US, the glass and the sleeve adhere to the strictest quality standards for both the US and Europe. The Kupp’ glass is certified lead and cadmium free, is made from a pure soda-lime formula and is completely dishwasher safe. The grip-friendly silicon sleeve is BPA/BPS free, medical food grade silicon and comes in a range of colors. The colorful, child-themed sleeves, designed as a smile, easily attract children of all ages. The Kupp’ is the perfect serving size, helping to avoid wasting costly milk and juice while encouraging kids to become more aware as consumers. Children instantly feel drawn to the color and love to take care of their own glasses. Created by Katesplace founder Kate Oliver, the Kupp’ helps parents step away from the ongoing task of organizing their children’s daily routine; why not let the kids set the table. The firm grip and protective sleeve, insures a low probability of breakage while still offering a safe, toxic free vessel in which to drink.
We asked Kate Oliver, the woman behind The Kupp’, a few questions about the creation and vision of her product.
Kate: The Kupp’ gives children the gift of color and the benefits of glass. By offering a color connection to their glassware, young children begin the early lessons of locating, using, cleaning and storing their belongings, or in this case, their Kupp’. By bringing the fun and wonderfully designed Kupp’ into the house, parents can step away from the ongoing task of organizing their child’s daily routine.
Realize: What types of things were you looking for when designing the product?
Kate: Functionality, this is a product that will be used with the modern family and its aim is to help simplify and organize the kitchen routine. It had to come in one part, and the silicone could not come apart. It had to be dishwasher safe and be a product that brought harmony into what is otherwise a chaotic scene (the family kitchen)
Realize: What new products might you develop moving forward?
Kate: Anything that will help the modern family teach their growing children domestic responsibility. It is hard to take the time to teach these skills so Katesplace is working to product products that children of all ages want to use and enjoy using.
Troy Mason, President and CEO of Impulse Product Development provided some insight into how the project came about and how Realize and additive manufacturing played a role.
“The client contacted us wanting help in getting her product designed and manufactured. She had an idea, but she didn’t know what the steps were to get the product developed. We worked with her to complete the industrial design, engineering / CAD design, prototyping, and in finding vendors to manufacture the silicone and glass. One of the big challenges with this project was we needed a low cost way to test a silicone sleeve on the glass shape. Building an injection mold tool would have been too costly and time consuming, so we contacted realize to see if we could get RTV castings made from silicone. The result was so good that the client actually wanted to do a second round to evaluate a second design iteration. Creating the prototypes really helped the client make the decision when it was time to order injection mold tooling.”
Brian Cazzell, General Manager at Realize, Inc. explains how the project came together at Realize.
“The Kupp’ project was a collaborative effort with Troy Mason at Impulse Product Development. Their team worked on the design with their client and provided us with the 3D drawings for the prototyping stage. Initially we built a complete prototype of the clear cup using Somos Watershed XC11122 resin with a highly polished surface. To create the soft outer silicone sleeve for The Kupp’, our RTV team made several colorized silicone castings from an SLA master. The end result was a prototype of The Kupp’ that perfectly resembled their production version in both look and feel.”
We are thrilled to be working with great partners on new and exciting products like The Kupp’.
Realize, Inc is proud to support local science and technology students in the Indianapolis area.
Recently we sponsored the Fishers High School Robotics Team. The robotics team is called TigerDynasty (FRC Team #5010) and is associated with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.) We talked with Ryusuke Saito, the Vice President an co-founder of the team about the program.
Tell me about the Fishers Robotic Team, What does your team do?
Our team is a FIRST Robotics Competition team that competes at regional competitions in the region. Every year, at the start of January, FIRST presents a new game that teams must engineer a robot for. Teams are given six weeks to engineer a robot that works within the regulations set forth by FIRST.
Why is this team important for students and the school?
This team is extremely important for students as it can grow students interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This program can teach students practical knowledge mixed with applied science and mathematics. Along with that, this program can also teach students crucial leadership, management, organization, coordination, and teamwork skills that classrooms cannot teach effectively. With the hands-on element of organizing and managing a team by students, everyone can learn and grow with the program itself.
Fishers High School Robotics Team- TigerDynasty
How did the Realize Sponsorship help your team?
To participate in the 2014 Boilermaker Regional Competition at Purdue University, Realize, Inc.’s, sponsorship helped our initial payment of $6,000.00 to participate at the competition. Without the help of Realize, we would not have been able to participate in our first official regional competition which created our credibility as an official team in that should be taken seriously.
TigerDynasty in action.
What do you love about Robotics?
The team was able to learn new technical skills that they had not known about. They learned everything from the basic skills as crimping wires to learning a brand new programming language to program a functioning robot. Though this is a robotics team, the team also enjoyed the social nature of the competitions and the activities involved because of the supportive and positive nature of the FIRST community.
How can you see Robotics and 3D Printing working together in the future?
We believe that robotics and 3D printing will definitely work together in the future. Even on this year’s robot used at the Boilermaker Regional Competition, one of our team mentors had a personal 3D printer and we utilized 3D printing to create a gyroscope mount for our robot. With that example, we believe that 3D printing and rapid prototyping will be crucial in the success of robots in the future.
What do you think students need more information on regarding the additive manufacturing industry?
I think students need more information regarding the applications of the additive manufacturing industry’s products and services. Many know 3D printing services exist and have some knowledge regarding it; however, many do not realize the applications or the real process of how rapid prototyping works.
The team robot, Hobbes II.
If you could 3D Print anything, what would that be?
If I could 3D print anything, I would 3D print a 3D printer for the team so that, in the future, they could have access to a 3D printer.
3D Printing/Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing