rapid prototype

Realize is leaping tall buildings

Realize recently created a scaled model version prototype of the Transamerica Pyramid.

We worked with designer, Adam Voorhees, who builds architectural models. He needed a prototype of the skyscraper at a scaled height of 53 inches to go into a museum exhibit. There was time spent upfront with Adam talking over the project with Brian Cazzell from Realize about file issues and other build options.

Once it was only a drawing, now it’s here. Realize President Todd Reese likes what he sees!

Adam was knowledgeable about our processes and what it was going to take to be able to build this. We were only concerned about the external parts of the building. It was a good clean file from the beginning and then we cut it into three sections and inserted a dowel pin system. We used Acura 60 and one of our SLA 5000 machines to create the parts.

The entire process took about 4 days- the build time for this project was approximately 84 hours.

We talked with the client to find out more about his experience and how this prototype will be used:

“The parts have been received, they look great. Everything with Realize went well – cost was on target, build time was quick, packaging was excellent, and Brian was extremely helpful. This model is going to be used for an exhibit on the architect, William Pereira” – ADAM VOORHEES

It all starts with this…

Three parts will become one- we are ready to send to the machine

From the ashes…we have our parts.

June 13, 2013 Blog

Realize Employee Profile: David Strait

What is your role at Realize?

I create RTV (Room temperature vulcanization) molds from SLA masters. Make sure its delivered the way it was ordered by the client after coming out of SLA machines.

What challenges do you face during a typical week at Realize?

Deadlines are a big thing- making them. The complexity of the part- and how difficult the process can be getting it correct.

How does Realize do things differently than the competition?

We have a fast turn around and the quality of work is unmatched in my opinion. Talent level is excellent. They are always seeking experience and that sets Realize apart- my experience in this industry is over 20 years.

What are some of your favorite things in the world?

Model HO Trains, World War II history and airplanes. My Father was in the war and I was just always fascinated. Graphic design is a hobby on the side and I enjoy bowling, volleyball, and tennis.

Favorite meal?

Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes and gravy from Ruth Chris. To drink would be glass wine white and dessert entire lemon meringue pie.

What music are you listening to right now?

I’m into show tunes, movie trailer music, and my favorite bands are Chicago & Boston.

What fascinates you most about Rapid Prototyping and 3D printing?

The fast turn around the complexity that is generated. What used to take week or months can be done in hours now…in the future incorporating soft and hard materials will become a new direction, and we will be doing new and different types of projects.

You can take two movies with you to space…which do you bring?

Saving Private Ryan and Star Wars.

One word that describes you?

Unique.

One personal item you would like to Rapid Prototype?

Space 1999 Eagle One – It’s a spaceship from mid 1970s TV show.

June 11, 2013 Blog

Realize Employee Profile – Charlie Guernsey

What is your role at Realize?

Master Painter and detail specialist.

I work on projects that require a little more attention and detail. Lots of painting and clear coat techniques. It takes some thought and creativity to bring some of these prototypes to life.

Which item you have worked on was the most fascinating?

The naughty librarian of course….a client asked for a desktop model of one of his products…it’s 25 pieces and hardest part of creating it was blending skin tones and making the stockings look real.

What do you think are the attributes required to do your job?

Multitasking and staying efficient are a must. You need to constantly think outside of the box.

Name some of your favorite things in the world.

Good dry English humor…if you can’t have fun you might as well be dead…so I try to have fun. I like to paint miniatures, play war games, war hammer table top war game is my current favorite. I like to read and consider myself a military history junkie. My favorite war is WWII.

How does Realize do things differently than the competition?

Realize allows for independent thought and creativity. This allows employees to flourish and ultimately that benefits the customer and makes a huge difference.

Favorite meal?

Taco bar at any restaurant….I love tacos.

What music are you listening to right now?

Rush…it’s all Rush all the time…favorite song is Time Stand Still.

You can take two movies with you on a trip out to space…which do you bring?

Star Wars original and Lord of the Rings.

One word that describes you?

Fun.

One thing you would like to Rapid Prototype for yourself?

A Sherman Tank….its a big M4 WWII tank.

January 11, 2013 Blog, Realize Team

Realize Employee Profiles – Dana Andrews

What do you do at Realize?

Finishing. I get the machines cleaned up sanded, painted, whatever needs to be done. Take prototypes out of the SLA machines and soak them in a solution and release the excess resin. We use a two bath alcohol rinse, depending on the material we will clean it up and blow dry it…we use syringes, toothbrushes, and other large brushes.

What is the strangest item you have used to finish a part?

We will use a guitar string…they are small and can penetrate tiny openings and get the resin out. During the curing process we sometimes insert the string into tiny holes that may look like they have excess resin in them…don’t want the hole to close up….if it does we may need to re-do the part.

Most difficult part of your job?

Actually getting it off the platform or grid from the SLA machine…removing parts without breaking them is the toughest part…it can be 5 seconds or 50 minutes…every prototype is different.

What attributes are needed to be a finisher?

Detailed oriented, patient, and you can’t be afraid to get a little dirty! Not the cleanest job…we don’t wear anything too expensive in our department.

Name some of your favorite things in the world.

Panning for gold. The Travel Channel gold-rush fascinates me….geology….gem or jewelry side of things…my favorite gem is the sapphire. I’ve been out mining for them in Montana…and learned how to cut gems….
ATV 4 wheeling….outdoors….hiking…golf…I’m somewhere around a 20 handicap.

How does Realize do things differently than the competition?

I think that if someone is unhappy we go out of our way to resolve the issue….we go that extra step that other companies tend not to bother with.

Favorite meal?

Anything barbecued…pulled bbq pork, scalloped potatoes, and a good salad with Italian dressing..and cheesecake for dessert.

What music are you listening to right now?

I listen to the rock of the 70’s and 80’s and light jazz….one of my favs is Tom Petty.

You can take two movies with you to space…which do you bring?

James Bond with Ursala Andress…Dr. No and the Godfather.

One word that describes you?

Diversified.

One personal thing you would like to Rapid Prototype?

I would like to have a 3D prototype of my family….my sister and parents.

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December 19, 2012 Blog

Itar Registered

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