Rapid Shape, a German manufacturer of modern, technologically advanced 3D printers, opens its North American headquarters in Raleigh. Rapid Shape opened its branch office in the United States of America with a joyful inauguration party on September 7, 2022. Numerous guests arrived for this special occasion and could hardly wait for the celebratory moment of the ribbon cutting.
Andreas Schultheiss, founder and CEO: „With the opening of Rapid Shape Inc. in the USA, we are creating the best conditions to continue Rapid Shape‘s growth in the North American market. We place great value on personal consultation, fast and excellent service, and short delivery routes. With our local sales, logistics and support activities, we can now better serve the U.S. and Canadian markets.“
Rapid Shape was founded in 2011. The fast-growing company has been active in the dental, jewelry, hearing aid and industrial markets for years. Rapid Shape also benefits from the experience and good cooperation with numerous partners such as Straumann US, Würth Additive Group, Opulent, Henkel, Keystone and other local US and Canadian partners.
Rapid Shape chose the Centennial Campus of NC State University in Raleigh as its North American headquarters. Reasons for the choice include proximity to student and faculty talent, which includes research and development. In Raleigh, Rapid Shape is working with NC State‘s Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics (CAMAL) and its director, Ola Harrysson, to drive innovation in the 3D printing industry.
Schultheiss said: „NC State provides access to top talent within walking distance of our new office. The resources and infrastructure available in CAMAL will support Rapid Shape‘s growth in the North American market.“
Rapid Shape has provided equipment for university education and training. Interdisciplinary teams are gaining hands-on experience using the 3D printers and materials in numerous projects.
“We are proud to welcome Rapid Shape to the innovative community of public and private partners who call our Centennial Campus home,” said NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson. “Together, we will develop new technologies and prepare the future additive manufacturing workforce.”
Rapid Shape has already tapped into the university’s strong talent pool hiring several, top motivated and highly skilled engineering graduates, to join the Rapid Shape team as a 3D printing applications engineer. Rapid Shape is currently working with the College of Engineering to develop an internship program for more graduates.
Students will have the opportunity to gain early insight into advanced technologies and future product design. Like the company itself, Rapid Shape‘s team is expected to grow. Not only the employees in Raleigh are looking forward to this development, but also the employees in Germany as well as at the other locations in Brazil, Japan and China.
Rapid Shape‘s portfolio covers the full range of requirements, from single companies to large-scale manufacturers. All of Rapid Shape‘s equipment needed for additive manufacturing is digitally networked, equipped with advanced software, and perfectly aligned with validated workflows. The open material system allows the use of over 300 resins, and more are being added all the time.
Rapid Shape‘s fully automated 3D printers offer medical precision on an industrial scale through lights-out manufacturing capabilities. High volume production of custom printed parts is enabled by Digital Light Processing (DLP) and force feedback technologies. The equipment produces results (prints) with impeccable precision in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
Rapid Shape works with reputable partners to develop advanced materials needed for additive manufacturing, such as resins that can withstand high temperatures and impact. Customers include global providers of dental implants, orthodontics, prosthetics and hearing aids, to name a few.
Find out more about Rapid Shape at rapidshape.de.
To learn more about NC State University, please visit ncsu.edu.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPResso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
