Micah Chaban is the founder and Vice President of Sales at RapidMade, a company specializing in advanced 3D printing solutions. RapidMade is known for leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Nexa3D’s high-performance DLP resins to provide industrial-grade, production-ready additive manufacturing. With expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and sales, Micah has been instrumental in helping businesses integrate 3D printing into their production workflows to achieve cost savings, design flexibility, and speed. In this interview, Micah shares insights into the latest advancements in DLP resin 3D printing and how RapidMade is pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing.
What sets Nexa3D’s DLP resins apart from traditional resin 3D printing materials?
The biggest differentiator is performance. Traditional resin printing was largely confined to prototyping because the materials were too brittle or lacked the strength and temperature resistance for end-use applications. Nexa3D’s DLP resins have completely changed that. These materials mimic the mechanical properties of injection-molded plastics, elastomers, and even ceramics. We’re talking about engineering-grade strength, high heat deflection temperatures, and exceptional impact resistance—all with the speed and precision of digital light processing.
Which industries benefit the most from these high-performance DLP resins?
There’s a broad spectrum of industries adopting this technology. Aerospace and automotive companies use Nexa3D resins for lightweight, high-strength components. Manufacturers integrate them for jigs, fixtures, and production tooling. In consumer goods, we see companies using these materials for functional prototypes and even end-use parts. The medical and dental fields are also heavily investing in these resins for biocompatible surgical guides, splints, and orthodontic models. It’s exciting to see how versatile these materials are.
Can you share a real-world example of how RapidMade has helped a client with Nexa3D resins?
One great example is our work with PepsiCo. They needed a more cost-effective way to produce blow mold tooling, and by switching to Nexa3D’s xPEEK147 resin, we helped them reduce tooling costs by 96%. That’s a massive savings, and the turnaround time was significantly faster than traditional machining. Another case is Alstom, a leader in rail transportation. They were struggling with supply chain issues for a specific passenger footrest, and we replaced it using xABS3843 resin, effectively solving their problem with a durable, high-quality 3D-printed part.
What are some of the key advantages of 3D printing with Nexa3D’s DLP resins over traditional manufacturing?
Speed is a huge factor. With Nexa3D’s Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing (LSPc®) technology, we can produce parts in hours instead of weeks. There’s also the cost efficiency—since we’re eliminating expensive molds and tooling, companies can iterate faster and reduce production expenses. Then there’s the design freedom. Traditional manufacturing has limitations on geometry, but with 3D printing, we can create highly complex, lightweight structures that would be impossible to produce with conventional methods. Finally, the material versatility is key—whether you need rigid, high-temperature polymers, flexible elastomers, or ceramic composites, we have a resin that fits.
How does RapidMade support businesses looking to integrate 3D printing into their operations?
We take a consultative approach. Every business has unique needs, and we help them select the right material and technology for their application. We offer high-speed, industrial-grade DLP printing, customization, and low-volume production, ensuring that companies get high-quality, production-grade parts with fast turnaround times. Whether a company is new to 3D printing or looking to scale up, we provide the expertise and manufacturing capability to make it happen.
For companies considering adopting high-performance 3D printing, what’s the next step?
The best way to start is to reach out to us. We can walk through your application, recommend the right materials, and provide sample prints or prototypes. Whether you need a single part or full-scale production, we have the technology and expertise to deliver. Visit rapidmade.com to learn more, or contact us directly to explore how 3D printing can revolutionize your manufacturing process. Let’s bring your designs to life—faster, stronger, and more cost-effectively.