Strengths and unique selling points?
Rapid specialises in jewellery CAD/CAM and precision investment casting. We have an online real-time quoting and file ordering system so customers can upload CAD files, obtain instant quotes for wax printing and casting, and submit orders online. They can also re-order parts through a portfolio of their previous orders.
Every part is barcode-tracked so all stages can be monitored online. Our CAD artists are qualified jewellers so we speak the same language as our customers. Rapid is also the Australian sales and support agent for Asiga 3D printing equipment.
What is the typical turnaround time for creations?
Customers wax, overnight. For a CAD file to be printed and cast, overnight print overnight cast. For designs to be CADed, printed and cast, it will take two to five days, depending on customer approval time and how complex the design is.
What can affect this timing?
The biggest problems that arise from customer supplied files is errors in the STL/SLC when they convert their CAD files, our system picks these up and we can generally fix these before they go to print but this can cause delays.
The other problem with CAD is you can literally draw and print any geometry, unfortunately there are limits to what can be handled, sprued, invested and knocked out after casting. Some parts need very complex support and sprue structures added to get the design to a finished piece, this can take extra time.
What formats does your software accept?
Almost all printing technologies use STL or SLC files, so we prefer these, but we can convert most CAD file types if a client cannot supply these formats.
What assistance is there for designers?
Each customer can access an online design portal through their account where they can upload images and sketches, communicate directly with the designer and view design reviews.
Is the client’s model secure, or can it be resold to, or be reused by, other clients?
All designs are drawn from scratch for each customer and all designs belong exclusively to that customer. We have a standard non-disclosure agreement on our website that clients can use.
Do you offer in-house completion so that non-bench jeweller CAD designers can expect a finished product?
As a casting company we stick to what we do best, which is casting, we generally refer designers to jewellers or manufacturers for finishing.
Strengths and unique selling points?