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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