Realizing dreams – the 3D way: Rize Inc.

The last couple of years, 3D printing brought in an era that was unfathomable. Technologically speaking, in this process a physical three-dimensional part is build up layer by layer from a digital file.  As simple as it sounds, this technology has immense potential.

However, each 3D printing technology comes with inherent limitations that require users to make sacrifices in cost, ease of use, material properties, safety and more. For example, no additive manufacturing system is able to produce parts with all the same characteristics as injection-molded parts, i.e.; they cannot produce parts with the same color, strength, HDT, surface finish, resolution, etc. as injection-molded parts. To tackle such problems, Eugene Giller established Rize Inc. Since its inception, the company has been creating ripples in the industry.

To get to know more about the firm, we are in conversation with its founder, Eugene Giller

Why was the company set up?

When I was developing other 3D printing processes, I realized that there were a number of limitations that inhibited the adoption of and applications for 3D printing. That is why I developed the APD (Augmented Polymer Deposition) 3D printing platform. I recognized the sacrifices that engineers and designers are forced to make every day and my goal was to develop a sustainable additive manufacturing process that would produce parts with the same characteristics as injection-molded parts, quickly, affordably, easily and safely.

What was your driving force?

My technical background and prior experience working for a few startups provided me with a strong base with which I set up Rize. One of the critical lessons I learned in this journey is the importance of getting the right people on board in the right positions. I am driven by the desire to solve real business problems. I understand those problems and, together with my team, we know we can solve them.

Tell us about your latest product.

Our first product is the Rize™ One 3D printer, introduced last February.

Suitable for the additive manufacturing lab, the engineering office or virtually any field location, Rize One uniquely produces watertight and isotropic-strength thermoplastic parts, with detailed text and images, that are twice as strong as the competition. Rize One is also the only office-safe 3D printer, without toxic particle emissions, mess or harmful materials throughout the process and limited post-processing after 3D printing, saving users up to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in staffing costs alone and up to 100% in total processing time. Considering the number of parts produced per month, the number of iterations per part and the duration of each iteration, this unique capability has an extraordinarily positive impact on total R&D process time, costs and designs. Manufacturing engineers can place a Rize One 3D printer next to the assembly line to build custom or replacement tooling, fixtures and jigs on demand, avoiding costly down time and excess inventory. Rize One is also ideal for efficiently producing a low volume of custom end-use parts.

The Success Factors; In Eugene Giller’s words

Our customers: Our customers provide us with valuable input and feedback for product enhancements. Their stories of success using our technology are invaluable in gaining credibility and attracting new customers.

Our team: We have more than 20 3D printing patents among us and this expertise is instrumental in our ability to innovate and get to market faster, with a higher quality product, than the competition.

Our IP: Our patented APD platform drives our value and is at the core of all that differentiates us from our competitors. No other 3D printing process can achieve the capabilities, benefits and applications we offer, thanks to our IP.

Our investors: Our investors, led by Longworth Venture Partners, believed in us from the beginning and continue to offer their support and commitment.

Our channel partners: We view Rize’s family of authorized resellers as an extension of our company.

What is your take on the cut throat competition in this industry?

The 3D printing industry is intensely competitive. There are many different technologies and even more manufacturers, with companies seemingly announcing new products daily. Gaining share of mind in the press, with investors and among customers is always a challenge, particularly during a time when metal 3D printers are all the rage and the industry is ripe with hype, over-investment and inflated expectations.

However our deeply experienced team is always committed to deliver and set the bar higher for ourselves.

What shaped your organization’s road map?

In the early years, we interviewed numerous commercial and industrial users of 3D printing technologies across market segments to learn more about the capabilities they desired. Those expert users specified stronger materials with expanded, injection molded-quality material properties, a safe and clean process, faster time to usable part and lower operational costs. Looking ahead, we will continue listening to our customers and other users to build on what we’ve started.

What is a typical day in your office like?

Usually our VP of Marketing is the first to arrive in the office at 7AM. Shortly thereafter, our engineering team arrives. After many of us gather for breakfast or coffee in our small kitchen, our engineers have a stand-up meeting in the engineering lab. Throughout the day, we continue to alternate back and forth between calls, impromptu collaboration with colleagues around our in-house Rize printers, scheduled meetings and work at our desks. The last person in the office usually locks up at around 7 or 8PM.

The man behind

Eugene Giller has extensive experience in developing new technologies for Additive Manufacturing, electronics, and optics. Prior to founding Rize Inc., he worked for Z Corporation developing new inkjet technology-based approaches for Rapid Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping and developed and commercialized a number of formulations used in the electrical and electronic industries. Head-mounted displays produced with materials and processes developed by Eugene were successfully tested by the U.S. Army on the battlefield and also helped people with low vision syndrome. Eugene holds MS degrees in Chemistry from University of Manitoba and Chemical Engineering from Moscow’s Academy of Fine Chemical Technology.

“In a couple of years, we plan to be a global leader in the additive manufacturing industry.”