Introduction

Micah Chaban is a 15-year veteran in the manufacturing industry and a founder and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RapidMade, Inc. With extensive experience in additive manufacturing (AM), he has been at the forefront of integrating 3D printing technologies into industrial production. In this interview, Micah shares his insights on the evolution of AM, the advantages of resin-based printing, and how RapidMade is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern manufacturing.

What led you to start RapidMade, and what problem were you looking to solve?

I started RapidMade because I saw a major gap in how traditional manufacturing handled custom and low-volume production. Historically, manufacturers relied on high tooling costs and long lead times, which made small-batch or customized production inefficient and expensive. With the advancements in additive manufacturing, particularly in high-performance resins, I realized we could change the game.

RapidMade helps businesses take advantage of these new technologies. Our goal was to make manufacturing more agile, cost-effective, and customizable while maintaining the quality standards expected from traditional methods. Whether it’s prototyping, low-volume production, or custom parts, we wanted to remove the old constraints and offer a more flexible approach.

How have SLA and DLP technologies evolved, and why are they game-changers?

SLA (Stereolithography) and DLP (Digital Light Processing) have come a long way. Initially, they were seen as niche prototyping tools with brittle materials and limited durability. That’s no longer the case.

Today’s SLA/DLP resins can rival thermoplastics in strength, flexibility, and even heat resistance. We’re seeing materials that can handle mechanical loads, high temperatures, and even biocompatibility requirements. The speed and resolution of these printers have also dramatically improved. DLP, in particular, is incredibly fast because it cures entire layers at once instead of tracing each shape with a laser like SLA does.

The result? Manufacturers can now produce intricate, isotropic, and high-strength parts with incredible efficiency. It’s not just for prototyping anymore—companies are using these technologies for real, end-use production.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about resin-based 3D printing?

The biggest misconception is that resin-printed parts are fragile. That might have been true a decade ago, but today’s high-performance resins have shattered that stigma. We now have materials with impact resistance, thermal stability, and even chemical resistance that make them suitable for demanding applications in aerospace, automotive, and medical fields.

Another myth is that resin-based printing is slow or costly. DLP systems, in particular, are incredibly fast, and with the right workflow, they can be more cost-effective than traditional methods for low to mid-volume production. When you factor in the reduced need for tooling, the ability to rapidly switch materials, and the minimal waste involved, SLA/DLP can actually save money compared to other manufacturing techniques.

How does SLA/DLP compare to other additive manufacturing technologies like FDM or SLS?

Each technology has its strengths, but SLA/DLP excels in precision, surface finish, and material versatility.

• Compared to FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): SLA/DLP offers vastly superior detail and surface quality. FDM prints have visible layer lines and often require heavy post-processing, whereas SLA/DLP produces smooth, highly detailed parts right out of the printer. SLA/DLP parts are also more isotropic, meaning they have uniform strength in all directions, unlike FDM parts, which are weaker along layer lines.
• Compared to SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): SLS is great for durability and handling tough materials like nylon, but it requires significant post-processing. Powder handling, sieving, and depowdering make it less user-friendly than SLA/DLP, where a simple wash and UV cure are enough. SLS is ideal for large-batch production, while SLA/DLP shines in high-detail, high-precision parts with minimal post-processing.

For applications requiring fine details, smooth finishes, and material flexibility, SLA/DLP is often the best choice.

What industries are benefiting the most from these advancements in resin-based 3D printing?

We’re seeing a huge impact across multiple industries:

• Aerospace & Automotive: High-temperature resins and flame-retardant materials now meet aerospace and automotive standards, making them viable for interior components, housings, and even functional end-use parts.
• Medical & Dental: Biocompatible resins have opened up new possibilities for surgical guides, prosthetics, and anatomical models. The precision of SLA/DLP makes it ideal for patient-specific medical devices.
• Manufacturing & Tooling: SLA/DLP is now being used for industrial molds, jigs, and fixtures. High-strength ceramic-filled resins allow for wear-resistant parts that were previously only possible with CNC machining or injection molding.

The technology is rapidly expanding beyond prototyping, enabling full-scale production in areas that were previously locked into traditional manufacturing.

What makes RapidMade different from other additive manufacturing providers?

At RapidMade, we combine deep expertise in both traditional and additive manufacturing. We don’t just print parts—we help companies rethink their manufacturing strategy. Whether a customer needs a single prototype or a full production run, we tailor solutions to their specific needs.

Our agility is another key differentiator. Many companies struggle with long lead times and rigid manufacturing setups. We streamline the process with quick material swaps, on-demand production, and high-quality SLA/DLP printing, giving customers the flexibility they need to iterate faster and scale efficiently.

Where do you see the future of additive manufacturing heading?

We’re moving toward a world where additive manufacturing isn’t just a supplement to traditional manufacturing—it’s a primary production method. Material innovation is accelerating, and we’re seeing resins that can mimic injection-molded plastics, withstand extreme environments, and even integrate conductive properties for electronics.

I also see a major shift toward localized manufacturing. As supply chains become more unpredictable, businesses want the ability to produce parts on demand, closer to the point of need. SLA/DLP’s ability to rapidly produce high-quality parts with minimal overhead makes it a perfect fit for this trend.

At RapidMade, we’re constantly investing in new technologies and materials to stay at the forefront of this transformation.

Final Thoughts: Why Should Companies Consider RapidMade for Their Manufacturing Needs?

If you’re looking for high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing solutions that can adapt to your needs, RapidMade is here to help. Whether you need rapid prototyping, short-run production, or specialized parts with cutting-edge materials, we offer a smarter, more flexible approach to manufacturing.

To learn more about how we can help transform your production process, visit RapidMade.com.