Rapid Application Group leads collaboration to enable thousands of FDA approved devices produced using additive manufacturing

Rapid Application Group (RAG), in collaboration with FlightSafety International and Newton Design, responded in mid-March 2020 to deliver thousands of critical Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) devices to local first responders and healthcare teams in Oklahoma.

Pivoting rapidly from their usual aerospace production work, the three companies teamed together to start production of face shields and masks using additive manufacturing. Working with healthcare providers and the FDA, the team at RAG were able to create approved designs within 3 weeks and the three started production of face shields and masks immediately using additive manufacturing with Class VI materials. Producing hundreds of parts a day, the three companies have produced and delivered more than 5,000 parts, with thousands of orders yet to fulfill.

"Terry, Jason and the team at RAG truly exemplify the Oklahoma Standard" said Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, Sean Kouplen. "Their desire and ability to quickly adapt their business model so they could help our health care workers and citizens of Oklahoma is remarkable. When you put your company and livelihood on the line to help save lives, you are a real hero in my book."

FlightSafety International, a manufacturer of critical flight simulation systems, stepped up to the challenge from its Tulsa, OK plant by offering additional additive manufacturing platforms to help the effort.

"We felt we had to assist what the team at Rapid Application Group had started," said Mike Halsey, Director of Manufacturing and Material Management, at the FlightSafety's Simulation facility in Broken Arrow. "This is a crisis like no other and we realized that Oklahoma's manufacturers were ideally positioned to help."

Newton Design, also a supplier of flight simulation and training systems, also volunteered when they heard what the RAG team were doing. Donating use of their SLS additive systems, they quickly verified the machines and materials and started production of the PPE devices.

"When we heard the call, we felt we had to respond," said Jeff Newton, President, Newton Design. "The work between the three teams has been remarkable in its ability to rapidly produce PPE devices that are in desperate need."
As the teams step forward with 24/7 production using additive manufacturing, they are also preparing tooling for increased production through injection molding.

"Additive is perfect for rapid production without having to wait for tooling," commented Jason Dickman, COO, Rapid Application Group. "But we are going to use all the tools and production technologies available to us to make sure the need is met."

As the team ramped up, it was also assisted by companies such as EOS, an additive manufacturing vendor, which donated critical materials for the teams to use.

"We really couldn't have got to the production phase so quickly without the help of these incredible companies," said Terry Hill, CEO, Rapid Application Group. "We are all doing 24/7 production to fill the need and protect our healthcare and first responder teams and will continue until the work is done."

Healthcare and first responders can find out more about obtaining the PPE devices at: https://rapidapplicationgroup.com/covid-ppe-production/
T: 918-994-6031

About Rapid Application Group
Rapid Application Group LLC is a HUBZone and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Discipline, loyalty, integrity and meticulous quality are its guiding principles. Its mission critical, application-based approach separates and elevates RAG from the ordinary online 3D printing services. RAG guarantees customers the right solution for manufactured parts delivered on time, every time. RAG maintains certifications for, and compliance with, AS9100D, ISO 9001, ITAR, HUBZone and SDVOSB, and is a member of America Makes.
http://www.rapidapplicationgroup.com