Rapidia

Based in Canada, Rapidia offers 3D printers and related materials for additive manufacturing (AM). The company developed a proprietary technology that uses a solvent-free water-based metal or ceramic paste. This eliminates the debinding step in 3D printing (i.e., the removal of binding material from printed parts) and saves time. This process makes it more suitable for desktop printers like Rapidia’s, as the process does not involve harsh chemicals. This technology also uses a proprietary evaporative polymer system that allows the creation of complex internal structures while ensuring strength. According to the company, this also helps reduce material waste by up to 90%. Further, by using the water-bonding technology, printed parts can be joined together (before the sintering process) to make complex assemblies using only water, instead of harsh chemicals for bonding. 

In 2020, Rapidia opened a new facility in the US to offer better service and faster delivery for customers in the US. The company was developing the use of additional materials like Inconel, zirconia, copper, tungsten, titanium, and alumina. 

Key customers and partnerships

Rapidia installed its first printer system at the University of British Columbia’s startup incubator Hatch Accelerator in 2019.