How 3D Printing is Changing the World of Motocross Parts

The traditional world of fabricating parts has changed for good. Traditional methods and materials may be carried forward, but there are emerging technologies all over the globe. One that is gaining momentum in the motocross world is 3D Printing. We caught up with Rev3D owner Jordan Boswell to get a better understanding of this new way to manufacture parts for your bike and garage.  

Vurbmoto: Before we drive into the technology behind REV3D, what can you tell me about yourself and your background in not only motocross but also 3D printing?
Jordan Boswell: Well, it all really started around moto. I got my first dirt bike, a PW 50, when I was three for Christmas, which we actually found later on with my original Lorretta’s number still on it. From there, it was kind of the normal moto kid, chasing the nationals and costing my parents way too much money at the time but the memories were priceless! When I graduated high school, I enlisted in the military and spent the next four years over in Japan and on a few deployments. I rebuilt and tested the F18 Super Hornet engine. After getting out, I joined a company called GE Additive which really fired up my love for Additive Manufacturing, better known as 3D printing. We were developing the printers themselves for use in the aerospace, space and medical sectors at GE Aviation and beyond. This really showed me the possibilities of the technology and the impacts it will have on supply chains in the future.

3D printing is an emerging technology. How has the technology developed to the point where 3D Printed products can be applied in the world of motocross?
Man, the technology has been capable of producing parts capable for the world of motocross for quite some time, but the real discussion is, when did it become affordable for motocross. GE Aerospace has been utilizing 3D printed components in their engines since 2015 to give you an idea. As it has begun to creep into more industries, it has driven the prices down to the point where you now see it creeping into niche communities like moto.

Who were some of the early adopters and test riders for your products?
Really, the early adopter was me. As someone who believes in the technology, who better than me to try it. I still ride every year and am making a push to make Loretta’s in 30+ this year, so who better than myself to test it all! We do also have some professional supercross and motocross riders running our parts now as well as factory mechanics utilizing our tools and accessories. 

Ultimately, why did you choose to bring 3D printing into motocross?
It all kind of came to fruition during the pandemic. Outsourcing of manufacturing and very long supply chains caused what we saw. Companies mass ordering to try and keep up with demand only to have delays in shipment due to shutdowns to now sitting on tons of inventory. This technology allows you to bring nearly all your manufacturing in-house if you own the printers. This allows REV3D to operate more of a digital inventory. What that means is, no design will ever go away, and we don’t have to mass produce to hit a certain affordable price point for the consumer. 

What are some misconceptions regarding 3D printing technology?
Oh, where to start here. First, no, everything 3D Printed is not always plastic like a kid’s toy. We utilize a variety of materials and print components that meet the strength of 6061 Aluminum where we need it to. 

The technology is not new! Like I previously stated, aerospace and medical has been utilizing it for nearly a decade!

Parts do not have to be small, there are printers that could build an entire engine in one shot. 

Not all 3D Printers are created equal. There are multiple forms of printing! Whether you are melting a filament or utilizing a laser to melt metal powder, the differences are drastic! Oh yeah, stay tuned for our metal 3D Printed parts….

What is it that you want the Vurbmoto audience to know about the Rev3d brand?
We are not some get rich company or some giant corporation that owns multiple brands. We are the people you see at the track, the ones you chat with around a fire and ask how the family is doing. We are moto to the core and are bringing parts, tools and accessories to the industry that we think the consumer can use. That may be replacing expensive OEM components that cost too much to replace or making maintenance quick and easy, we are the consumer making the part for the consumer.

What was the first product you developed with Rev3D, how did you improve it from the original design and how have you expanded your catalog of offerings since that first project? 
Gosh, it’s hard to pick a “first” product. It was more of a sign down, gate down when it all came to fruition. We really initially targeted the case saver world. Most would really ask “Why?” when they initially think about plastic printing, not the material we are printing these in, which is carbon fiber. The why was, we were seeing that machined aluminum was too strong for the cases where they bolted up. Case savers were surviving but the case was not. We wanted something to absorb the impact and spread the forces. From there, the demand has increased to everything from tools, accessories and even toys for those moto moms that have kids with toy dirt bikes. We drop products nearly weekly, and the catalog is getting well, larger. Don’t see something? Let us know! 

It’s all high-performance racing products at Rev3D, is there time for play as well?
With us, we enjoy this so much it feels like play while offering such a next level product. We race every weekend when we can in Ohio. We go south, we are at the track, and we are moto. You may see the owner roll away from the set up for a moto or out on the track getting clips of Rodbell when we talk him into a trip to Ohio. We love this stuff!

Where can people find more info on Rev3D?
Head over to REV3D.com or any of our social media to learn more. If you have any questions, we would love to chat! We want to teach and inform as much as we can! We love this opportunity and can’t wait to continue to support this industry!