RAPID 2016 event to feature keynotes by additive manufacturing experts

SME's RAPID Conference & Exposition, which centers around additive manufacturing, will take place May 16-19, 2016, in Orlando, FL. The event will feature keynotes from the industry's foremost additive manufacturing experts, who will speak on groundbreaking processes, applications, materials, and research in additive manufacturing. The conversations will focus on digital manufacturing, 4D printing in medical, and the future of additive manufacturing.

The event kicks off on Monday, May 16th, with a special keynote presentation about the opportunities and challenges in progressing additive manufacturing technology to full part production. The discussion will feature Kevin Creehan, director of technology transition, America Makes – National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII), National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM); Leo Christodoulou, Ph.D., director, engineering structures and materials technology, chief engineer, materials and manufacturing technology, The Boeing Company; and Barbara Negroe, ‎advanced manufacturing initiatives – additive manufacturing, GE Corporate Supply Chain & Operations.

Participants will hear how manufacturers are working to facilitate their transition from prototypes and to larger production volumes. The presentation will help professionals understand how repeatable and reliable processes, standards development, and a qualified workforce play a role.

Stephen Nigro, president of 3D printing at HP Inc., will take part in Tuesday, May 17th's presentation discussing additive manufacturing and how 3D technologies impact the "Factory of the Future." Joining him in the discussion will be John Vickers, principal technologist, space technology mission directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Dean Bartles, chief manufacturing officer and executive director, Digital Manufacturing & Design Innovation Institute (DMDI), UI LABS.

The discussion will delve deep into how 3D technologies and additive manufacturing are uniquely positioned for the digital factory. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) provides a new opportunity for devices to make their own decisions and to create digital twin parts that operate in the virtual realm.

Additive manufacturing is increasingly being used in the production of medical devices, particularly for static applications in orthopedics and orthodontics. On Wednesday, May 18th, attendees can join Robert Morrison, MD, resident, otolaryngology - head & neck surgery at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Scott Hollister, Ph.D., professor of biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, as they discuss how thoughtful device design and biomaterial selection allows production of medical devices that change with growing anatomy, also referred to as 4D printing. Morrison and Hollister will explore the usage of 4D printing to produce patient-specific additively manufactured implants for children with disorders of the windpipe.

Another highlight this year is Thursday, May 19th's keynote, "The Future of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing," with Terry Wohlers, FSME, principal consultant and president at Wohlers Associates. Wohlers is a principal author of Wohlers Report, a yearly publication that provides data of critical importance to product developers, manufacturers, service providers, investors, researchers, and educators in the additive manufacturing industry. He will discuss astounding changes in the industry and share why current trends will help to expand the underdeveloped supply chain, resulting in many new jobs, opportunities, and challenges worldwide.

For more information and to register, please visit www.rapid3devent.com.