RAPID 2013 is On

Every year for the last two decades, additive manufacturing (AM) professionals, insiders and enthusiasts have gathered for the RAPID Conference and Exposition. Hosted by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), RAPID is the most well-known 3D printing event in North America.

The four-day event will feature nearly 100 vendors on the show floor displaying the latest in AM technology and services. In addition to the show floor, RAPID 2013 will present keynote speakers, AM-related workshops and panel discussions.

“RAPID is the place to be whether you’re investigating new technologies for your business or if you’re currently using the technology,” said SME business development manager Gary Mikola. “It continues to be an exciting venue with exceptionally informational and hands-on learning. This year offers an expanded conference and many new exhibitors.”

Some of the interesting presentations include “Wearable Technologies Benefit From 3D Imaging,” “Tessa’s Eyes - An Effort to Help Protect a Little Girl’s Eyes,” “Design, Research, and Education for Additive Manufacturing,” and “Promoting Careers in Manufacturing: The Opportunity in High Schools - Sustaining a Qualified Manufacturing Workforce.”

Along with the speakers and show floor, SME will present a number of awards at the conference, including the RAPID 2013 Exhibitor Innovation Award, RAPID 2013 Best in Show Award, the Dick Aubin Distinguished Paper Award, and the Design for Direct Digital Manufacturing Award.

Also on display will be the 2013 Contemporary Art Gallery, featuring 3D printed works of artistic vision, including pieces on loan from Materialise’s Andy Warhol Challenge. RAPID 2013 will be held June 10-13 in Pittsburgh, PA at the David L. Lawrence convention center.

Desktop Engineering will be on the show floor this year, so watch here and our Twitter feed for updates.

Below you’ll find a video of the RAPID 2012 fashion show.

Source: RAPID, SME