Manufacturing

Learn More about Additive Manufacturing at SME’s RAPID Conference & Exposition

RAPID will feature keynotes from the industry’s foremost additive manufacturing experts, who will speak on groundbreaking processes, applications, materials, and research in additive manufacturing.

RAPID-2016-1

Written By: Sherelle Ledue

Published: April 27, 2016 | Updated: May 12, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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additive manufacturing, manufacturing, 3dprinting, prototyping, Boeing, NASA, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 4d printing
What
Entering its 26th year, SME’s RAPID event plays a vital role in defining additive manufacturing. As the leader and authority figure in 3D technologies, RAPID attracts buyers, sellers, and end-users of design, prototyping, tooling, and direct digital technologies to the preeminent event for discovery, innovation, and networking.

The RAPID conference is known worldwide as the unrivaled authority on 3D knowledge and expertise. The world’s foremost additive manufacturing experts speak on groundbreaking processes, applications, materials, and research in additive manufacturing.

The RAPID show floor is a visual, creativity-inspiring, hands-on learning playground. The exposition includes OEMs, service bureaus, and related technology consultants and partners

When
 May 16-19, 2016

Where
Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL

Show Hours
Monday, May 16, 8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, May 17, 8:30 am – 6 pm
Wednesday, May 18, 8:30 am – 6 pm
Thursday, May 19, 8:30 am – 2 pm

https://rapid3devent.com/event-features/keynote-presentations/
Registration Opens
Open now: https://rapid3devent.com/event-pricing/
For more information please visit www.rapid3devent.com, www.sme.org, or www.smeef.org
additive manufacturing, manufacturing, 3dprinting, prototyping, Boeing, NASA, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 4d printing
Event Summary
For over 25 years, the RAPID Conference & Exposition, produced by SME, has defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and empowered the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. As the leader and authority figure in additive manufacturing, RAPID attracts buyers, sellers and end-users of design, prototyping, tooling and direct digital technologies to a world-class event for discovery, innovation, and networking. For more information, please visit www.rapid3devent.com.

Event Highlights
Over 20 complimentary educational sessions including the below:

Monday, May 16   Kick-Off
Panel Discussion: Transition to Production

  • Leo Christodoulou – Director, Structures and Materials, Enterprise Operations and Technology, Boeing
  • Kevin Creehan – Director of Technology Transition, America Makes – National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII), National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM)
  • Barbara Negroe – Additive Business Leader, GE Supply Chain, GE Corporate

Opportunities and challenges abound in progressing additive manufacturing technology to full part production. Hear how manufacturers are working to facilitate their transition from prototypes and short run parts to larger production volumes. Understand how repeatable and reliable processes, standards development, and a qualified workforce play a role.

Tuesday, May 17   8:30 – 9:45 am
Panel Discussion: Next Generation Manufacturing: Leveraging the Digital Thread

  • Dean L. Bartles, PhD, FSME – Chief Manufacturing Officer and Executive Director, Digital Manufacturing & Design Innovation Institute (DMDI), UI LABS
  • Stephen Nigro. President – 3D Printing, HP Inc.
  • John Vickers – Assistant Manager of the Materials and Processes Laboratory, NASA

3D technologies and additive manufacturing are uniquely positioned for the digital factory. Digital data and in-situ scanning, inspection, and feedback will transform the manufacturing process into a more dynamic real-time environment. See how additive manufacturing and 3D technologies impact the Factory of the Future.

Wednesday, May 18   8:30 – 9:45 am
Panel Discussion: 4D Printing in Medicine: Developing Medical Devices for the Growing Patient

  • Scott Hollister, PhD, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Robert Morrison, PhD, Resident, Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Additive Manufacturing is increasingly being used in the production of medical devices, particularly for static applications in orthopedics and orthodontics. 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.

Thursday, May 19 9:00 – 10:15 AM

Keynote: The Future of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing

  • Terry Wohlers, FSME, Principal Consultant and President, Wohlers Associates, Inc.

The additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry has experienced remarkable change in the recent past. This change is pointing toward an exciting, but uncertain future for many. Wohlers will share why current trends will help to expand the underdeveloped supply chain, resulting in many new jobs, opportunities, and challenges worldwide.

“Once again, I am thrilled to be a part of this year’s RAPID event,” said Terry Wohlers. “As additive manufacturing continues to evolve and gain traction for production applications, RAPID gives us a great opportunity to explore ways of further advancing this exciting industry.”