Be the Authority on 3D: Printing, Scanning, and Additive Manufacturing
May 16-19, 2016 | Exhibits May 17-19
Full Event Hours
Orlando, Florida – Orange County Convention Center | West Building
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. Here’s a look at what happened at RAPID 2015:
The RAPID keynote presentations will leave you inspired and eager to explore the wealth of information available at the event. RAPID 2016 will feature keynotes from industry experts focused on digital manufacturing, 4D printing in medical, and the future of additive manufacturing.
Monday, May 16 During the RAPID Kick-off
Panel Discussion: Transition to Production
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 am – 9:45 am
Panel Discussion: Next Generation Manufacturing: Leveraging the Digital Thread
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. The Industrial Internet of Things provides a new opportunity for devices to make their own decisions and to create ‘digital twin’ parts that operate in the virtual realm. See how additive manufacturing and 3D technologies impact the Factory of the Future.
Wednesday, May 18 8:30 am – 9:45 am
4D Printing in Medicine: Developing Medical Devices for the Growing Patient
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’. This process has been utilized to produce patient-specific additively manufactured implants for children with disorders of the windpipe. The implants are designed for each specific patient using CT imaging-based computer-aided design and manufactured via selective laser sintering from polycaprolactone. Long-term data shows normal growth of the windpipe via geometric shape change of the device. Specifics of device verification, validation, and manufacturing will be covered. Implications for device regulation and future applications will be discussed.
Thursday, May 19 8:30 am – 9:45 am
The Future of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
The additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing industry has experienced remarkable change in the recent past. This change is pointing toward an exciting, but uncertain future for many. No one predicted that FDM clones would sell at a rate of nearly eight times that of all other AM machines combined. The industry is also experiencing extraordinary investment and a large number of startup companies. The idea of using AM for production applications has never been more appealing. To support this activity, an increasing number of materials companies are entering the business, especially metals. 3D-printed tooling is also growing. All of this will help to expand the underdeveloped supply chain, resulting in many new jobs, opportunities, and challenges worldwide.
Event List
Events to Anticipate
- Event at-a-glance with conference presentations
- Conference Schedule
- Featured Technologies
- Featured Events
Driven by innovation, but where do you find it?
If you’re looking for new technologies or processes, partnership opportunities with startup companies or researchers, investment opportunities, or companies with an innovative product to sell, then you need to attend RAPID’s Innovation Auditions! Qualified innovators selected by a panel of industry experts and investors will audition for you during one 60-minute session. Each innovator will have no more than 5 minutes to get your attention and share why their innovation could make a difference. At the session, they’ll provide you with an innovations list to make notes and use like a sushi order list to select the ones of interest. Then connect with the innovator at the end of the session to get details on how it works. The auditions will also include a panel of investors and technology experts to provide feedback after the auditions. The panel will also select one outstanding innovation that will be announced at the Wednesday morning keynote session. 
What is an INNOVATION?
Technology, material, process, machine, tool, or software that improves quality, lowers overall cost, improves product performance, and/or allows for new products that better meet a customer needs.
Who are INNOVATORS?
Individuals, organizations, labs, universities, start-up companies and more where new technologies and unique applications are developed. While these groups tend to have limited resources, they also tend to have more freedom to try new things. They will audition their innovation, providing enough information to help understand what’s in it for you.
Exhibitors
Floor Plan Exhibitor Innovation Award
Attendee Profile
See the types of attendees you will come in to contact with by viewing the attendee profile.
Social Media
Follow RAPID and the show conversation online.
Official Hashtag: #RAPIDevent
Download the Mobile App
Get the best of the show at your fingertips.
Show Your Badge Program
If you are attending RAPID 2016, show your convention badge to a participating “Show Your Badge” restaurant during the dates of your event to take advantage of a great dining offer!
View participating restaurants and offers
Register for the event Now!
Content courtesy of RAPID
Related Links
- RAPID 2016 event to feature keynotes by additive manufacturing experts (Industrial Laser Solutions)
- RAPID 2016 conference to feature 3D printing insight from NASA, HP & more (TCT)
- Additive Manufacturing Experts Headline 2016 RAPID Keynotes (SME)
- SME & TCT team up for RAPID + TCT 3D printing event (EPPM)
- http://www.sme.org
For more upcoming trade shows and events, visit our Trade Shows page.
