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DEARBORN, Mich., – February 12, 2003 – Providing design, product development and manufacturing professionals with the tools to develop and make products faster, better and more cost effectively is what the 2003 Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing (RP&M) Conference and Exposition is all about. Sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and its Rapid Prototyping Association (RPA/SME), attendees will celebrate 10 years of bringing the rapid community together at the event being held May 12 – 15 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, Ill.,

"RP&M is the world’s largest event focused on product development and rapid manufacturing technologies. This is the one event I have not missed in years. I can accomplish so much in just a few days, from meeting and networking with all the experts to comparing and evaluating the latest products, processes and materials for this rapidly growing industry," said Boris Fritz, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Vice Chair RPA/SME.

The event features those technologies within the product development phase of manufacturing. Specifically, these include CAD/CAM, CAE, virtual reality, 3D-CAD, solid modeling, mold making, reverse engineering and other design software applications, CNC, computer-aided manufacturing solutions, software applications utilized in the rapid tooling phase, and rapid prototyping and tooling processes and materials.

"In today’s tough economy with increasingly competitive business conditions, manufacturers must get higher quality products to market faster, and the Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing 2003 event can help them do that," said Gary Mikola, SME Director of Expositions. "Whether it’s automotive, aerospace, consumer or medical products, electronics, or any other industry that requires prototypes, small volume production or mass customization, RP&M 2003 provides all the resources for successful rapid product development and manufacturing."

Conference Focuses on Key Technologies and Provides Solutions

The conference offers more than 20 technical sessions focusing on the latest RP technologies and process strategies. Presented by top professionals and researchers, the sessions will provide the most useful and up-to-date information available. Topics include:

Advancements in Rapid Technologies, Managing Rapid Operations, International Developments in RP(GARPA), Medical Applications of RP, Materials, Metal Casting Alternatives, Rapid Tooling, Mass Customization, RP vs. CNC, and more. 

New this year, the conference will also feature hands-on training workshops on Advanced Concepts in Rapid Prototyping, Silicone & Urethane Tooling, Common Challenges in Designing for Manufacturing, and Decorative Finishing Techniques.

Renowned Astronaut Colonel Mike Mullane Speaks at the Plenary Session

On Tuesday, May 13, the Plenary Session kicks-off the event with keynote speaker Colonel Mike Mullane, a renowned astronaut who will share lessons learned from his experience on the Challenger O ring project and the importance of speaking up to improve, change and innovate. Mike has been inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and is the recipient of many awards, including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit and the NASA Space Flight Medal. Industry Consultant Terry Wohlers will present the Annual State of the Industry Report, where he’ll share his insight on the most significant trends in RP. Other conference highlights include industry panel discussions, exhibitor forums and plant tours

"Said Beth Israelnaim, FineLine Prototyping, Inc., Chair RPA/SME, "The RP&M exposition is the place to see the newest releases in equipment, materials and software related to this field. Anyone involved with RP, product development or any of the related technologies should attend this event to learn about what’s new and see why and how these advanced technologies can help speed up and enhance their current processes."

Opening at noon on Tuesday, May 13, the exposition will showcase over 100 exhibitors, displaying the latest in advanced product development technologies. Exhibitor-sponsored end-user forums will take place daily on the show floor from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Exposition hours are: Tuesday, Noon – 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

RPA/SME, founded in 1993, is dedicated to enhancing members' and the manufacturing community's capabilities through interactive education of advanced rapid product development technologies.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world’s leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions, and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing engineers and executives annually. The Society has members in 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of chapters worldwide. 

www.sme.org

 

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