{"id":283,"date":"2014-06-24T14:58:52","date_gmt":"2014-06-24T14:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fusion360.wpengine.com\/rapid-2014-conference\/"},"modified":"2016-03-17T18:32:54","modified_gmt":"2016-03-17T18:32:54","slug":"rapid-2014-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/rapid-2014-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"RAPID 2014 Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"

RAPID 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

I had the opportunity to attend the <\/span>RAPID<\/a> conference sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in Detroit the week of June 9. \u00a0This conference focuses on 3D scanning and additive manufacturing (3D printing). \u00a0Workshop classes, panels and even certification in 3D printing from the SME were all part of the event. \u00a0 For Fusion 360 users the exposition floor was a sea of potential new methods for prototyping as well as custom fabrication. \u00a0As you may have read in another <\/span>blog posting<\/a>\u00a0output for 3D printing is an area where Fusion will continue to expand our capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

The exhibit floor had representatives from many printer manufacturers but there were also many service bureaus showing their capabilities. \u00a0The cost of 3D printers continues to drop but there are some printing capabilities that simply don’t justify the purchase of the machinery. These service bureaus will provide expertise and technology on an as needed basis. \u00a0Some are available online such as Shapeways, iMaterialize and Sculpteo. \u00a0Here is a<\/span> listing of those vendors<\/a> from the RAPID show which you may want to consider for projects where special expertise or equipment is required. \u00a0For instance I was struck by the number of vendors who provided metal printing. \u00a0The process to create these type of prints utilize a powdered metal which is sintered or melted in layers to create the parts. \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"OakRidgeMetalSintering.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Oak Ridge National Laboratories<\/span><\/p>\n

Lumes Avance-25<\/strong><\/p>\n

Operating on the show floor was a machine from <\/span>Matsuura Machinery<\/a> that combined both laser metal sintering with a machining head. \u00a0<\/span>The results were\u00a0<\/a>outstanding. \u00a0Although not the kind of machine you are going to put in the basement this combination of technologies has the potential to streamline the production of injection molded parts. \u00a0The process provides an extremely high quality surface finish but it also allows cooling channels\u00a0to be created within the mold at the same time. \u00a0It even can change the density of the metal material allowing gas to be injected into the mold which improves the quality of the part. \u00a0This combination of additive and subtractive capabilities is a trend we will see more of.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Lumex.png\"t<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a0Maatsura Machinery<\/span><\/p>\n

Microfabrica – micro scale printing<\/strong><\/p>\n

I was drawn into the <\/span>Microfabrica<\/a>\u00a0booth because of the microscope on display. \u00a0The microscope was actually needed to see the results of their printing process that produces parts at the sub millimeter scale. \u00a0This process is capable of not only printing small parts but also working movements such as the escapement of a watch. \u00a0Microfabrica provides the service of printing these parts as prototypes and in production runs. \u00a0All you need is the CAD part.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Microfabrica.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Microfabrica<\/span><\/p>\n

BAAM – Big Area Additive Manufacturing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oak Ridge National Laboratories is a manufacturing research facility that advances the capabilities of additive manufacturing among other areas. \u00a0They have partnered with Cincinatti Inc. to develop a large scale 3D printing capability. How large? \u00a0How about the size of a car? \u00a0The process is \u00a0capable of printing entire body components such as those needed to address the <\/span>3D Printed Car Challenge<\/a> presented by Local Motors. \u00a0Examples on the show floor included furniture created from the process. \u00a0The process will utilize a gantry system with a polymer extruder and machining head.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"OakRidgChair.png\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Oak Ridge National Laboratories<\/span><\/p>\n

Makerbot Z18<\/strong><\/p>\n

Makerbot displayed their newest offering the <\/span>Replicator Z18<\/a>. \u00a0The Z18 provides a solution for professsional quality printing that adds many capabilities to their current consumer printers. \u00a0The volume is a substantial 2,592 cubic inches with a hieght of over 18 inches. The build area is heated which will improve print quality. \u00a0Files can be sent to the Z18 via WiFi and Ethernet. \u00a0The printing process can also be monitored through an onboard camera. \u00a0There is also a filiment monitor that will pause the print process and notify you through a mobile app.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Makerbot18.png\"<\/p>\n

Photo: \u00a0Makerbot<\/span><\/p>\n

3D printing capabilities continue to expand creating opportunities for energy savings, faster prototyping and mass customization. \u00a0Fusion 360 can link you to all of these new manufacturing processes. You can learn more about the <\/span>RAPID 2015 conference next year in Long Beach, California<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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