Featuring speakers from NASA, HP Inc. and University of Michigan

ORLANDO, Fla., April 19, 2016 — (PRNewswire) — SME's RAPID Conference & Exposition will be hosted at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from May 16-19. RAPID is known worldwide as the unrivaled authority on 3D knowledge and expertise. 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. The conversations will focus on digital manufacturing, 4D printing in medical, and the future of additive manufacturing.

Transition to Production (Monday, May 16)

RAPID kicks off on Monday with a special keynote presentation about the opportunities and challenges in progressing additive manufacturing technology to full part production. The discussion will feature Kevin Creehan, director of technology transition, America Makes - National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII), National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), Leo Christodoulou, PhD, director, engineering structures and materials technology, chief engineer, materials and manufacturing technology, The Boeing Company, and Barbara Negroe, ‎advanced manufacturing initiatives - additive manufacturing, GE Corporate Supply Chain & Operations.

Participants will hear how manufacturers are working to facilitate their transition from prototypes and to larger production volumes. The presentation will help professionals understand how repeatable and reliable processes, standards development and a qualified workforce play a role.

Factory of the Future (Tuesday, May 17)

Stephen Nigro, president of 3D printing, HP Inc., will take part in Tuesday's presentation discussing additive manufacturing and how 3D technologies impact the "Factory of the Future." Joining him in the discussion will be John Vickers, principal technologist, space technology mission directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Dean Bartles, chief manufacturing officer and executive director, Digital Manufacturing & Design Innovation Institute (DMDI), UI LABS.

The discussion will delve deep into how 3D technologies and additive manufacturing are uniquely positioned for the digital factory. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) provides a new opportunity for devices to make their own decisions and to create digital twin parts that operate in the virtual realm.

4D Printing in Medicine (Wednesday, May 18)

Additive manufacturing is increasingly being used in the production of medical devices, particularly for static applications in orthopedics and orthodontics. On Wednesday, RAPID attendees can join Robert Morrison, MD, resident, otolaryngology - head & neck surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Scott Hollister, PhD, professor of biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, as they discuss how 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.

What's next for additive manufacturing? (Thursday, May 19)

Another highlight this year is Thursday's keynote, "The Future of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing" with Terry Wohlers, FSME, principal consultant and president, Wohlers Associates, Inc. Wohlers is a principal author of Wohlers Report, a yearly publication that provides data of critical importance to product developers, manufacturers, service providers, investors, researchers, and educators in the additive manufacturing industry. He will discuss astounding changes in the industry and 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 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."

Registration is currently open for attendees and media. To register or learn more about the event and keynote presentations, please visit www.rapid3devent.com.

About RAPID
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 rapid3devent.com.

About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to advancing manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for industry. Follow @sme_mfg on Twitter or facebook.com/smemfg.