Finds from RAPID 2012

I had the opportunity last week to spend a day at the RAPID Conference in Atlanta. The annual meeting of Prototyping Solutions and 3D Imaging Providers is organized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

The mix of high-end printers and consumer products makes for an interesting portrait of the 3D printing industry. The opportunities are endless.

Here are some highlights I was able to capture on my phone.

Enjoy!

Using Multi-Material Technology, the shoe provides a flexible inner layer (black), while the outer shell (white) is hardened.

Created in a single build using dissolving support material

How many materials can you count?

MCOR’s Matrix 300 printer uses standard copy paper to build its models. Sheets are stacked and cut with a tiny blade, layer by layer. Adhesive is applied between layers.

Also using the Matrix 300, a finishing technique is used here to create glossy surface.

Interchangeable mouths create scene adaptations for filming

Some booths printed out a basket of their unique puzzle pieces. Attendees of the conference were able to collect and complete the puzzle.