SiMT / March 5, 2009 When Sonoco contacted SiMT's Rapid Prototyping center, they were looking for ways to improve their manufacturing processes and control costs. Sonoco is a global supplier of plastic packaging products, many of which are injection molded. The Challenge: Thoroughly reviewing product design from a PC monitor or two-dimensional drawing can be difficult at best. When designs require changes after molds have been made, unnecessary tooling expenses are incurred. Additionally, manufacturers risk lost production time when molds require modifications. The Solution: Sonoco used prototypes to evaluate and approve the design of the Flow-Rite™. This process enhancement afforded the company a complete design review of the product prior to modifying production tooling. The plunger, a Flow-Rite™ component, features a unique patent-pending shape and textured design that displaces unwanted air and protects ultraviolet inks.

3DSUG / March 3, 2009 According to Lisa Dodge, program development manager for Gardner Publications, the Cincinnati-based publisher that is the organizer of the Time Compression Expo and publisher of Time Compression magazine, "The response to our inaugural event shows that even in these trying economic times people recognize that the ability to accelerate product development is vital to market success.  The eighteen exhibitors that have purchased the floor space are all firms that can help companies significantly decrease their time to market." Travis Egan, publisher of Time Compression magazine, observes, "We're finding that even though companies are cutting back on expenditures, they are still interested in finding the ways and means to improve their processes so that they can grow their bottom lines.  Rapid prototyping and other faster-to-market technologies are proving to be of vital importance to companies in all industries, ranging from consumer goods to industrial equipment."

MET-L-FLO / February 18, 2009 Stratasys released a new machine under the Dimension group called the uPrint. The 'uPrint' is the smallest commercial machine to use the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. The new model stands only 2.5' tall, has a 26" x 26" footprint, and features an 8" x 6" x 6" build area. It uses the ABSplus™ material and builds in 0.01" layer thickness. The maximum build size is 203 x 152 x 152 mm (8 x 6 x 6 in).

3DSUG / February 16, 2009 With a month to go, it's time to register for the 2009 3DSUG Conference in Daytona, Florida. Our conference rate of $495 is very low compared to other organizations and there is so much knowledge to be shared and gained. We have many Hands-On Training sessions with Certificates of Completion that can provide value and a competitive advantage to your organization. Talk to expert Users on how to use software, build parameters, and styles including advanced options. You can learn about 3D Scanning and Metrology techniques. Make your models work for you by advanced finishing and RTV techniques. Learn how Magics software can enhance the utilization of your additive technologies. Get your registration in by February 21st before the price goes up!

SiMT RPC / February 12, 2009 – Did you know LaserForm A6 material produces functional metal tooling in less than four days? That's compared to the 11-day average needed to prepare traditional tooling inserts! So, if you're looking to create metals parts quickly, give us a call. And, if you're looking for materials that simulate the properties and aesthics of polypropylene, polycarbonate and/or nylon, remember -- our machines are standing by to assist with your rapid product development projects.

DESIGN PROTOTYPING TECHNOLOGIES / February 11, 2009 – Design Prototyping Technologies, Inc. (DPT) is proud to announce that it is celebrating 15 years of providing worldwide rapid prototyping services. Founded in 1993, DPT offers the latest in product development solutions to a wide range of industries.

3DSUG / January 15, 2009 – APP has been providing customers the convenience of online quoting and part purchasing since their inception in 2002. Last year, APP successfully debuted to their customers a slick redesigned website and online quote system. This year APP customers are getting what they asked for; a new ramped up, power packed version with enhancements to spare.

SiMT RPC / January 7, 2009 – The Rapid Prototyping Center at SiMT has added portable laser scanning services to its lineup of capabilities -- 3D Modeling, Stereolithography and Selective Laser Sintering. The new system is available on or off-site. If you're looking for a rapid prototyping service provider or a product development partner to handle your work overflow, SiMT is ready to assist you!

3DSUG / December 19, 2008 – MAXscan Laser Scanner The MAXscanis the newest portable and handheld laser scanner featuring the Handyscan 3DTM technology, combined with large-scale photogrammetry optimization capabilities. This scanner has been developed for the sole purpose of bringing large parts data acquisition to the MAXimum level of accuracy ever reached with a 2-in-1 device.

SiMT RPC / December 2, 2008 – The Rapid Prototyping Center at SiMT is equipped with the latest 3-D Modeling, Stereolithography and Selective Laser Sintering technologies. Whether you're looking for a rapid prototyping service provider or a product development partner to handle your work overflow, SiMT is ready to assist you

3DSUG / November 19, 2008 – In a recent interview, Met-L-Flo President Carl Dekker, discussed frequently asked questions regarding stereolithography finish levels.

3DSUG / October 23, 2008 – Dr. Paul Jacobs started his career with 3D Systems in 1989 as Manager of the Process Department and became the Director of Research and Development. Dr Jacobs, along with his employees, developed and perfected process like AccuMax for accuracy and machine calibration and build styles such as WEAVE®, STAR-WEAVE®, ACES®, and QuickCast®. Dr. Jacobs has many patents in the Stereolithography arena as well as many accolades for his work in the development and implementation of the various stereolithography.

3DSUG / October 22, 2008 – In August, a crew for the Discovery Channel's new program Prototype This! paid a visit to Forecast 3D's headquarters to film and document the product development process -- the latest innovations in personal protective gear for urban firefighters. Prototype This! debuted October 15, 2008. During the show its hosts conceived, designed and prototyped an array of gadgets, consumer electronics and industrial devices. Forecast 3D product development services will be featured during one of the episodes in the 13-week series.

3DSUG / October 20, 2008 – 3DSUG members participate in hand-on training presented by RapidTech and Saddleback College.

3DSUG / October 15, 2008 – Call for Papers

RAPID PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY / October 13, 2008 – Rapid Product Development.biz is the Internet's newest online resource directory for rapid product development, rapid prototypes and rapid manufacturing information. If you are a service provider, service bureau or supplier, and would like to be listed in this directory, please contact Nadra Angerman.

3DSUG / September 17, 2008 – The RAMCO ViperPro cleaning system is currently stationed in the training center at York Technical College. This system is an integral part of a training curriculum where instructors and students can share expertise in cleaning SLA prototypes using the RAMCO Viper Pro cleaning system The project is generating a lot of enthusiasm.

3DSUG / August 18, 2008 – "3DSUG is the premiere event in North America where users of 3D Systems equipment convene to advance additive technology," said 3DSUG chairperson Brian Bauman. "The 2009 event is likely to draw the largest crowd ever as we continue to expand our content to include new applications, better uses of equipment and certificates of completion for training sessions. It's exciting to be a sponsor and participant of such a well-regarded event with an international audience."

3DSUG / July 28, 2008 – Materialise Innovation Forum 2008 Open for Registration The 2008 Materialise Innovation Forum will be held on September 17 and 18 at the Provinciehuis in Leuven, Belgium. The second edition of the Materialise Innovation Forum focuses on software solutions for RP&M and CAE professionals. In several stimulating sessions the attendees will be made acquainted with the challenges, opportunities and innovations in the industry. Register for Materialise Innovation Forum.bIn an interview with 3DSUG, Roger Cunningham, Technical Service Manager at Integra, discussed frequently asked questions regarding selective laser sintering technology and performance.

3DSUG / June 30, 2008 – A lease is a relationship, and like any relationship it can be pretty good or not so good. The terms and conditions and the fine print are important for things such as how the transaction ends which is usually via written "Notice". You should also pay close attention to various fees, and as a general rule a lessee should not agree to any form of 'right of 1st refusal' for follow-on transactions.

3DSUG / June 5, 2008 – The entire 3DSUG executive committee attended SME's RAPID 2008 Conference and Exposition in Florida last month and sponsored Tuesday's Kick-Off Keynote address from Brigadier General Nick Halley, a veteran of the United States Army. Retired General Halley's background as a senior leader in the military, government and corporate world is impressive. With an engineering degree from West Point and a master's degree in nuclear physics from the University of Virginia, Retired General Halley captivated a large audience!

3DSUG / April 29, 2008 – Through the use of a Gardner impact tester and test panels made from various RP materials ranging from 3D printing resins to stereolithography to laser sintered resins, DSM Somos demonstrated the range of impact resistance exhibited within the RP materials industry. "To ensure maximum variety, we actually held a competition whereby we asked attendees to bring test panels of their resin to compare against the durability of DSM Somos' DMX-SL™ 100. Anybody who brought a test panel had their name entered into a drawing for very unique chess board set made from DMX-SL 100 and WaterShed® XC," says Somos Marketing Manager, Eva Montgomery.

3DSUG / April 9, 2008 – The 3DS Users Group (3DSUG) today announced winners of the 2008 3DSUG Technical Competition at the 20th annual 3DS Users Group Conference. The contest recognized the industry's outstanding applications of Stereolithography (SLA® / SL) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS® / LS) technologies.

3DSUG / March 20, 2008 – When I need to outsource or when I need new products or services where do I go? The 3DSUG home page. Support the sponsors who support the 3DS Users Group. These sponsors are the experts in the field. I know when I use any of these sponsors I will get top notch help with my needs. You can do the same and help out your Users Group. Be sure to take the time and visit your 3DSUG home page and check out your new 2008 Sponsors. The 3DSUG is For Users, By Users and we could not do it without all these sponsors.

3DSUG / February 28, 2008 – For a second year in a row, the 3DSUG will hold a technical competition. We're looking for candidates with bright ideas of how to use 3D Systems equipment -- the best, most innovative things you've ever done! This competition will recognize the outstanding work by members in the categories of Advanced Concepts and Advanced Finishing. Winners will be acknowledged at the award presentation.

3DSUG / January 30, 2008 – If you have experienced difficulties in gluing the different stereolithography materials, I strongly urge you to attend the technical breakout session organized by the Loctite Industrial Division of Henkel Corporation and Materialise. This session deals with the different types of adhesives; benefits and limitations of cyanoacylates, two-part acrylics, epoxies and urethanes; joint design; part fixturing and so much more dealing with cutting and gluing parts.

3DSUG / December 19, 2007 – Solid Concepts Inc was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in LA for 2007 by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This countywide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Los Angeles County, benefiting the region's economy, its workforce and businesses. The Best Places to Work in LA list is made up of 60 companies split into three groups: 5 small-sized companies (15-24 employees), 15 medium-sized companies (25-249 employees) and 40 large-sized companies (250 or more employees). Solid Concepts Inc has been named one of the Best Places to Work in LA in the medium-sized company category.

3DSUG / November 28, 2007 – 6-10 April 2007 - Costa Mesa, California Please visit the WWW.3DSUG.ORG website for information about the annual conference, submitting abstracts or presenting technical papers.

3DSUG / September 21, 2007 – PTM&W casting resins compliment Curbell's prototyping material line which includes Somos stereolithogrpahy resins, Momentive moldmaking silicones, Rampf urethane and epoxy tooling boards, Plexus adhesives and Cyberbond infiltrants for SLS and 3D Printer applications.

3DSUG / August 21, 2007 – DSM Somos®, one of the world's leading suppliers of stereolithography (SL) resins to the rapid prototyping (RP industry, reports that successful use of Somos SL resins in the system is growing.