| A Word from the Chair
Movers and Shakers |
If you're an active member of the rapid manufacturing community, you can appreciate what a whirlwind the past couple months have been. From the 3DSUG annual conference in California to the RAPID 2008 event in Florida, getting there was a stretch -- especially for those travelling from Europe and abroad. As I walked the RAPID show floor and attended speaking events, I met with many of the people I'd seen just one month before at the 3DSUG conference.
Everyone I spoke with agreed: These events are well worth time spent in travel and the take away networking opportunities in this community are truly priceless. As we all take the next couple of months to catch our breath and get caught up with our normal day-to-day duties, let's take a moment to reflect upon the roles we play in shaping the future of rapid prototyping and manufacturing. You make the difference!
Brian Bauman, DSM Somos & 2009 3DSUG Chairperson
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| The Sorovetz Report
Back to Florida for More Fun in the Sun! |
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It feels like we just wrapped up the 2008 Conference; however, our newly appointed chair Brian Bauman is already cracking the whip in preparation for the 2009 3DSUG conference. I am currently in contract negotiations with the Daytona Beach Hilton -- the meeting place of the 2007 3DSUG conference. And, there are a few minor details that the need to be agreed upon prior to signing.
The Hilton agreed to honor our standard rate of $125.00 per night plus tax. They've also agreed to provide complementary wireless internet in all public spaces, as well as, complementary wired internet in the sleeping rooms. This is a $14.95 (plus tax) per day savings! I am currently working with a transportation group for transportation to and from the Daytona Beach (DAB) Airport. I will update you with information as it becomes available. In the meantime mark your calendar:
The week of March 15-19 is the tentative date for the 2009 3DSUG Annual Users Group Conference!
I hope to see you in Daytona Beach next year!
Thomas Sorovetz, Chrysler LLC & 3DSUG Site Coordinator E: coordinator@3dsug.org |
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Question and Answers
Ken Patton of RapidTech & Saddleback College |
In an interview with 3DSUG, RapidTech Executive Director Ken Patton discusses the importance of education and technology.
 Q: From an education and research perspective, what was your take away from the 3DSUG and RAPID events?
A: The 3DSUG creates an event centered around the highly technical and more skilled professionals who use rapid technologies on a daily basis. From an educator's perspective, if a person wants to learn about specific intricacies of 3D equipment, 3DSUG is the place to go. While RAPID does a great job of exposing the existing and emerging technologies to new audiences, the 3DSUG creates an information and mutual sharing experience for its members -- the level of experience and familiarity of equipment after introduction is what keeps us all moving forward in the realm of rapid manufacturing.
Q: Are there any similarities between the 3DSUG annual conference and the RAPID expo?
A: Yes, many of the participants and industry representatives attended both events. While many agree it is challenging to get to both events, it is well worth it. The level of information presented at the 3DSUG conference was in greater depth and more focused for the users of the technologies. SME's RAPID event was more show and tell. Both a critical to the future of this industry as we keep the understanding of this technology advancing.
Q. How does a University's involvement with 3DSUG and SME affect change?
A: Both are of equal importance and have a good impact on our activities. The 3DSUG is a great organization for sharing hands-on techniques and the SME is great for the marketing of potential, abilities and adoption of new technologies. Both organizations have a great deal of positive impact for colleges and university in this global society.
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| Great Things Come In Twos
3DSUG Membership Drive Contest |
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In order increase 3DSUG membership and attendance at the 2009 3DSUG annual users group conference, we're asking everyone to invite two new users to get involved with our organization. Increasing the number of attendees will help support our valued sponsors and attract new vendors to ensure the continued success of the 3DSUG organization.
- Do you know someone who would benefit by joining the 3DSUG? If so, please make an introduction!
- Do you use a supplier who hasn't participated in the 3DSUG vendor fair in the past two years? If so, please make an introduction!
 Contest Rules
Remember, invitees must be users of 3D Systems, Inc. equipment who have not participated in the past two years. The first two 3DSUG members or vendors who invite two new users to join will be eligible to win a 3DSUG stadium blanket and other prizes. |
| Mixing It Up
3DSUG Sponsors Kick-Off Keynote |
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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! |
| More Mixing...
3DSUG Members Attend RAPID Reception |
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(from left to right): Guy Bourdeau (Huntsman) and Bob Zubrickie (Tyco) compare material properties of Merlot and Chardonay at SME's RAPID 2008 conference in Orlando. |
| The New Wave of Manufacturing
RAPID 2008: North America's Largest Annual Rapid Manufacturing Event Proves to be an Enormous Success! |
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The decision to move the 2008 RAPID Conference & Exposition from Michigan to Florida last month was a popular one. Participation was higher than any year before with a 300% increase of attendance during Terry Wholer's Thursday morning keynote address. Now that's a record breaker! The revised conference programming, which included rapid manufacturing, rapid prototyping, medical applications, castings, 3D scanning created an energized event for networking and information exchange. Congratulations SME! For more information about SME or RAPID, contact:
Lisa Dodge, SME RAPID Event Manager
P: 313.425.3136
E: ldodge@sme.org
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| RAPID Event Committee |
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(from left to right) Annemarie Kalergis (SME), Boris Fritz (Northrup Gruman), Vesna Cota (Tyco Electronics), Brent Stucker (Utah State), Kevin Ayers (FBI), Scott Schermer (S.C. Johnson a Family Company), Angela Szerlong (SME), Tim Gornet (University of Louisville), Sheku Kamara (Milwaukee School of Engineering), Carl Dekker (Met-L-Flo), Tom Sorovetz (Chrysler, LLC), Lisa Dodge (SME), Graham Tromans (Loughborough University), Patti Miller (SME) and Giles Gaskell (NVision 3D).
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| Partners in Education
Bright Minds Student Mentor Program |
 Every year, members of the Rapid Technologies and Additive Manufacturing (RTAM) community participate in the annual Bright Minds Student Mentor Program which takes place during the RAPID Conference & Exposition. This year, 44 Florida high school students, along with their instructors, were given the opportunity to speak with exhibitors and learn more about existing and emerging technologies. Since career decisions are easily influenced, RAPID is a great way to generate interest among students and instructors. When asked how students reacted to exhibits at RAPID 2008, one mentor stated, "The feedback was great and students were amazed and intrigued about the capabilities of rapid technologies!" |
About 3DSUG
3DSUG was established to encourage and coordinate technical information exchange between owners and operators of 3D Systems equipment and provide feedback to 3D Systems on hardware and software modifications. The 3DSUG will meet annually to provide a forum for presentation of papers relating to the dissemination of processes and new technologies related to the operation of 3D Systems equipment and the secondary or final application of parts or/and tools made from these systems. For more information, visit: www.3dsug.org. | |
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ww.3dsug.org |
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| A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
Diamond Sponsors
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Platinum Sponsors
NCP Leasing
Gold Sponsors
Curbell Plastics
Integra Services International
National RP Support
RapidTech
Solid Concepts
Spectrum 3D
Silver Sponsors
3D Systems
AIN Plastics
Applied Rapid Technologies
Creaform
Laser Reproductions
Materialise
Met-L-Flo
Paramount Industries
Valspar
Bronze Sponsors
Acu-Cast Technologies
BJB Enterprises
Bolt's Engraving
BUYCastings.com
Cadmium CD
Clemco Industries
DPSS Lasers
Fineline Prototyping
Innovative Polymers
Invest Cast
Prototype Production
Ramco Equipment
Rapid Product Development Group
Rapid Sheet Metal, Inc.
RePliForm
Saddleback College
VacuCoat
Media Sponsors
Design World
TCT Magazine
Angerman Communications Group
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| 2009 Executive Committee |
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Brian Bauman
Chairperson
DSM Somos
Luis Folgar
Vice Chairperson
Paramount Industries
Tom Mueller
Vice Chairperson
Express Pattern, Inc.
Guy Bourdeau
Treasurer
Huntsman Advanced Materials
Bob Zubrickie
Secretary
Tyco Electronics
Tom Sorovetz
Site Coordinator
Chrysler LLC
Sheku Kamara
Past Chairperson
Milwaukee School of Engineering | | |
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