DEARBORN, MI – The Society of Manufacturing Engineers RAPID 2012 Conference and Exposition in May provided real-world examples of how additive manufacturing is revolutionizing the way new products are designed, prototyped and produced.

The event revealed that 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies are gaining in popularity and acceptance among the world’s manufacturers and engineering professionals.

The program offered 3D imaging and additive manufacturing conference sessions and workshops with presentations from more than 60 technical papers about 3D imaging, medical and dental industry, transportation industry, final part production, additive manufacturing applications, rapid technologies, metal casting, and direct write printed materials for electronics.

An “Exhibitor Innovation” award was presented to 3D printer OEM Mcor Technologies. A “Best in Show” award was presented to Ex One Company. ExOne has more than $50 million dollars invested in research and product development to pioneer the evolution of nontraditional manufacturing.

The RTAM/SME Dick Aubin Distinguished Paper Award was presented to Emanuele Magalini (Eurocoating Spa) for “Biological Evidences of Benefits for Additive Manufactured Porous Titanium Foams.”

The Industry Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Brent Stucker (University of Louisville) and Pat Picariello (ASTM International) for their contributions to the ASTM F42 Committee on Additive Manufacturing Technologies.