Workshop Announcement
Measurement and Standards Issues in Rapid Prototyping
October 16-17, 1997
Green Auditorium
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Sponsors: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Rapid Prototyping Association, Society of Manufacturing
Engineers (RPA/SME)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Region 3 and Chapter 48
National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS)
Background:
Rapid Prototyping (RP), also known as Layered Manufacturing (LM) and
Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF), refers to a class of manufacturing
technologies that are becoming increasingly important for U.S. industry.
RP techniques are commonly used for a variety of applications, from
making visual prototypes and functional models, to development of tooling
and actual production components. RP can be performed by any number of
commercial and developmental systems, each using different technologies,
methodologies, and materials. Examples of commonly used RP techniques
include stereolithography (SL), selective laser sintering (SLS), and
fused deposition modeling (FDM). Each RP system has the ability to
build physical models layer-by-layer, based upon input from a computer-
aided design (CAD) solid model of the component. Some of the challenges
of RP include transfer of complete and accurate data from CAD systems
using appropriate formats, development of mechanical and optical systems
and material structures for creation of accurate prototypes, and
incorporation of actual production materials into the RP process.
Workshop Focus:
The purpose of this workshop is to gather information, survey
industry needs, and solicit suggestions on NIST's potential
future role in the field of Rapid Prototyping. Consistent with
the NIST mission, this workshop will address a variety of
important standards and measurement-related issues, including:
- What measurement issues are related to RP systems or techniques?
- What measurement methods or standards are needed for assessment
of RP systems?
- What standards efforts are needed to improve the application
of RP?
- Are the current "standard" test parts sufficient?
- What part measurement issues are specific to RP?
- How could the interface from CAD to RP be improved through
standards?
- What is the impact of a new Solid Interchange Format (SIF)
standard as a proposed replacement to the STL data format?
Measurement and standards needs identified during this workshop may
address any or all aspects of RP, including processes, equipment,
materials, software, and CAD data interface. This workshop will
build upon results from prior workshops, specifically those relating
to CAD interface issues and Solid Interchange Format. The CAD
Initiative recently announced by RPA/SME will also be a primary
topic due to industry needs in this area.
A basic understanding of the several different RP processes is
essential to discussion of the measurement and standards needs.
Therefore, the workshop will include an introductory session to
provide an overview of the various RP technologies and methodologies.
Other topics will also be presented during this session to establish
the theme of the workshop, provide various perspectives on RP
industry needs, and stimulate further discussion.
Both RP system developers and RP users may have concerns or
requests for measurement methods and/or standards. The workshop
will welcome comments from all related fields.
With input from this workshop, NIST's Manufacturing Engineering
Laboratory (MEL) will address future plans and activities related
to rapid prototyping at NIST.
Workshop Format:
The workshop will span one and a half days. Thursday morning
(October 16) will be devoted to the presentation of invited and
contributed papers to bring out the important measurement and
standards questions for RP.
Thursday afternoon will consist of breakout sessions to address
particular questions and ideas. On Friday morning (October 17),
attendees will review results of the breakout sessions, form
conclusions, and discuss future work and/or meetings.
Introductory Presentations:
- Overview of RP Processes - Clint Atwood, Sandia Laboratory,
Chair of SME/RPA
- Current State of the RP Industry - Terry Wohlers, Wohlers
Associates Inc.
- RP Measurement and Standards Needs: A User's Perspective - TBD
- Overview of Current RP Industry Standards - Ken Johnson, NCMS,
RPTA Program Manager
- Standards: What are they and how are they formed? - Belinda Collins,
NIST Office of Standards Services
Contributed Papers:
Contributed papers are being sought on specific experiences
that illustrate measurement and standards needs within the rapid
prototyping field. Papers could include industry case studies
that illustrate these needs, proposals for measurement approaches
and/or standardization activities, or other viewpoints within the
scope of RP measurement and standards. If you are interested in
presenting your views or work during this workshop, please send a
title and short abstract (not to exceed 1 page) to one of the
technical contacts listed in this announcement before October 1.
For those papers selected for presentation, an extended abstract
of up to four pages should be provided on October 16 for inclusion
in the workshop proceedings.
Topic Areas for Break-Out Sessions:
- Materials and Processes
- Part Measurements and Standard Parts
- CAD/RP Interface
- Solid Interchange Format (SIF)
Registration Contact:
Tammie Grice
NIST
Bldg. 101, Rm B116
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001
Telephone: 301-975-3883
Fax: 301-948-2067
email: tammie.grice@nist.gov
Technical Contact:
Dick Rhorer
NIST
Bldg. 304, Rm 135
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001
Telephone: 301-975-6506
Fax: 301-921-2079
email: richard.rhorer@nist.gov
Kevin Jurrens
NIST
Bldg. 220, Rm A127
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001
Telephone: 301-975-5486
Fax: 301-258-9749
email: kevin.jurrens@nist.gov
Dave Bettwy
IMEC
10609 Good Spring Avenue
Great Falls, VA 22066
Telephone: 703-759-2882
Fax: 703-759-3595
email: bettwyd@asme.org
Location:
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Administration Building (101), Green Auditorium,
Gaithersburg, MD. Gaithersburg is located
approximately 25 miles north of Washington, DC.
Directions to NIST from Washington, DC can be found
at internet location:
http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/nistmaps.html
Registration:
The registration fee of $85 includes conference materials,
coffee breaks, and a lunch. The registration form must be
received by October 2, 1997, for your name to appear on the
preliminary participants list. All requests for cancellation
and refund must be submitted to Tammie Grice, in writing,
prior to October 2, 1997.
Accommodations:
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Gaithersburg
Hilton Hotel, (301) 977-8900, with a special room rate of
$92, single or double, plus 12% tax. To register for rooms,
please send the hotel reservation form directly to the
hotel no later than September 25, 1997. Reservations must
be cancelled by 4 p.m. on the arrival date in order to
receive a refund.
Transportation will be provided between the hotel and
NIST each day. Attendees are encouraged to use this
service, as parking at NIST may be limited.
Coffee Breaks and Lunches:
Refreshments will be provided before the morning session,
as well as during mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks.
Lunch will be provided for attendees on Thursday,
October 16, in the NIST cafeteria.
Workshop Web Page:
Further information regarding the workshop registration
form, hotel reservation form, transportation options,
driving instructions, and other information can be
obtained from the workshop web page at:
http://www.mel.nist.gov/docs/rapid/rapid2.htm
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