Rapid Prototyping Consortium celebrates 20 years
| Published: 10/19/2011 |
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The Rapid Prototyping Consortium at Milwaukee School of Engineering is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The consortium was formed in 1991 in response to the product development needs of Harley-Davidson, Kohler Co., Snap-On Tools, Master Lock and Outboard Marine Corporation (now Bombardier Recreational Products). These firms needed access to rapid prototyping technology while MSOE was seeking industrial partners. The consortium has grown to include more than 65 world-class North American companies.
“I view MSOE’s RPC as an extension of my engineering department,” said Chris S. Lange, director of engineering at Pentair Water. “Their value goes above and beyond creating rapid prototypes for us. They have assisted us with new product development concepts, manufacturing improvement ideas, and making connections with outside firms that can help my team with innovative solutions.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the consortium will celebrate its anniversary at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Governor Scott Walker has been invited to address the group regarding Wisconsin’s economic climate and business development. Lt. Colonel Dick Rutan (ret.) will deliver the keynote presentation. Rutan was a pilot and co-developer of the Voyager aircraft, which flew around the world without stopping and without refueling. On Dec. 14, 1986 the Voyager took off on what would become the world’s longest flight—9 days, 3 minutes and 44 seconds.
Membership in the consortium satisfies a number of strategic goals such as:
• cost-competitive access to the five leading rapid prototyping technologies;
• networking freely with other engineers, managers and technical professionals in a non-competitive environment;
• leading-edge product development, CAD applications, innovative processes and manufacturing technology;
• access to and development of new tooling techniques, materials and manufacturing methods;
• providing access to a pool of experienced employees who have demonstrated that they understand the performance expectations of world-class companies.
The work happens in MSOE’s Rapid Prototyping Center—the largest operational rapid prototyping laboratory of any American university. Currently, there are engineers and researchers all under one roof who are:
• manufacturing prototypes of engine parts before going to production;
• fabricating sample components for new recreational vehicles;
• reproducing hip bones and anatomy;
• developing custom orthotics for those with clubfoot deformity;
• producing 3-D models of proteins and other molecular structures;
• recreating architectural features for historic buildings and structures;
• and more!
MSOE is an independent university with 2,500 students. MSOE offers 18 bachelor’s degrees and 10 master’s degrees in the engineering, engineering technology, building and infrastructure engineering, health-related engineering, computer, business and nursing fields. The university has a national academic reputation; longstanding ties to business and industry; dedicated professors with real-world experience; and extremely high placement rates and starting salaries. MSOE graduates are well-rounded, technologically experienced and highly productive professionals and leaders.