CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
14 December 2004
Company News
Society of Manufacturing Engineers Enhances Rapid Prototyping Resources
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announced the creation of a 3D Data Capture/Reverse Engineering technical group-one of seven in its Rapid Technologies and Additive Manufacturing Technical Community. Todd Grimm, president of T.A. Grimm & Associates, Inc. has been named as chairman of the eight-person technical committee.
The Data Capture/Reverse Engineering technical group is chartered to develop and disseminate information on technologies that capture and process 3D spatial geometry for design, duplication, archival and inspection. The goal of the group is to raise awareness of the technology and promote its application in design, manufacturing, medical and architectural applications. SME's creation of the new group will provide a point of focus for SME members interested in the wide range of disciplines within 3D data acquisition, manipulation and reverse engineering. It will also serve as a communication and education forum for both novices and experts to advance information collection and dissemination on hardware, software and methodologies. The aim is to provide industry knowledge, capabilities and efficiencies.
Said Todd Grimm, "The first task that the tech group will address is the development of information sources that will aid industry in evaluating and selecting the appropriate technology. We have found that the reverse engineering community lacks a focal point or central hub for information, education and industry developments." In addition, the tech group will support publications and journalists with information and contacts for reverse engineering.
The newly selected committee members in addition to Grimm are David Olson, Roland DGA; Doug Mitchell, Ford Motor Company; Steve Wendel, Sinclair Community College; Robert Crockett, California Polytechnic; John Mullen, Hasbro; Mat Cappel, Berding 3D Scanning; and Craig Crump, CGI.
The Data Capture/Reverse Engineering tech group is one of seven in the SME Rapid Technologies and Additive Manufacturing Technical Community. Current technical groups include Direct Digital Manufacturing, Education & Information Exchange, Rapid and High Performance Tooling, and Nano/MEMS. Other groups forming include Materials & Process Standards and Medical Applications.
The SME Technical Community Network (TCN) is an expansive and flexible live and online network where individuals team with other members to solve their technical problems and business challenges. It is SME member-led and driven by the needs of its members. The TCN consists of seven technical communities that represent key areas within the manufacturing enterprise. These include: Rapid Technologies & Additive Manufacturing, Product & Process Design and Management, Engineering Materials Applications, Machining & Material Removal, Forming & Fabricating, Automated Manufacturing & Assembly, and Manufacturing Education & Research.
SME membership includes the benefits of membership in the TCN. SME members can join as many communities as they would like at no charge. Join online at http://www.sme.org/join , or by calling (800) 733-4763. Comments related to the TCN may be directed to techcommunities@sme.org .
Founded by Todd Grimm, a 14-year veteran of the rapid prototyping community, T. A. Grimm & Associates, Inc. offers consulting services on rapid prototyping and related technologies, including competitive analysis, benchmarking and educational programs. Grimm is the author of "User's Guide to Rapid Prototyping." For additional information visit, http://www.tagrimm.com .
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