History of RPC

Background

The Rapid Prototyping Center (RPC) was developed in 1991, as a means to continue the tradition of the Milwaukee School of Engineering: to build strong ties with business industry through education and manufacturing. Since the initial development of the RPC, the Center and the Consortium has supported the purchase of several different prototyping machines, which continue to operate on a daily basis.

Membership in the Consortium includes industrial companies and educational institutions who collaborate in understanding the importance of advancing rapid prototyping, fabrication methods and manufacturing processes. With the assistance and support of the established Consortium members, the RPC has been able to expand its capabilities; thus, increasing the overall productivity and quality of industry parts.

The activities accomplished within the RPC help to reduce engineering development time; thereby, lowering cost. Overall, member companies are given a significant edge in business and industry. Companies who take advantage of the facilities and expertise within the RPC, become stronger and more competitive. Such advancement, within these member companies provides and supports continued economical growth within the state and the nation.

Mission

The Rapid Prototyping Center, of the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), is dedicated to the application of new and advanced rapid prototyping technologies. The RPC focus is to employ these rapid prototyping applications in order to reduce the cycle time of product development. The further intent of the RPC is to create a solid transition between future engineers engaging in scientific studies and education, and those engineers well-established within the confines of industry. The goals of the Center are as follows:

• To research and develop new manufacturing methods and processes related to rapid prototyping.
• To reduce financial risk for companies by implementing rapid prototyping as a means to manufacture parts and prototypes.
• To assist students in their educational development, who will be ready to implement new technological practices upon entry into industry.
• To inform and educate industry, as well as the general population, of upcoming rapid prototyping technologies and processes.

By Debbie Adler - undergraduate research assistant