ROCKLIN, CA – When a cell phone, automobile piston and kitchen faucet are being designed, it can cost thousands of dollars to make a traditional prototype. Before going into production, a prototype is needed to see its visual appeal in three dimensions, check that the parts fit together correctly and make sure that it works as expected. Often turning a computerized design into an object reveals problems. The design must be tweaked and the company must invest in another expensive prototype before it can begin manufacturing the part. Now there is faster, less expensive solution – Rapid Prototyping.

New Rapid Prototype printers enable manufacturers to produce prototype models of new parts and products much more quickly and cost-effectively with a printer that lays down layers of plastic to make the part. Changes can be made in the design using computer software and checked almost immediately by making a new prototype in a 3D printer.

The Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) is offering a seminar for businesses to learn how they can take advantage of this new technology to cut costs, improve design and speed delivery of a finished product. The program presenter is Chris Miller with the Paton Group. It will be held at Sierra College, 5000 Rocklin Rd in Rocklin. To sign up as well as get directions and a parking pass, contact Carol Pepper-Kittredge at 916-660-7801 or email cpepper-kittredge@sierracollege.edu. Go to www.sierracollegetraining.com to see videos and read more about rapid prototyping.

Rapid Prototype 3D Printer Demo — Fri., Nov 16, 3:30pm-5:30pm.

• Introduction to Dimension and Stratasys
• FDM Technology & how it works
• Application Success Stories
• Dimension Printer Driver Demo
• Dimension SST 3D Printer Test Drive

• Materialise STL Repair
• MasterCAM X2, Mill, Router & Art
• Solidworks 2007