Star Rapid
Star Rapid Renishaw machine
Star Rapid's 3D metal printing experts have 10 years experience in the industry and will help to tutor designers in the company's dedicated workshops.
Star Rapid, a China-based rapid prototyping, tooling and low-volume manufacturer, has announced a series of three-day workshops to train designers to maximise the potential of themselves and metal 3D printing.
The company’s founder, Gordon Styles, initially revealed the plans to host the initiatives in an interview with TCT at the end of 2016. Eight months on, the plans have been put in place, and designers are being encouraged to sign up to the courses which take place between August 2017 and March 2018 at the company’s headquarters in Zhongshan.
Star Rapid’s 3D Metal Printing Training Initiative will not only give attendees access to free resources and tools, but has also included the development of a 3D metal printing online video library. This library, already accessible via the company’s website, will be the platform for an array of tutorial videos for product designers and engineers. They are said to promote the value of metal 3D printing, as well as also provide insights on how to design for manufacturing and help designers to avoid common pitfalls that have emerged because of the differences in the processes for metal 3D printing, plastic 3D printing, and traditional manufacturing methods, like CNC machining.
So far, three videos have been uploaded to the library. The first episode provides an introduction to design for metal 3D printing; the second focuses on walls, gaps and holes; while the third tackles bridges and overhangs.
Meanwhile, the more practical, hands-on, workshops will act as extensions to many of the videos streamed online. Designers will be able to design parts in the company of industry experts, print the parts in-house on Star Rapid’s DMLM Renishaw machine, and learn from their feedback. Star Rapid hope the attendees will gain some valuable experience and knowledge which should see them develop as designers, and save time and money for future employers.
The first workshop will take place later this month, between August 14-16; the second between November 6-8; and the third from March 14-16 2018.
Commenting on the launch of the 3D Metal Printing Training Initiative, Styles said: “The quick emergence and complexity of 3D metal printing has created a massive design-process deficit within the industry. As a manufacturer, we are well positioned to share best practices and lessons learned on this subject as we’ve seen first-hand how hard it can be to develop the correct design parameters for a build. Greater widespread design knowledge will help unlock the full and boundless potential of 3D metal printing for more widespread application.”
Those interested in attending the practical workshops can fill out the expression of interest form on Star Rapid's website. More information on the logistics, training schedule and benefits of attending can be found here.
