Editorial

Citation

Campbell, I. (2007), "Editorial", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 13 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/rpj.2007.15613aaa.001

Editorial

Rapid manufacturing (RM) continues to advance as a philosophy, as a technology (or rather, a set of technologies) and as a topic for discussion. During 2006 there were at least four international conferences specifically themed on the subject or where RM made up a substantial part of their subject matter. In keeping with this, the Rapid Prototyping Journal has been supporting some of these conferences and has been encouraging the submission of research papers, review papers and case studies in the field of RM. Individual members of the Editorial Advisory Board are also personally involved in RM research and promotion. There have even been some calls that this journal should change its name to the Rapid Manufacturing Journal. There are certainly good arguments for changing its name to the Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Journal. However, for a number of reasons (particularly keeping our ISI listing and rating), this is not really feasible. However, we do wish the RPJ to be the foremost journal for publication of RM research and we will endeavour to promote ourselves as such.

On a more personal level, I have been asked to make an interesting contribution to the ongoing RM discussion. The Society of Manufacturing Engineers intends to release a video/DVD aimed at existing and potential users of the technologies to help them determine their best use of RM. The goal of the video is to capture the thoughts, ideas and comments of “industry experts” regarding the topic. They have been asked to respond to a range of questions regarding the development, implementation and benefits of RM. Questions include “How will RM change manufacturing as we know it?” “What barriers stand in the way of its uptake and how will they be overcome?” “What are the advantages and benefits of RM?” “What makes rapid manufacturing unique amongst conventional processes?” “What industries, or types of products, are most likely to use rapid manufacturing?” “What are the best applications for rapid manufacturing?”, etc. It was most though-provoking and elucidating for me to have to formulate my answers in a clear and concise manner, rather than just have vague notions in the back of my mind. I am sure the other respondents found this to be equally true. Readers will have to wait until the video becomes available from the SME before they can see the range of answers given.

Finally, still on the topic of RM, I would like to draw readers' attention to the 2nd International Conference on Rapid Manufacturing which is to be held on 11 and 12 July 2007 at Loughborough University in the UK. This year, the conference will feature both invited papers and submitted papers that have undergone a rigorous selection process. Topics will include RM process and materials research, design for rapid manufacture, quality and management issues of RM and the industrial application of rapid manufactured components. It is interesting to note that papers focussing on rapid prototyping, rapid tooling or rapid casting have been excluded. Once again the RPJ will be sponsoring a Best Presentation award and I would encourage readers to visit www.rm-conference.com/ to find out more.

Ian Campbell