About RapidToday

We first used rapid prototyping in 1996.  Working on the development of a new smart parking meter that could sense the arrival and departure of cars, we knew that rapid prototyping would give us a low-risk method to test the form, fit, and function of custom meter components.  First, we had to laboriously turn our 2-D AutoCAD drawings into 3-D solid models.  Then, we had to navigate the dizzying array of material and process options.  When we went to the vendor to pick up the parts, we were horrified when one of the prototype pieces fell off the table and broke in half.  Later, with much careful handling, we assembled two rapid-prototyped parking meters.  And they worked!  Most significantly, they convinced the investors that the project was viable, which led to a USD$120,000 investment in plastic injection molding tooling for the high volume manufacture of smart parking meters.

That was over a dozen years ago.  Today, rapid prototypes are more accurate, stronger, cheaper, and better looking.  Also, the number of material, process, and vendor options has multiplied, making rapid prototyping increasingly complex.  This combination of increasing viability for the process, combined with greater complexity for the consumer, is the inspiration for RapidToday.

Founded in Winter 2007, RapidToday is designed as a top resource for rapid prototyping and 3D printing users and industry players.  RapidToday is independent and not a subsidiary of any RP corporation, school, or government agency.  The sole income for RapidToday is advertising.

The publisher of this site is Rapid Publishing, LLC, which is solely responsible for its content.  This content is derived from sources believed to be reliable, but the publisher cannot guarantee its accuracy.

RapidToday is Copyright 2007-2008, by Rapid Publishing, LLC, All Rights Reserved.  Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

For more information or for editorial opportunities contact Editor@RapidToday.com