RapidTech: National Center for Rapid Technologies

The University of Calfornia, Irvine hosts the National Center for Rapid Technologies (RapidTech) with funding support by the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program. The center focuses on automotive, aerospace, consumer product, art & animation, architecture, medical device and medical modeling. Expertise includes Digital Shape Verification (reverse engineering), CAD design, Direct Digital Manufacturing processes, Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Tooling. Direct support is provided in these areas to industry and education through direct service support, curriculum, training, case studies and manufacturing processes. Additionally, the center works closely with industry to assist in research and technology transfer for adoption and utilization of Rapid Technologies. Certification of processes and skills are also a focus of the national center.