SME empowers industries through innovation in 3D printing and manufacturing, shaping a future-ready ecosystem.

If you spot a pivotal manufacturing technology platform this week, you should know it’s more than just an ordinary conference. It’s the RAPID + TCT, a 35-year-old powerhouse sporting what is claimed to be the most comprehensive industrial 3D printing showcase.

Built as a one-off industrial innovation event, the RAPID + TCT conference was designed and constructed by SME, a 90-year-old nonprofit championing North American manufacturing. The event is constructed from strategic partnerships, and the entire conference is said to connect multiple critical manufacturing sectors.

Part of that connectivity comes thanks to co-located events like SAE International’s World Congress Experience, America Makes’ Spring Technical Review & Exchange, and SME’s AeroDef Manufacturing event.

The 2025 Detroit conference will include eight precise tracks: healthcare, aerospace, automotive, defense, AM ecosystem, and two R&D-focused areas. The “8” in that lineup refers to the fact that the conference will cover a mere handful of critical manufacturing domains over three intensive days.

That said, the inclusion of Urtopia’s prototype lightweight motor doesn’t hurt. SME has invested heavily in nurturing additive manufacturing throughout its evolution from laboratory prototypes to the once unthinkable number of applications it has today.

The first paper on additive manufacturing was presented at an SME research conference, introducing 3D printing to the engineers and academics who would grow it into a key technology for modern manufacturing.

By hosting influential events and fostering strategic partnerships, SME continues to drive manufacturing innovation, connecting stakeholders and accelerating advanced technological integration.