Diamond Bar, Calif. As one of four industry experts presenting at the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology (ETTN) inaugural Quick Talks – Experts Talk Vehicle Technology at the 2016 SEMA Show, Robert Simons, vice president of Research and Development, Edelbrock, will discuss 3D printing as a manufacturing technology that turns digital 3D models into solid objects by building them up in layers.
Simon’s presentation, “3D Printing Technologies” will take place on Thursday, November 3 at 9am in room N258 in the upper north hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. His session will be one of four 15 minute Quick Talk sessions scheduled for the 2016 SEMA show.
In his presentation, Simons will chronicle how 3D printing technology has evolved into a next-generation manufacturing process that has the potential to allow the local, on-demand final production of products thereof. Initially used for rapid prototyping (RP), it is now possible to 3D print in a wide range of materials that include thermoplastics, thermoplastic composites, pure metals, metals alloys, and ceramics.
Robert Simons has been with Edelbrock for 8 years, initially serving as the Engineering Manager for the supercharger program, and later taking over responsibility for all research and development activities. In this role, he is responsible for managing a team of over 20 mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, technicians and support staff. He oversees all design, development, calibration & testing. He was awarded 2 utility patents for the Edelbrock E-Force supercharger and the EFI Fuel Sump, and has two more utility patents currently pending with the USPTO. In addition, Simons is in charge of all emissions certification activities, including the pending LSI certification of an all new, off road, V8 engine platform.
Prior to Edelbrock, Simons served as the Powertrain Engineering Manager at Saleen Inc., in Irvine CA where he was responsible for the design, development, calibration & certification of all powertrain systems for Saleen vehicles. His tenure at Saleen spanned 7 years, and included such milestones as the development and launch of the Saleen S7 supercar, 1 U.S. patent, and the design of the Saleen Series VI supercharger system. Prior to Saleen, Simons was employed by the Department of Defense at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC). Before joining NSWC, Simons earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $36 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,633 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909-610-2030, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.