RAPID + FIRST – Building the Engineers of the Future

Nashua, NH, February 17, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Rapid Sheet Metal sponsors FIRST Robotics teams nationwide by providing discounted prototype sheet metal parts and an instant costing SOLIDWORKS plug-in. RAPID has been sponsoring local FIRST Robotics organizations for the past 5 years and has decided to open up the program to reach students nationwide and provide tools to support the interest in engineering.

Rapid Sheet Metal was founded in 2001 by James Jacobs. The company is the world’s largest prototype sheet metal fabrication company with over 100 employees. Rapid Sheet Metal’s prototype facility has manufactured over 100,000 unique parts in the company’s 15-year history and sponsored dozens of local organizations.

eRAPID, a SOLIDWORKS plug-in that instantly costs sheet metal parts and provides design for manufacturability feedback, was launched in 2011. The plug-in is used by industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies to quote and order sheet metal prototype parts.

The FIRST program at RAPID will be managed by Sean Reilly. Reilly states, “I am looking forward to working with the FIRST teams. It will be great to see what ideas the teams come up with and their ideas about future technology.”

To participate in the program students and mentors will need to download eRAPID. Once the plug-in is downloaded a new user account will need to be created using the Team Name as the Company Name. All teams that use the plug-in will receive a discount on sheet metal parts. If teams have any questions, the questions can be directed to Sean Reilly.

FIRST is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen. The organization has a mission to inspire students to be strong citizens and solve the world’s biggest challenges.

James Jacobs, RAPID’s Founder / CEO, states, “Working with students who will become future engineers is inspiring. I enjoy seeing the work they produce and take pride in giving back to an organization that inspires student’s growth. I am looking forward to working with the FIRST teams and seeing how they use sheet metal in the robots they design.”

About RAPID
RAPID employs over 325 people focused on quick-turn PROTOTYPE sheet metal & machined parts. Rapid Sheet Metal offers a free add-in, eRAPID, for SOLIDWORKS that allows users to cost and order sheet metal parts within CAD, instantly. eRAPID also provides design for manufacturability feedback as users design sheet metal parts. Rapid Machining quotes machined & turned parts within 24 hours. RAPID ships all parts in days, not weeks. Other services include wire harnesses, cable assemblies and box builds. www.rapidmanufacturing.com

About FIRST
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $30 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST®Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org.