TCT Show 2017: An Overview

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Chester, 12th September 2017. TCT Show is one of the world’s leading events focused on 3D manufacturing technologies. In its 22nd year, this fantastic event continues to deliver business-critical insights on 3D printing, AM, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection as well as conventional manufacturing processes including moulding, casting and CNC machining.

Reflecting the continued development of the industry it serves, TCT Show has grown enormously for 2017 with a record-breaking expansion of the show floor and more exhibitors than ever before. Visitors to this free-to-attend event will have the opportunity to connect with an exciting and varied range of businesses - almost 300 exhibiting companies including 3D Systems, HP, Renishaw, Stratasys and Envisiontec.
 
Among the many new products and services to be unveiled during this three-day event will be Desktop Metal’s Studio system – the first opportunity for the UK public to see it in action. This affordable metal 3D printing technology is one of the most-talked about in recent times and CEO Ric Fulop will take to the Product Stage on 26th September to demonstrate how the company has made metal 3D printing office friendly.
 
Over on Carbon’s stand, visitors will see various exciting products including the SpeedCell manufacturing system and 3D printed Futurecraft 4D athletic footwear that was launched with Adidas earlier this year. Adidas’ Vice President of Innovation, Gerd Manz, will deliver a Main Stage keynote address on 28th September that will dive deeper into the design and technology that made the Futurecraft 4D a reality.
 
Another must-see will be the global launch of Materialise’s 3DP AdviceHub, a concept aimed at providing expert guidance on all things 3D printing. Visitors can book a spot to put their questions to the Materialise team on anything from file preparation for print and applying lattice structures, to design for AM and how to use AM simulation to reduce the risk of build failure and parts of inferior quality.
 
With so many exhibitors at this year’s TCT Show, it would be impossible to list each exciting innovation to be seen. Not only will there be launches and demonstrations from industry leaders, but also introductions to over 50 new exhibitors including Rize, GE Additive, CIPRES Technology Systems and DyeMansion.
 
Duncan Wood, CEO at Rapid News Publications Ltd, organisers of the TCT Show commented, “Once again we have been able to bring together the entire industry with a record number of exhibitors and the largest show floor ever at TCT. Alongside this, our conference team have put together three days of outstanding programming; there are so many superb presentations going on that planning your time at the show is going to be hard…there is so much to see and do!”
 
Now taking place across three dedicated stages split into key themes, the free-to-attend conference and seminar track has grown in line with the show expansion. The comprehensive programme will deliver relevant content in the most efficient way, offering attendees the chance to benefit from ground-breaking product launches, exciting demonstrations and enthralling presentations from a world-class speaker line up throughout the show.
 
The Main Stage @TCT will host a celebration of innovation in product development, engineering and manufacturing with presentations from Intel, McLaren Racing, Johnson & Johnson, Sabotage Design, DuPont and many more. Now CPD accredited, the Main Stage conference track will present research developments and real-life examples of the ways in which 3D technologies are being used within aerospace, automotive, medical and dental as well as consumer and industrial product design.
 
The Product Stage @TCT will feature both first-time and returning TCT Show exhibitors discussing their latest products and services including materials, software, inspection and scanning. With so many companies exhibiting on the show floor, these 20-minute presentations will give visitors the chance to get all the information they’re looking for in one place. Attendees will hear from Stratasys, Nikon Metrology, Renishaw, Carbon, HP and more.
 
Throughout the event, the Tech Stage @TCT will host a range of CPD certified workshops created to offer attendees a broad range of topics and speakers. Whether a novice or an expert in the AM industry, the programme will have something for everyone; from the “beginners guide to AM” session to a discussion about the health and safety of metal powders.
 
TCT has also teamed up with Women in 3D Printing and Cyant to host the UK’s first ever #3DTalk event - a global event series featuring women in 3D Printing and related industries. Open to everyone regardless of gender, age or expertise level, #3DTalk @TCT will bring together industry leaders and pioneers to share their expertise, experiences and insights during an educational panel session on the Tech Stage.
 
In addition to the conference programme, visitors will be entertained and inspired by exciting show features including Inspex (which focuses on providers of inspection, measurement and testing hardware, software and services) and TCT Inspired Minds - a unique educational experience allowing over 300 schoolchildren to get hands-on with 3D technologies.
 
The Start Up Zone will return bigger and better than ever, introducing most promising start-ups to the industry. With exhibitors coming from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and the USA, it will be a truly global platform for dynamic new businesses to unveil their innovations to the 3D Printing market. Visitors will see launches of software, components, hardware and materials. What’s more, the Start Up Award will also make a much-anticipated return after a successful introduction at last year’s show.
 
Each company exhibiting in the Start Up Zone will have the opportunity to present a short, sharp presentation of their product or service during the Start Up Pitches session on the Tech Stage. An esteemed judging panel will assess the presentations and vote for the best new technology presented at the event. The winning company will receive the coveted Start Up Award!
 
TCT Show will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, from 26th to 28th September 2017. Registration is completely free, find out more at www.tctshow.com