TCT Awards 2019 Celebrates Best of Industry

Last night the third annual TCT Awards celebrated the people, technology and collaborations behind the best in design-to-manufacturing innovation. Ford Motor Company, Siemens AG, Renishaw and XJet were amongst the prestigious award winners.

The celebratory evening recognised ground breaking technology, collaborative projects, industry leaders and innovators. Hosted by Georgie Barrat, a technology journalist and presenter of Channel 5's The Gadget Show, the 200+ guests enjoyed a 3-course gala dinner and fantastic entertainment. before the awards ceremony begun.

In addition to the 15 competitive award categories, the TCT Group inducted another industry giant of additive manufacturing into the TCT Hall of Fame. Gideon Levy was honoured during the evening for his contribution to the AM industry and to the growth in technology adoption in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) materials, which he holds over 30 patents for.

A new accolade of the evening was the ‘Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award’ which was presented in collaboration with the Women in 3D Printing network to Professor Wai Yee Yeong.

Professor Wai Yee Yeong has been active in 3D printing research since 2004, she has created multiple frontiers in 3D printing, taking the leads in 3D Bioprinting, electronics printing and metal printing research. A truly deserving winner of the inaugural 'Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award'.

Kadine James, UK Chair of Women in 3D Printing commented “Its a huge honour to have presented the TCT Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award 2019 which celebrates and shines a wonderful spotlight on all of the trail blazing women, pioneering the use of additive manufacturing technologies across the globe. We must encourage more women and girls into tech careers and amplify the importance of equality and diversity within our remarkable industry - Many congratulations to all of our superb nominees and to our incredible winner —You are all inspirational!"

James Woodcock, VP Content, Strategy & Partnerships at Rapid News Publications Ltd, commented: “It was an honour to share the evening with so many truly inspirational people from all sectors in the industry. I would like to personally congratulate all of the winners for their successes.

Professor Wai Yee Yong needs a special mention for her exceptional contributions and we are delighted to welcome Gideon into the Hall of Fame. We are proud to the development and success of the industry."

Finally, thank you to our supporting partner, Innovate UK for their endorsement of the event, our drinks sponsor Desktop Metal, and of course all our judges.

Please see below for a full list of winners, highly commended and our Rising Star announcement.

TCT Awards 2020 will take place in Birmingham, UK on Wednesday 30th September 2020. Please keep an eye on the official website www.tctawards.com for updates.

TCT Hall of Fame inductee 2019
Gideon Levy

TCT Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award 2019
Professor Wai Yee Yeong

TCT Rising Star Award 2019
Winner: VELO3D
Highly Commended: Spectroplast AG

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TCT Aerospace Application Award 2019
Winner: Veripart Digital Supply Chain
Tech Lead: Moog Inc
End User: Air New Zealand
Partners: Microsoft, ST Engineering
In a world first experiment, Moog’s blockchain enabled VeriPart process was utilised to create a point of use, time of need digital supply chain. The proof of concept had Air New Zealand order a digital aircraft part from Singapore-based ST Engineering. The digital file was immediately sent to an approved printer (Moog) in LA, 3D printed and installed on an Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300 aircraft 30 minutes after landing.

Highly Commended: Rocket Engine Combustion Chamber
Tech Lead: Frazer-Nash Manufacturing
End User: Skyrora
Partners: Renishaw

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TCT Automotive Application Award 2019
Winner: Automated Design of Jigs & Fixtures
Tech Lead: Trinckle
End User: Ford Motor Company
Partners: Ultimaker B.V.
Ford and Trinckle have partnered to enhance the use of AM for the production of labelling jigs and fixtures. Through the development of an internal application using Trinckle’s paramate software, the design of AM jigs has been automated - reducing design time from 2-4 hours to 10 minutes and saving up to 50% of the total costs..

Highly Commended: PSPM Ball-Joint Exhaust System
Tech Lead: Poly-Shape
End User: Pipo Moteurs

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TCT Consumer Product Application Award 2019
Winner: Precision Diamond Helmet Liner
Tech Lead: Carbon
End User: Riddell
Choose Water have utilised 3d printed moulds to develop an important and timely alternative to single-use plastic bottles. The specialist moulds include thousands of tiny holes to allow paper pulp slurry to be shaped and then water extracted to form a solid product. The use of 3DP in place of 2-part steel and mesh moulds led to a 90% cost and 75% time saving.

Highly Commended: Home Appliance Spare Parts
Tech Lead: Spare Parts 3D
End User: Whirlpool EMEA

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TCT Creative Application Award 2019
Winner: Replica Dragon Conservation Project
Tech Lead: 3D Systems
End User: Historic Royal Palaces
Partners: Paul Jewby Master Carver
3D systems used digital scan-to-CAD workflow alongside SLS printing and intricate post processing techniques to produce 72 replicas of ornately carved dragons for Historic Royal Palaces. Missing from a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 200 years, the replica pieces were a lighter weight, longer lasting alternative to direct replacement of the wooden pieces, and were achieved in a much quicker timescale.

Highly Commended: Church Retable
Tech Lead: FIT AG
End User: Pfarrei St Laurentius Altmuhldorf
Partners: Kunstlerduo Empfangshalle Munchen; Studio Tessin

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TCT Hardware Award 2019 - Non Polymers
Winner: CFC Technology
Tech Lead: Anisoprint S.a.r.l
Anisoprint S.a.r.l have developed Continuous Composite Fibre Co-extrusion (CFC) technology which can produce parts which they say are several times stronger, lighter and cheaper than single material metal or polymer parts. The process can use different combinations of polymers and fibres, as well as extrude each filament at different rates to produce local variation in mechanical properties in the printed part.

Highly Commended: Sapphire System
Tech Lead: Velo 3D

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TCT Hardware Award 2019 - Polymers
Winner: Micro AM
Tech Lead: Nanofabrica
Micro AM provides an end-to-end solution bespoke to manufacturers requiring micron and sub-micron levels of resolution and surface finish. Nanofabrica's technology allows the repeatable mass manufacture of micro parts and components via additive manufacturing for manufacturers that previously had to rely on disproportionately expensive and non-agile manufacturing technologies such as micro moulding.

Highly Commended: Low Force Stereolithography
Tech Lead: FormLabs

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TCT Healthcare Application Award 2019
Winner: Neuroinfuse Drug Delivery System
Tech Lead: Renishaw plc
End User: North Bristol NHS Trust
Partners: The Harley Street Clinic; Herantis Pharma plc
A 3d printed titanium port has been developed to allow accessibility to the brain as part of a neuroinfuse drug delivery system which allows pharmaceuticals to bypass the blood-brain barrier for ongoing treatment of neuro disorders. The port features a roughened surface below the skin to encourage bone integration, and a polished surface above the skin to discourage bacterial settlement.

Highly Commended: Biomimetic Regenerative Scaffold
Tech Lead: Osteopore International Pte Ltd
End User: Queensland University of Technology
Partners: Julius-Maximilians University Wurzburg; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia

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TCT Industrial Product Application Award 2019
Winner: Industrial Robot Dough Cutting Knife
Tech Lead: K3D B.V
End User: Kaak Group
Partners: Additive Industries ; Civon Project
An industrial robot dough cutting knife has been redesigned for powder bed fusion leading to a myriad of benefits including part reduction of 20 to 1 and weight reduction of 90%. Unique AM improvements include porous structures for better cleaning as well as an inbuilt bearing, leaf spring and thread. This led to more cuts per hour reducing the need from 8 to 6 robots and saving €120k.

Highly Commended: Generatively Designed AM Workholding
Tech Lead: Matsuura Machinery Ltd
Partners: Autodesk; HP

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TCT Materials Award 2019 - Polymer
Winner: Formlabs Draft Resin
Tech Lead: Formlabs
Draft Resin is the fastest-printing Formlabs resin, making it ideal for rapid prototyping. Parts printed with Draft Resin print three to four times faster than parts printed with other Formlabs general purpose resins. The print speed of Draft Resin makes it ideal for same-day design iterations and printing bulky, full-build-volume parts.

Highly Commended: Filamentive ONE PET
Tech Lead: Fliamentive Ltd
Partners: Tridea; MCPP Netherlands

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TCT Materials Award 2019 - Non Polymers
Winner: XJet S100 Soluble Support
Tech Lead: Xjet
XJet S100 is the only 100% soluble support material in the additive manufacturing of stainless-steel that has fully automated support removal. It brings huge advantages to the user in geometric freedom, preservation of fine details & smooth surfaces, as well as huge savings in post processing labour time and cost.

Highly Commended: Vibenite 480, Cemented Carbide
Tech Lead: VBN Components AB
Partners: Uppsala University

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TCT Inspex Application Award 2019
Winner: Non Destructive Imaging in Forensics
Tech Lead: University of Warwick
End User: West Midlands Police
Partners: Crown Prosecution Service; University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire
Numerous criminal cases have benefited from a range of scanning and multi material 3D printing technologies that have, up until now, not been readily available within the Criminal Justice System. This technology has been used to provide evidence in over 120 Homicide cases for over 14 Police Forces throughout the UK and overseas.

Highly Commended: Heritage Forensics
Tech Lead: University of Warwick
End User: Oxford University Museum of Natural History

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TCT Inspex Hardware Award 2019
Winner: FARO OPTOR LAB
Tech Lead: Faro
Optor Lab is a 3D dental scanner that combines all kinds of dental professional needs to support a digital workflow. This all-in-one 3D scanning device with its flexible modules is both an ideal entry-level solution and the most advanced 3D scanning desktop scanner. The flexibility in features and the open structure is built for convenient desktop scanning applications in any dental laboratory.

Highly Commended: Ophir BeamWatch AM
Tech Lead: MKS Instruments

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TCT Post-Processing Award 2019
Winner: Intelligent de-powdering
Tech Lead: Siemens AG
Partners: Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH
Partnering Solukon’s SFM de-powdering technology with Siemens’ software has enabled a unique solution for powder removal of DMLM parts. The parts are rotated in a sequence calculated from the CAD geometry to precisely drain the residual powder from intricate cavities such as conformal cooling channels. This not only saves manual labour time, but also reduces waste powder and scrap parts due to powder residue issues.

Highly Commended: H6000
Tech Lead: Hirtenberger Engineered Surfaces

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TCT Software Award 2019
Winner: nTop Platform
Tech Lead: nTopology
nTop Platform is a unified engineering environment for design, simulation and advanced manufacturing processes. It is said to be the only design solution that allows engineers to simultaneously consider function, geometry, and manufacturing within a single computational methodology. Engineers can create lightweight and optimized parts with functional requirements built right in.

Highly Commended: Dyndrite Additive Toolkit
Tech Lead: Dyndrite Corporation

An Exclusive Look at TCT Show 2019

On 24th September TCT Show will open it's doors to almost 10,000 visitors from 80 different countries, for the 3-day event. The event will showcase the latest additive manufacturing technology solutions and innovations from nearly 300 leading exhibitors from across the globe including HP, Ultimaker, Trumpf, BOC, Formlabs, Siemens and Renishaw.

As a visitor to the event, you'll be inspired and gain insights from the world-class conference and seminar programmes held across 4 stages: TCT Summit, TCT Tech Stage, TCT Introducing Stage and TCT Insights Stage. 

Renowned for their high-calibre influential speakers, TCT Show will this year raise the bar further debuting the highly-anticipated TCT Summit, a user-led conference which will bring together industry experts and trail-blazers, guaranteeing to enthral the audience with fascinating talks and panel discussions. Featuring presentations on cutting edge-technology, innovation and market intelligence the TCT Summit stage will bring together leading authorities, engineers, designers and renowned academics across aerospace, automotive, rail, healthcare and business sectors. To whet your appetite here are just a few of the discussion topics:

• The UK’s First Additive Manufacturing Solution for the Rail Industry: Overcoming Certification Challenges for Rail Replacement Parts - James Brown, Angel Trains and Martin Stevens, DB ESG

• Driving Innovation in the Automotive Industry with AM Technologies - Arash Farboud, Arash Motor Company

• An AM Checklist: Separating the Wheat from the Chaff when Buying AM Equipment - Todd Grimm, T. A. Grimm & Associates

• Surviving Disruption in Additive Manufacturing - Dr Wilderich Heising, Boston Consulting Group

• 3D Medicine at Mayo Clinic: A Deep Dive into Technology and Philosophy - Amy Alexander, Mayo Clinic Department of Radiology's Anatomic Modeling Lab

TCT Tech Stage this year will host captivating, CPD-certified, sessions on topics surrounding jewellery, powder metallurgy, metrology, and plastics manufacturing. Visitors are also invited to attend the #3DTalk panel session dedicated to software, hosted by Women in 3D Printing & Cyant, featuring female leaders and pioneers in the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry. A seat at the TCT Tech Stage ensures attendees leave this industry-defining event with even more knowledge than they came with.

With the rapid growth of 3D technologies across all industry sectors, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the recent innovations. TCT Introducing Stage will showcase inspiring talks, live debates, and interactive sessions on the latest additive manufacturing product developments and services across hardware, software, and ancillaries. The vibrant and dynamic three-day programme is led by TCT Show’s most prominent exhibitors including Formlabs, Protolabs, EOS, Materialise, Fraunhofer IWU, and many more. TCT Introducing Stage is a great platform for newcomers and returning visitors to gain more knowledge on technological progress amongst like-minded professionals.

New for 2019, TCT Insights Stage will shine the spotlight on the essential aspects required to understand the entire spectrum of the current and emerging additive manufacturing technologies. The programme includes an ever-popular workshop on the fundamentals of AM, delivered by Graham Tromans, ideal for attendees newly initiated to the 3D printing industry.

This stage is also a host to the TCT Additive Insight Podcast, presented live by the expert TCT Content Team. By focusing on the past, present and the future of additive manufacturing, the three episodes will explore achievements and innovative 3D printing breakthroughs, influential and pioneering technology currently showcased at the TCT Show, and glimpse into the next generation of developments in the pipeline.

This superb content provides a deep delve into AM insights and guarantees to enhance every visitor’s experience by imparting crucial knowledge about the technology presented at the TCT Show.

Also new to TCT Show 2019 is TCT Connect, this year in association with HP. The networking platform will provide an interactive networking space for professionals in the design-to-manufacturing industry where they can exchange ideas and ultimately facilitate business growth.

“The diversification of features at TCT Show reflects the changing landscape for the wider design-to-manufacturing community. TCT Connect, provides a streamlined and efficient way for buyers and sellers to conduct business and build stronger relationships face-to-face — something we believe is increasingly important in the modern world.”
James Woodcock, VP Content, Strategy & Partnerships - Rapid News Group

Product Launches at TCT Show 2019

With many new and exciting product launches, this year's TCT Show is set to offer a greater learning experience for current users and those looking to acquire new technology.

Visitors will be able to see performance 3D printing in action with MakerBot, the desktop 3D printing leader's award-winning 3D printers on display, including its industrial-grade 3D printer, METHOD, new PETG material, and its upcoming latest innovation.

nTopology has a radical new approach to product development, computational modeling, that bridges the gap between advanced manufacturing machines and the engineering software needed to optimise designs and drive production. On display on the nTopology stand will be examples of digital designs as well as additively-manufactured/3D-printed products created using the software (without STL files!).

OxMet Technologies Ltd will introduce its range of high-performance nickel, titanium and aluminium alloys for additive manufacturing, revealing the development rationale and process behind their manufacture.

EnvisionTEC will be at TCT show with the latest range of ground-breaking 3D printers and materials for a cross section of industries. See the latest Perfactory P4K model DLP printers that utilise a true 4M pixel projector. P4K models utilise this high resolution together with Artificial Intelligence to deliver the highest accuracy and truly outstanding surface finish.

Also see the new Envision One printer that uses EnvisonTEC’s patented domeless cDLM technology. These models are not only blazingly fast (capable of 45mm/hr in some cases), but also incredibly accurate. With materials for both manufacturers and the Dental/Orthodontic market, come and see them for yourself.

Stratasys will demonstrate their expertise across multiple sectors. The recently-launched F120 3D Printer will make its UK debut. They will also showcase how 3D printing is making an impact within the aircraft interiors market by customising cabins, with a life-size business class pod on-stand to highlight the possibilities.

TCT Awards 2019

25th September 2019

Celebrating the innovators, technologies and collaborators behind the leading examples of Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, Design and Engineering across the globe - The TCT Awards are set to showcase these world-leading projects as well as recognising the most influential and impactful members of the additive manufacturing industry in the TCT Hall of Fame.

Three new awards will debut this year, including the TCT Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award as well as the Inspex Application Award and Inspex Hardware Award.

Hosted by tech journalist and presenter, Georgie Barratt, the ceremony will see the brightest and most revolutionary minds of the 3D printing world come together to celebrate winners across 15 categories.

Finalists for this year’s prestigious awards include Sauber Motorsport AG, Ford Motor Company, NHS, Whirlpool EMEA, BMW Group and Air New Zealand.

“The TCT Awards evening will once again provide a showcase of the most innovative applications and products from across the event, the awards allows us to recognise those pioneers whose work - past and present - has shaped the industry around us. It also acts as a focal point for the community allowing everyone to enjoy some food, drinks and entertainment together."

James Woodcock, VP Content, Strategy & Partnerships - Rapid News Group

Finally, CREATE Education will join forces with Rapid News Group to bring the Inspired Minds Classroom back to TCT Show 2019. The Inspired Minds Classroom provides an introduction to the fascinating realm of 3D printing for students in years nine and ten. Students will embark on this three-hour journey, culminating in a visit to the actual show where they will be able to interact with exhibitors and see the latest innovations up close.

TCT Show is the place for insight, intelligence and inspiration and more importantly is where companies come to do business.

TCT Show will take place in Halls 3 and 3A of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK, from 24-26 September 2019.

For further information or to register for your free ticket visit: www.tctshow.com

TCT Inspired Minds Classroom Brings the 3D Printing Experience to Students

Chester, UK, 29th July 2019 Rapid News Group will once again collaborate with CREATE Education to bring TCT Inspired Minds Classroom, the interactive additive manufacturing experience positioned to introduce school children to the world of 3D printing, to TCT Show 2019.

Inspired Minds Classroom promises be an enlightening 3-hour journey into the realm of additive manufacturing for students in years nine and ten and will consist of three components.

The first component will feature talks from industry leaders giving students the opportunity to learn about the most innovative new technology in the industry. Then the tables will turn as the students challenge the ‘Inspiration Panel’ and pose their own questions to the experts.

Led by Autodesk trained instructors, the second component will give students an introduction to CAD design skills using Autodesk Fusion 360. The students will be set a challenge to design and model elements to fit within a brief before learning how to slice and 3D print their models using Ultimaker 3D printing equipment.

Ending with a bang, the last part of the experience will give the students a taste of the real thing as they tour TCT Show 2019. Here, they will feast their eyes on the latest innovations in the design-manufacturing world and will have the opportunity to connect and interact with over 250 exhibitors.

“At CREATE Education, providing access and inspiration are part of the core values of our organisation and so being able to deliver the Inspired Minds classroom for the 3rd year running is a one of the most important events in our calendar.  Engaging the students through our community of Ambassadors from education and industry provides us with the opportunity to open their eyes to future career options for 3D Printing and also how the technology has and will have a real impact on daily life socially and in a wide range of professions.  Using equipment provided by HP and models provided by Rolls-Royce the Inspired Minds sessions will give students an introduction to CAD using Autodesk Fusion 360.

The Rolls-Royce Jet Engine models is a fantastic introduction to design thinking and really sparks creativity.  Sustainable recycled PLA from Filamentive will be used to 3D print all of the designs so that the students have a tangible memory from their day.”

Michelle Chatterley - Head of CREATE Education

TCT Show is the place for insight, intelligence and inspiration and more importantly is where companies come to do business.

TCT Show will take place in Halls 3 and 3A of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK, from 24-26 September 2019.

For further information visit: www.tctshow.com
#TCTShow

Finalists announced for TCT Awards 2019 - Early Bird Tickets on sale now!

Rapid News Publications Ltd are delighted to announce that the finalists for the 2019 TCT Awards have now been selected. The TCT Awards is an annual celebration that showcases the world’s leading projects and innovators in the 3D printing, additive manufacturing and design & engineering industries.

Award winners will be chosen by the esteemed TCT Expert Advisory Board (EAB), a collection of highly regarded and experienced 3D technology experts who will consider and assess the finalists from 15 categories with the successful projects being announced during the gala evening in September.

Tickets are on sale now for this exciting event which will recognise the amazing accomplishments made by the innovators of the design-to-manufacture industry including BMW, Ford, Whirlpool, Sauber, Etihad and Riddell. The occasion promises to serve as a celebration of innovation and a great opportunity to network with the leading lights of the sector.

Highlights of the evening will include the induction of the latest member to the prestigious TCT Hall of Fame, as well as the brand new Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award. This year’s ceremony will also see the introduction of a further two new awards in the metrology and inspection arena. The Inspex Application Award and the Inspex Hardware Award. Attendees can also look forward to the announcement of the winner of the of the Rising Star Award, which acknowledges an up and coming business which has had a breakthrough year.

Hosted by tech journalist and presenter Georgie Barrat, the ceremony will cover categories across a range of industries including medical, aerospace, automotive and consumer products.

To see a full list of the finalists and categories, click here.

The event will take place at the National Conference Centre (NCC) in Birmingham, on the 25th of September 2019.

If you wish to join us in recognising the achievements of these amazing industry leaders and enjoy an evening celebrating the successes of design-to-manufacturing innovation, book your tickets here. For further information on TCT Awards visit: www.tctawards.com

New TCT Show Feature: TCT Summit 2019

Rapid News Publications will raise the bar on the annual design-to-manufacturing TCT Show this September with the launch of TCT Summit. TCT Summit is a new user-led conference packed full of fascinating talks and panel sessions on the latest cutting-edge applications, materials, and processes across aerospace, automotive, rail, healthcare, and business sectors.

Following rapid growth, the new conference will attract an even larger unique audience and promises to bring awe-inspiring technology, world-class industry experts & exhibitors and over 10,000 attendees together for a three-day knowledge exchange at Birmingham’s NEC.

Visitors can expect to see the latest and most inventive technology that will inspire solutions aimed at solving design and manufacturing challenges.

Exhibitors and visitors alike can look forward to thought-provoking talks from industry leaders and experts.

The TCT Summit programme is divided into five streams. All sessions are guaranteed to impart expert knowledge, inspire conversation and connect the design and manufacturing communities.

• Transport

• Materials & Processes

• Design & Innovation

• Healthcare

• Business & Economic Considerations

Rapid News Group's Vice President of Content, Strategy and Partnerships, Jim Woodcock explains: “The content at TCT Show has always been regarded as the industry’s finest thanks to the combination of world-class production and the deep industry insight of the editorial team. Working together once again for 2019, these two groups have delivered a mix of free and paid conferencing that makes TCT Show a must-attend event."

Amongst others, speakers include:
Craig Hatto
Project Lead, Historic Royal Palaces & Director, Hatto & Co

Amy Alexander
Senior Biomedical Engineer, Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiology’s Anatomic Modelling Lab

Martin Stevens
Mechanical Engineering Manager, Deutsche Bahn AG
with
James Brown
Data & Performance Engineer, Angel Trains

"TCT Summit doesn’t operate as a discrete annual event, it really ties into the daily, weekly and monthly coverage of the media team and as such is best placed to deliver the best application success stories, cutting-edge technological developments and thought-provoking commentaries the industry has to offer." 

Another significant addition to the 2019 TCT Show is the creation of TCT Connect. Sponsored by Hewlett Packard, TCT Connect will enable event participants to arrange 1-2-1 meetings and network; to share and interact in a secure and efficient way, allowing participants to maximise their time at the show by pre-arranging meetings.

Other networking opportunities include the introduction of a networking event on the first night as well as a dedicated VIP lounge. Participants will have more opportunities than ever to grow their networks and create more successful business relationships.

"Attendees to this year’s TCT Summit will see more than 20 educational, CPD-certified, presentations from the innovators, facilitators, and champions, shaping the design-to-manufacturing industry. But with access to the TCT Summit including hosted networking events, access to the high-level meetings programme and attendance at the industry’s Awards night, TCT Summit is much more than passive learning — it’s truly an opportunity to immerse yourself in an industry.”

To be part of TCT Summit and TCT Connect you will need to register for TCT Show 2019 which will take place from 24-26 September 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, conveniently located next to Birmingham International Airport. TCT Show is the place for insight, intelligence and inspiration.

For further information visit: www.tctshow.com
To see the full programme for TCT Summit click here.

Finalists Just Announced: Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award

Partners Rapid News Publications Ltd and Women in 3D Printing announced the four finalists for their new Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award.

The award is in its inaugural year and will recognise women in the 3D printing sector that demonstrate outstanding innovation and represent the pinnacle of success. It aims to shine a spotlight on the female innovators who are leading the charge in the world of design-to-manufacturing.

The finalists are the latest female trail blazers in their field and were selected from a widely intellectual and competitive pool of candidates by Women in 3D Printing’s international network of ambassadors.

Here are the final 4:

Laura Gilmour
Global Medical Business Development Manager, EOS

Wai Yee Yeong
Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University

Melanie Lang,
Co-Founder & CEO,
Formalloy

Katherine Prescott
Co-Founder,
Free D

The ground-breaking, new award was the brain child of Rapid News Publications and Women in 3D Printing, who decided to join forces on a mission to promote and spotlight leading female innovators in the world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

Today, the vote goes live to the public and will stay open until the 31st July. The winner will be unveiled at the much-anticipated TCT Awards, the world's most recognised and regarded awards ceremony for the design-to manufacture industry. To cast your vote click here.

The Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award is a welcome addition to the TCT Awards this year. The awards continue to be the pinnacle of TCT Show and will once again celebrate the achievements of the industry's greatest innovators and pioneers over the last year.

Hosted by tech journalist and presenter Georgie Barrat, the ceremony will cover 15 categories in total across a range of industries including medical, aerospace, automotive and consumer products.

The event will take place at the National Conference Centre (NCC) in Birmingham, on the 25th of September 2019. If you wish to join us in recognising the achievements of these amazing ladies and enjoy an evening celebrating the successes of design-to-manufacturing innovation, tickets will be on sale soon. For further information on TCT Awards visit: www.tctwards.com

Interplas 2020 Expands: The UK Plastics Industry Backs the Leading Show

Interplas, the UK’s leading trade show dedicated to the plastics industry, is expanding, adding more space and new features for its 2020 show after a huge surge in demand from exhibitors.

For the first time in 15 years, the show will fill two halls at Birmingham’s NEC, where an expected 500 companies will demonstrate the machinery, materials and services available to meet the current and future challenges of plastics processors.

Over 72% of the combined floorspace across the two halls is already sold, despite the event being over 15 months away, with high-profile exhibitors keen to re-book after the success of previous editions of the show.

Colin Tirel, Managing Director at ARBURG Ltd, said: “ARBURG Ltd are pleased to confirm that we are booked to exhibit at the forthcoming Interplas show in 2020. In 2014 and 2017 we enjoyed a return to Interplas after an absence of nine years and are really looking forward to the show next year...

We look forward to meeting with and discussing customers’ requirements during the show. I am certainly hoping that the show will echo the positive experiences we had as exhibitors at the previous two shows.”

Interplas is renowned for its machinery and product demonstrations. Visitors to the 2020 edition will be able to see an expanded portfolio from several exhibitors who have added to their ranges in order to meet the evolving needs of the market.

Kevin Horne, Managing Director of Renmar Plastics Machinery, said: “The decision to return to Interplas was taken based on the success of 2017 for our company. We have a number of additional lines, such as shredders and robots, and a new location on the show floor will give us the space to show them to the numerous visitors expected.

In terms of the market, we have not seen a decline in enquiries nor orders despite the political turmoil over Brexit, in fact quite the reverse, with a strong growth in the recycling and automation areas, so we will be showing more equipment than ever next year.”

Innovation will continue to play a key part at Interplas 2020, with the return of the ‘Interplas Innovation Award’ giving exhibitors the opportunity to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies that will enable visitors to get ahead.

Mike Jordan, Managing Director of Summit Systems, said: “It will be great to exhibit some of the innovation that has developed in the past 2 – 3 years from connectivity to improved processes and recycling techniques. I am sure Interplas will be a well-attended platform for our amazing industry to pull together and show how we have developed through this challenging time.”

New features at the show in 2020 will be a greater focus on Sustainability, in response to the current changes facing the industry in the transition to a circular economy. Through a dedicated guide and stand markers, visitors will be able to easily identify those companies offering insight and experience that can help them achieve their sustainability goals, whether it be with machinery, materials or services.

This will be complemented by the ‘Sustainability Stage’, a dedicated conference theatre that will host three full days of free-to-attend presentations, panel discussions and Q&A forums where experts will give tailored insight to the ways in which the UK plastics industry can lead the way in sustainable manufacturing, recycling and resource use.

Additionally, there will be a brand-new focus on extrusion machinery, materials and associated technologies, after a surge in demand from exhibitors in this area. To enhance a visit with further insight and information, a dedicated ‘Extrusion Stage’ will provide end users in the UK with a three-day programme giving a unique opportunity to discover the latest machinery, materials and methods for efficient and economic processing, as well as end-of-life considerations.

The Main Stage will continue to offer world-leading content from some of biggest names in the automotive, construction, packaging and medical industries. Industry experts will offer insights, opportunities and advice on how to work together as markets, trends and regulations continue to change.

Leanne Taylor, Head of Content for Interplas, said: “As a result of the expansion to the show floor space, we’re naturally enhancing our conference offerings for 2020 so that the content across the stages reflects the complete spectrum of processing technologies that visitors can see at Interplas.

The three-day programme across each stage, combined with new show floor features, will provide unique information and insights crucial to overcoming the challenges and capitalising on the opportunities facing the industry and provide plenty of opportunity to ask questions, network and learn in an open and friendly forum.”

Other highlights for visitors include the return of the Women in Plastics industry group, with a conference and networking programme, as well as the Knowledge Pavilion, where visitors can source information and advice across areas from funding and exporting to R&D and consultancy.

Interplas 2020 will take place 29th September – 1st October at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK.



2019 Edition of RAPID + TCT hailed as best event yet!

North America’s most influential additive manufacturing event took place in Detroit, May 20-23 featuring 434 exhibitors on a show floor measuring 112,200 sq.ft. More than 5,200 unique attendees experienced a state-of-the-art showcase of additive manufacturing.

Exhibitors and visitors alike have hailed the 2019 edition of RAPID + TCT as the best event in its history, with record attendance numbers engaging with the largest show floor ever seen at the event.

The 3-day event took place in the heartland of industrial America at the Cobo Center in Detroit and had an incredible display of cutting-edge, design-to-manufacturing technologies on the show floor, plus a full program of inspiring and thought-provoking conferences.

Many of the 434 exhibiting companies used the show to launch new products, these included Xjet, Titan Robotics, EOS, Materialise, Fabrisonic, Makerbot, Impossible Objects, Markforged, Formalloy and BigRep, once again reaffirming that RAPID + TCT is the key launch event for North America when it comes to additive manufacturing.

The exhibitors were assembled from 22 countries and included a record 143 exhibitors making their debut, demonstrating the immense speed of development in the industry and the focus on RAPID + TCT as a place to go to market in North America.

"I think this is the most important event of the year for us in North America. This is really the event where if you are trying to understand how additive manufacturing fits into an advanced manufacturing environment this is the place to come."
Patrick Boyd, EOS

Alongside the vibrant show floor, conference delegates and visitors had the opportunity to listen to and learn from over 300 experts from across the world on multiple stages, platforms and engagement zones. The learning, intelligence and networking on offer from the brightest minds ensures that a visit to RAPID + TCT delivers huge benefits.

“It’s my first show and I am blown away. I am just happy to walk around and see what everybody is doing, all forms of additive manufacturing"
Jim Hall, Attendee

"It’s fun to be at Rapid + TCT it’s very productive for us in terms of the investment and the outcome, the number of leads that we get at the end of the show and more than that the quality of the leads make a difference." Dror Danai, Xjet

RAPID + TCT 2019 was the third edition that has been jointly produced by SME and Rapid News Publications Ltd since the two organizations announced their intention to combine their collective industry knowledge and global networks to address the challenges of 3D manufacturing and drive even greater adoption and progress across all industries.

“RAPID + TCT brings the entire additive manufacturing community together to share the latest knowledge and technology, allowing the industry to move forward and keep up with evolving demands,” said Sandi Bouckley, executive director and CEO, SME. “SME’s partnership with Rapid News Group allows us to continue serving this vital community that is changing the face of manufacturing as we know it.”

“There was a recurring theme of collaboration at this year’s show. Many partnerships were announced, and alliances formalized,” said Duncan Wood, CEO, Rapid News Publications Ltd “and this trend reflects precisely why RAPID and TCT came together three years ago. The pace of development and technology adoption is much accelerated when leading organizations combine their expertise and capabilities and the growth of RAPID + TCT is proof of this too. We are already working on our 2020 event with plenty of exciting enhancements in the works!”

RAPID + TCT 2020 will take place April 20-23 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

Med-Tech Innovation Expo 2019 Closes to High Praise Following Relocation to Birmingham

The doors closed yesterday on the Med-Tech Innovation Expo 2019, which took place for the first time at its new home the NEC, Birmingham. This year’s expo contained some exciting new features, including a third conference stage signalling significant growth for this sector-leading event.

The Introducing Stage, was a new forum for exhibitors to meet with delegates and demonstrate their technologies first-hand. Also new to the show floor was the Acceleration Zone, a forum for taking new ideas and organisations to the next level. Other additions included two new conference sessions: a global perspectives session as well as a panel discussion on the role of women in engineering.

Med-Tech Innovation Expo is the UK’s only dedicated, standalone exhibition for medical device engineering and manufacturing. The event was complemented by the Med-Tech Innovation Conference organised in partnership with Medilink UK, as well as the Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards. This year saw an expansion of the show floor to accommodate a record number of exhibitors nearing 300 from 14 countries. Initial data shows that this dynamic event connected almost 3,000 attendees across the two days from 34 different countries, with an exciting and diverse range of businesses, on hand to help them solve their medical design and manufacturing challenges.

"Med-Tech gives us the opportunity to show and discuss the types of services that Boddingtons Plastics can offer to our customers. 

We've seen really good footfall and had several new leads for new devices. The show has been a great success for us and in fact we've booked for next year already." 
Chris Philpott, Business Development Manager, Boddingtons Plastics Ltd 

The event is fast becoming Europe’s go-to show for product launches, with a raft of companies bringing new and futuristic engineering solutions for healthcare OEMs and medtech start-ups to examine.

Lohmann Technologies demonstrated how they are moving with the times. The evolution of modern textiles has increased rapidly over the last 30 years and these fabrics have new applications in the medical world, with the group demonstrating how textile bonding has evolved in the sector.

Faulhaber raised the bar and showed their innovative winding technology and optimised design with the introduction of the Faulhaber BXT family of flat brushless DC motors presented, at Med-Tech Innovation Expo, for the very first time in the UK.

In all, more than 50 engaging and inspiring presentations took place across three stages, along with a wealth of exciting and educational show features. Visitors saw presentations from a wide range of major OEMs, government officials and industry experts. On the Conference Stage , attendees heard presentations from speakers including Mark McIntyre, Boston Scientific; Nicola Blackwood, Department of Health and Social Care; and Chris Hudson from Roche Diagnostics.

On the HealthTech Stage speakers included, Oli Hudson from Wilmington Healthcare; Dr Lydia Yarlott from Forward; and Dr Iain Hennessey, NHS England.

Meanwhile, event exhibitors shared technical know-how on the Introducing Stage: speakers included Dr Grace Jennings from NICE Scientific Advice, Ewan Grist, Chris de Mauny and Toby Bond from Bird & Bird and a global perspectives session moderated and sponsored by Marks & Clerk LLP.

“It was actually a great pleasure to be invited to the Med-Tech Expo meeting. I spoke on the Introducing Stage, which I must say was a packed audience. We had a great stream of people coming up to the stand to talk to us after. "
Tom Clutton-Brock, Clinical Director, MD-TEC.

In addition to the packed conference and seminar programme, visitors experienced a range of exciting show features. The Medilink UK Pavilion featured a range of Medilink member businesses, including Loughborough University, Piota and White Horse Plastics, an excellent platform to highlight their solutions to industry challenges.

"Great day at MedTechExpo, interesting presentations and conversations with exhibitors & visitors. Will definitely be back next year!" 
Emmanuelle Jeannot, Owner, Medical Translator

"It's a good mix of exhibitors, we came to speak to a couple of clients and the conversations turned out very fruitful."
Robert Johnston, Injection Mould Tooling Expert, GSK

Duncan Wood, Chief Executive of Rapid News Group, owners of Med-Tech Innovation Expo commented,
“We are delighted with another significant step forward for this event as we work to create a defining event experience for the UK medtech sector. The two days contained many highlights, new products, new companies, world-class presentations and stunning applications. Whilst as organisers we have had superb feedback, we recognise we can't do it without industry support, so we thank all our exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and partners for their efforts; they make the show."

MEDILINK UK HEALTHCARE BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS At the Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards, ten awards were presented to winners for both Medilink UK and Med-Tech Innovation categories. Judges rewarded companies for their contributions to the medtech and life science industry. The full list of finalists and winners can be found here.

2019 Winners Announced: Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards in Association with Med-Tech Innovation

Quotient Sciences - Winners of the Outstanding Achievement Award

Birmingham 16th May 2019. Last night the 2019 Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards took place. The sell-out gala dinner was the best yet, with 250 professionals from across the industry coming to celebrate with the winners, network with peers and share their pride in the industry.
 
This year’s awards recognised a multitude of achievements and outstanding contributions to life sciences. Ten awards were given out: five Medilink UK categories and five new Med-Tech Innovation categories. The Medilink UK winners were chosen from an exclusive shortlist comprised entirely of winners from each of the regional Medilink awards (held throughout 2018 and early 2019). Meanwhile the Med-Tech Innovation award winners were chosen by an independent judging panel, who represent key stakeholders from across the supply chain. The panel was tasked with assessing each entry in each of the five categories on the merit of their contribution to the medical device engineering supply chain.

After a busy first day at Med-Tech Innovation Expo (the UK and Ireland’s leading showcase for medical device design and manufacturing technology), guests enjoyed a three-course gala dinner, drinks and entertainment.

The awards were presented by Adam Kay, award winning author of the hilarious bestseller This Is Going to Hurt - recollections from his days as a junior doctor. Adam provided post-dinner entertainment to rapturous applause.

In total, 10 companies from across the UK and overseas were presented with either a Medilink UK or Med-Tech Innovation award.

Nick Rogers, Vice-Chair of Medilink UK commented; 
“The Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards have been a raging success once again, congratulations to all of the award winners, runners up and finalists. It’s been 
fantastic to see so many people from across the industry coming together to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions to the Life Sciences sector.”

Dave Gray, Group Editor - Life Sciences Med-Tech Innovation;
‘‘It's been a privilege to learn about all of the exceptional work being done in the UK and overseas to advance the healthcare sector. This year the awards have shone a spotlight on not only those suppliers serving the healthcare front line, but also the engineers and innovators working behind the scenes to set the pace of change.’’

Winners and runners up from each category were;  
 
Medilink UK categories:

START UP AWARD sponsored by MedTech SuperConnector

Winner: Virti is this year’s winner, they use virtual and augmented reality combined with artificial intelligence to transport users into realistic, hard-to-access environments and safely assesses them under pressure to improve human performance and outcomes, regardless of geographical boundaries.

The judges appreciated the use of cutting-edge technology to improve education and training and how they have applied this technology in a cost-effective manner to scale in-person training or coaching to improve human performance.

Runners up: SurePulse and Needlesmart.

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EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD sponsored by Economic Development Board Mauritius

Winner: Paxman, this year’s winner has been pioneering scalp cooling technology for over 20 years. Their clinically proven cold cap system has helped over 100,000 cancer patients in more than 25 countries worldwide to help retain their hair during chemotherapy.

Runners up: CellPath and Charnwood Molecular.

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COLLABORATION WITH THE NHS AWARD sponsored by Wilmington Healthcare

Winner: C the Signs developed a digital decision support tool that uses artificial intelligence and the latest evidence to support doctors to identify cancer patients at the earliest and most survivable stage of the disease. It’s used widely within the NHS, and 85 GP practices have reported a 25% improvement in cancer detection rates.

Runners up: AliveCor and Syml Connect.

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INNOVATION AWARD sponsored by Barker Brettell

Winner: Ariane Medical Systems, chosen for its work with clinical partners to develop the Papillon50 X-ray Brachytherapy system to treat accessible tumours. The Papillon 50 is now treating patients in Denmark, France, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. The technology is unique in its approach to the treatment of cancer and has been shown to be effective, with minimal side effects.

There is no other delivery system on the market that can deliver dosages at such speed and with such precision via an X-ray generator that is no bigger than a shoe box.

Runners up: MeeTwo and Walk to Beat.

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OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD sponsored by WinMan

Winner: Quotient Sciences, this year’s winner developed a translational pharmaceutics system which has enabled them to significantly shorten drug development times and reduce costs for biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients throughout the world.

This innovative approach to drug development differentiates Quotient Sciences in the marketplace which has driven their success in winning new customers, resulting in a 10-fold increase in financial performance and staff levels over the past 10 years.

Runners up: Creo Medical and Ingenica Solutions.

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Med-Tech Innovation categories:

CONNECTED HEALTH AWARD sponsored by Digital Health Age

Winner: Sentinel Biosensor impressed the judges with their medical grade, re-useable, wearable vital signs monitor, which claims to measure more vital signs in a single device than any other. The judges described the innovation as a very impressive integration of technology that has the potential to make a huge impact across the healthcare sector.

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DESIGN AWARD sponsored by Med-Tech Innovation News

Winner: Computational Life was chosen for its testing software which integrates several components of the human body in a tightly integrated manner. The judges said that where digital twins are of increasing interest across market sectors, this is a very interesting application that will have the potential to considerably reduce development time in the medtech industry.

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ENGINEERING AWARD sponsored by Advantech 

Winner: ES Precision was chosen due to the ingenuity of their CO2 laser perforating process which contributes to a better, more comfortable experience for amputees when wearing artificial limbs. Judges identified an impressive use of a specialist manufacturing technique to improve patient comfort and recognised that the company has developed an efficient and effective way of manufacturing prosthetic silicone inserts by laser drilling.

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INDUSTRY 4.0 AWARD sponsored by Med-Tech Innovation News
Winner: MasterControl was chosen for its Manufacturing Excellence solution for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, which eliminates the inefficient paper-based management of device history records, recipe management, batch records, travellers and other manufacturing information processes, and provides greater automation, visibility and traceability throughout the production life cycle.

Judges said that since quality management is vital for large and small manufacturers, to have the entire process digitised is a massive benefit & should be highly transferable.

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MATERIALS INNOVATION AWARD sponsored by Medical Plastics News

Winner: Nova-BioRubber Green Technologies. This year’s winner was chosen as a result of their green processing technologies for the production of hypoallergenic and sustainable biolatex, biorubber and inulin, designed to tackle latex allergy and satisfy growing rubber demand in a sustainable way.

Judges said that the material could help deal with a significant problem in the healthcare world, and that a hypoallergenic and sustainable biolatex could make a huge positive impact on the industry.

Nominees Announced & Voting Open for 2019 TCT Hall of Fame

Chester, UK - 3rd April 2019

Today, The TCT Group have the honour of announcing the nominees for the 2019 TCT Hall of Fame and are delighted to declare that voting is now open.

The TCT Awards ceremony and gala dinner is an evening of networking, recognition, prizes and celebration and this year takes place on Wednesday 25th September at the National Conference Centre, in Birmingham.
 
The TCT Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates those members of the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry who have dedicated a lifetime of research, development, innovation and promotions of the technologies that have created and perpetuated dozens of new industries. 

The TCT Expert Advisory Board (EAB) put forward their nominations throughout Q1 and we are inspired by the high calibre of nominees. Those nominations with the most votes from the EAB have been shortlisted for the final public vote.
 
Duncan Wood, Chief Executive of Rapid News Publications Ltd stated, “As with all of our previous nominees and inductees these five individuals have made significant contributions to the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry over a prolonged period of time and their impact in accelerating the adoption of the technologies is clear for all to see. I congratulate all of the nominees and wish them good luck in the ensuing process”
 
The nominees in alphabetical order are:

Phill Dickens  - AM researcher, consultant & educator
Phill Dickens has been active in ‘rapid prototyping’ since 1990 and has been at the heart of the UK’s AM community for nearly three decades. His teaching and mentoring has helped to switch a generation of young engineers on to AM.

Todd Grimm - Veteran AM Consultant, writer & speaker
A 27-year veteran of the additive manufacturing industry, Todd is well established as a prominent industry advisor who shares his knowledge widely, and truly understands the potential of AM.

Professor Gideon Levy - AM consultant, researcher & advisor
An early pioneer in the AM industry with his contributions beginning in 1997. Prof Dr. Levy holds over 30 patents and has published over 200 scientific and technical publications in that time.

Graham Tromans - Veteran Applications specialist & educator
A career spanning 30 years, Tromans has worked tirelessly in the development of applications for additive technologies - initially through his work with Rover and Jaguar Land Rover and latterly as advisor and consultant to industry.

Terry Wohlers - AM Consultant, author & speaker
Terry Wohlers is principal consultant and president of Wohlers Associates, Inc. For over 30 years he has provided consulting assistance, authored 400+ books, articles and papers and given 150 keynote presentations.

The public vote is open to all in the TCT community and the wider additive manufacturing and 3D printing family. To register your vote go to www.tctawards.com and click on Hall of Fame.
 
The successful nominee will join eight previous winners and will be inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame during the ceremony on 25th September.
 
The TCT Hall of Fame is a focal point of the TCT Awards evening that recognises those members of the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry who have inspired and influenced industries around the world. Previous inductees to the prestigious and coveted Hall of Fame are: Adrian Bowyer, Scott Crump, Dr Carl Deckard, Chuck Hull, Hans Langer, Greg Morris, Prof Emanuel ‘Ely’ Sachs and Wilfried Vancrean.
 
For further information, to vote and for a full list of categories, submission criteria and deadlines please visit www.tctawards.com
 

TCT and Women in 3D Printing partner on Innovator Award

Chester, UK - 1st April 2019 - The TCT Group is delighted to announce a collaboration with Women in 3D Printing for the 2019 edition of the TCT Awards.
 
The partnership sees the launch of a new ‘Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award’ which will shine the spotlight on female innovators who are leading the charge in the world of design-to-manufacturing.
 
Women in 3D Printing is a global organisation dedicated to promoting, supporting, and inspiring women who are using additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. Their mission is to increase the visibility of women in the AM industry and encourage more women to use 3D Printing technologies.
 
The shortlist will be selected by Women in 3D Printing’s international network of ambassadors which spans more than 30 chapters around the world.  The winner will be determined by a vote which will open to the public on the TCT Awards website in May.
 
“TCT has been working with Women in 3D Printing and their partners Cyant, another fantastic female-led company, for the last two years on a series of hugely insightful panel sessions at our events in the UK and US,” Laura Griffiths, Deputy Group Editor at TCT Magazine said. “At TCT, we are increasingly conscious of the gender-bias within our industry and committed to delivering more diversified content across our events and publications. The launch of the Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award will be a celebration of the achievements of the trailblazing women who are pioneering and applying 3D technologies.”
 
Nora Toure, Founder of Women in 3D Printing stated “We are thrilled to work with TCT for this first edition of the Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award. TCT is a great partner for Women in 3D Printing and after successful past collaborations, building this Award together makes perfect sense. As we promote female leaders and game-changers in the field of Additive Manufacturing on a weekly basis on our platform, partnering with TCT for this Award is a fantastic way to give even more visibility to those women innovators.“ 
 
About TCT Awards
Celebrating Design-to-Manufacturing Innovation
TCT has always existed at the intersection of technology and applications, and the TCT Awards reflects this position. Celebrating the innovators, technologies and collaborators behind the leading examples of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design and engineering across the globe.
 
The very best use cases of ground-breaking technologies are collaborative projects – and the TCT Awards recognises the partners in a project from designers and engineers to technology providers.
 
Now in its third year TCT Awards will once again celebrate design-to-manufacturing innovation across a range of industries including medical, aerospace, automotive and consumer products. Technology innovations will also be in the spotlight along with a further three inductees to the prestigious and coveted TCT Hall of Fame.
 
TCT Awards 2019 will take place at National Conference Centre (NCC), Birmingham, UK on 25 September 2019. 
For further information visit: www.tctawards.com

Speak at TCT Conference @ Formnext 2019

The 2019 edition of the TCT Conference @ Formnext will be held from 19th to 22nd November at Messe Frankfurt, Germany and will explore the technologies and innovations that accelerate the adoption of technologies in the design-to-manufacturing process chain.

Every year, the TCT Conference @ Formnext delivers a world-class programme, comprising of nearly 60 presentations from internationally-recognised organisations like BMW Group, Audi AG, Johnson & Johnson, Siemens Mobility, Steelcase and many more. These sessions not only highlight technological breakthroughs but also deliver a truly global overview of how 3D printing advances are impacting the manufacturing industry in Europe, the US and beyond.

By bringing together 3D printing experts, research analysts, academics, engineers and designers, this year’s summit will address recent additive manufacturing developments in industrial manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare sectors. It will also identify cutting-edge applications, materials and processes, shine a spotlight on global trends in the AM marketplace and examine how to adopt 3D printing across big and small enterprises successfully. 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The conference team is looking for inspiring and educational presentations and is now accepting abstracts on the following topics: 

• 3D technologies in the medical and dental industry

• Aerospace applications of 3D technologies

• Application of 3D technologies in new product development

• Business for AM

• Consumer applications of 3D technologies

• Design for AM

• Design-to-manufacturing innovation in automotive applications

• New materials and processes

• New AM & 3D printing research and academia

• Software for product development and manufacture

• Solutions for AM in series production

• Standardisation and regulations

• Sustainability and environment

HOW TO APPLY

Your presentation title, abstract (maximum 200 words), speaker biography (maximum 200 words) and a high-resolution headshot photograph can be submitted via the online application form or by emailing Magda Brzegowy via magda@rapidnews.com. All abstracts will be reviewed on a rolling basis until Friday, 31st May 2019. 

Please note that abstract submissions will not be accepted from vendors of machines, materials or services who are exhibiting or are deemed to be suitable as exhibitors. Exhibitors are, however, invited to apply for the TCT Introducing Stage @ Formnextwhere the latest product developments and services are unveiled in short, fifteen-minute, presentations.

DEADLINE AND ENQUIRIES

Any questions regarding the application processes can be directed to Magda Brzegowy via magda@rapidnews.com. For more information about the conference, please visit tctconferenceformnext.com.

Rapid News Publications Ltd & JTB Communication Design Inc. announce 10-year deal to partner on TCT Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN and CHESTER, UK, 28 February 2019 — On the back of a hugely successful debut edition of TCT Japan in Tokyo last month, owners of The TCT Group, Rapid News Publications Ltd (Rapid News) and JTB Communication Design Inc. (JCD) have announced a 10-year deal to jointly organise and develop TCT Japan.
 
The two organisations are confident that the event will draw ever-growing numbers of industry professionals together in Tokyo to address the challenges of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design and engineering. The world-class conference combined with a global exhibitor makeup will help to drive greater adoption of cutting-edge technologies across all industry sectors resulting in a positive impact on the Japanese manufacturing industry.
 
Duncan Wood, Chief Executive of Rapid News Publications Ltd commented: “The debut edition of TCT Japan is a great platform for us to build on. Many commentators suggest that Japan is behind the curve in adopting additive technologies and this long-term deal will enable us to invest in creating a world-class event that really does have an impact on adoption levels and ultimately on the market size in Japan. I would encourage all of our global clients from the TCT portfolio to join us to pioneer growth in this market together in the coming years.”
 
“Today Tokyo produces over $80bn of manufactured goods annually and this ensures that the region is an industrial powerhouse. The Tokyo metropolitan area has a Gross Product that would rank it 14th in the world if it operated as a country. This manufacturing excellence combined with R&D and innovation makes it the perfect home for TCT Japan.”
 
Takahiro Matsui, Director, JTB Communication Design Inc. concluded: “Our cooperation with Rapid News for TCT Japan’s first edition was a huge success. We attracted a record 100 exhibitors from 8 countries / regions to the 4,734 square meter show floor and welcomed over 43,500 visitors to the group of shows. This long-term deal demonstrates that we believe we can bring global trend across AM and 3D printing into the Japanese Market. We promise that TCT Japan will deliver innovation to across all industries and sectors.”
 
TCT Japan 2020, will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from 29-31 January 2020. 

First TCT Japan event promises largest AM and 3D Printing exhibition and conference for the Japanese market

Chester, UK, and Tokyo, Japan, December 13th 2018 — Rapid News Publications, owners of The TCT Group, and JTB Communication Design have announced that they exceeded expectations for a successful re-launch and re-branding of Japan’s largest AM and 3D Printing event at Tokyo Big Sight, Jan 30th – Feb 1st 2019.

The event, formerly known as 3D Printing Japan, will be delivered for the first time as TCT Japan and as such joins TCT Show (UK), TCT Korea, TCT Asia (Shanghai), TCT Shenzhen and Rapid + TCT (USA) as part of The TCT Group’s global presence.

The re-branding and addition of a dedicated AM conference have been well received by the industry, demonstrated by 150% gross floorspace growth over the 2018 event. TCT Japan will be held alongside 12 technology trade shows including nano tech Japan which is world largest nanotechnology event in the world with the group of events expected to see some 50,000 visitors over three days.

Rapid News Publications VP of Content, Strategy and Partnerships, Jim Woodcock explained: “Japan is one of the most important global economies and is renowned as a hotbed of innovation. We are delighted with the progress the partnership has made on the development of TCT Japan and believe the event marks a significant milestone for the AM and 3D printing industry in this market.”

Alongside the world-leading major electronics companies Japan is famous for, the event will also attract the manufacturers from the world’s third-largest Automotive industry* including Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, Denso and Subaru.

Masaya Yamagata, JTB Communication Design, Inc., commented: “We are delighted to be able to present the major international players in the AM and 3D printing industry to the Japanese market in 2019. Stratasys, EOS, DMG MORI, Nikon, Markforged, AddUp and Zortrax are among the 100 exhibitors from seven countries/regions showing their innovations to this highly receptive audience.”

The TCT Japan Conference, held concurrently with TCT Japan, will feature a world-class speaker line up including JVC Kenwood, CECIMO, ASTM International and Teijin Nakasima Medical. Global Updates covering Europe and the USA will also be delivered, bringing the state-of-the-art in these regions to Japan.

RAPID + TCT 2019: North America's Leading Additive Manufacturing Event Returns to Detroit for Biggest Year Yet

(SOUTHFIELD, Mich., November 16, 2018) - RAPID + TCT, the largest and most influential 3D printing event in North America, is returning to Detroit to showcase the growth of additive manufacturing in the heart of industrial America. The event, produced by SME and owner of The TCT Group, Rapid News Publications Ltd, takes place May 20-23, 2019, at Detroit’s Cobo Center, and will gather the world’s leading companies to demonstrate the most advanced innovations in additive manufacturing.
 
By far the most comprehensive event in the industry, RAPID + TCT is where the entire additive manufacturing community comes together to share knowledge and learn what is new. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience 300+ hands-on exhibits, industry-accelerating product announcements, world-class education from highly regarded experts and networking with over 6,000 industry peers.
 
“RAPID + TCT is a great venue for people to really educate themselves on the possibilities of what can be done with 3D printing,” said Andrew Snow, senior vice president, EOS. “It’s one of North America's leading venues for additive manufacturing, and a must-go-to event for people who are looking for material and technology selections for 3D printing.”
 
The 2019 event already boasts involvement from major additive manufacturing equipment companies, such as HP Inc., Stratasys, Desktop Metal, GE Additive, TRUMPF North America, Titan Robotics and Cincinnati Inc. among many others, each demonstrating intelligent solutions to unlock the potential of additive manufacturing. No other event brings together companies from across the additive supply chain in one place, providing RAPID + TCT attendees a unique business opportunity.
 
“The additive manufacturing industry is continuing to grow quickly. Continual developments and improvements in technology and materials mean that we are now seeing the technology used in an even wider range of industries and applications than before," said Duncan Wood, chief executive officer, Rapid News Publications Ltd. “Additive is therefore more important and relevant than ever, and in North America this critical mass of insights, intelligence and inspiration can only be found at RAPID + TCT.”
 
The automotive industry is one of the biggest users of additive manufacturing, making Detroit the perfect place to host next year’s event. Automotive has embraced innovation for decades, and the competitive nature of the industry makes new technologies and changing trends an essential part of its business. As OEMs increase their use of additive manufacturing, they will look to the supply chains to follow or even lead innovation in this area. Mass market industry users of 3D printing, such as the automotive sector, are essential to ensuring widespread adoption of the technology and in bringing down the price of machines and materials.
 
“SME and The TCT Group are committed to moving the additive manufacturing industry and marketplace forward,” said Maria Conrado, senior event manager, SME. “With RAPID + TCT, we’re convening collective industry knowledge and global networks to drive even greater development and adoption of key design-to-manufacturing technologies across all industries.”
 
To learn more about the event or to attend, please visit rapid3devent.com.

VNU Rapid News Co. Ltd announce further expansion of TCT portfolio in China with exciting new TCT Shenzhen event scheduled for October 2019.

Shanghai, PR China and Chester UK, October 31st 2018 – Building on four editions of the highly successful annual TCT Asia event in Shanghai, VNU Rapid News Co Ltd is pleased to announce a second location for the TCT brand in China. 

TCT Shenzhen will take place October 15-17th 2019 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. Shenzhen has developed into an international design and manufacturing powerhouse and the TCT series of events, renowned around the world for showcasing the latest in design-to-manufacturing innovation technologies, will be perfectly located to serve this unique and fast-growing market.

The TCT portfolio has been at the forefront of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design and engineering technology for more than twenty years. This unprecedented heritage means that the group is perfectly placed to lead the education process as users across China identify the business benefits of adopting the latest 3D technologies.

Emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing and other 3D technologies are enabling manufacturers to reduce time to market, produce stronger and lighter parts, improve efficiency, reduce waste, cost and emissions, and create products and geometries that could not be created before.

Increased awareness of these real benefits of using advanced manufacturing technologies will encourage more companies to adopt these technologies, which will ultimately improve their ability to compete on the global stage. 

Duncan Wood, Chairman of VNU Rapid News Co. Ltd and Chief Executive of Rapid News Publications Ltd, said, “This is the next exciting step for our Joint Venture. Our Shanghai event is now rightly recognized as the leading additive manufacturing and 3D printing event in China and we are now delighted to be building on this platform with a new event in one of the most innovative cities on the planet. Shenzhen has proven to be a city that adopts new technology quickly and we look forward to showcasing the best that the industry has to offer to this region.”

David Zhong, CEO, VNU Exhibitions Asia commented, "Our team have displayed a huge amount of enthusiasm and creativity to drive TCT Asia in Shanghai to huge success. Now we are turning our attention to Shenzhen, a center of Chinese entrepreneurship and ingenuity, we can expect a similar level of energy and passion to deliver fantastic results for our visitors and exhibitors in this new location.”

Engel and Summit Systems commit to machine spectacular in Interplas’ newest hall

Chester, 11 OCtober 2018 Engel and Summit Systems have announced they will collaborate on a technology spectacular when they exhibit at Interplas in 2020.

The two companies have secured prime positions at the front of Hall 3 of the NEC in Birmingham, to maximise the opportunities offered by the show’s new, increased size. 
 
Interplas in 2020 will, for the first time in 15 years, have two full halls of exhibition space, with two separate entrances. This expansion represents an increase in size of 25 per cent versus the last event in 2017.
 
Previously both Engel and Summit Systems have taken stands in Hall 4, however, both companies say that the opportunity to expand stand size enables them to have plenty of their machines operating mechanically, supplemented by visual displays.
 
Additionally, Summit Systems will supply an Engel injection moulding machine with a discrete loading system to showcase the firm’s very latest technology.
 
“There’s always a huge buzz surrounding Interplas, it’s great to see it growing more recently,” explained Meghan Jordan, Marketing and Events at Summit Systems. “Obviously it was five halls in the eighties then it went down to one, so it’s great to see it on the up again.”
 
She continued: “For the first time in 15 years there’ll be two halls, each with their own entrance, which just proves how popular and exciting the event has become. As a business, we’ve continued to invest in Interplas, supported by the strong UK market, and we are looking forward to showing our new innovations to customers old and new in 2020.” 
 
Interplas, which is the UK's largest plastics industry exhibition, is expecting some 14,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors when it takes place from 29 September – 1 October 2020.
 
Duncan Wood, CEO of Rapid News Group, which organises Interplas, said: “For major industry names such as Engel and Summit Systems to secure prime positions in a new hall shows the confidence they have in Interplas.
 
“The show is going from strength to strength and, by expanding the hall space available, we are able to offer the UK plastics industry an event that showcases more machinery and technology, offers more networking opportunities and connects more individuals than any other.”
 

Interplas 2020 will take place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, from 29th September – 1st October 2020. Visit www.interplasuk.com for more information.

Registration launched for the UK’s leading medical design and manufacturing event

Chester, 1st October 2018. Registration is now open for Med-Tech Innovation Expo, the UK and Ireland’s leading showcase for medical design and manufacturing technology. Free-to-attend, this exciting event brings together the medical engineering and manufacturing community; more than 200 companies from all areas of the medical device supply chain engaging with 4,000+ visitors across 2 action-packed days.

For the first time, the event will be held at the NEC, Birmingham. The move was announced during the 2018 expo and means a larger show with more exhibitors and exciting new features focused on medtech, medical plastics, digital devices, pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and early-stage innovations. The expansion of the event is reflected in the conference and seminar programme which will now be held across three stages.
 
With vastly improved accessibility both for UK and international attendees, the organisers are anticipating a step-up both in overall visitor numbers and also in the percentage of those attending from abroad. Holly Delaney, Marketing Manager for the event said; “We’re so excited for Med-Tech Innovation Expo 2019. There’s so much on offer in a bigger space with better travel links, more accommodation and even more of the high-quality exhibition stands our visitors have come to expect. We’re in one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world, its time our community had a show on the scale it deserves.”
 
As in previous years, the event will feature new product and company launches alongside live demonstrations of the latest machines, technology, applications, materials, products and services. Attendees will also benefit from an enhanced conference and seminar programme, learning from thought-leaders across the Med-Tech Innovation Conference (produced in association with Medilink UK), the HealthTech Stage and brand-new Med-Tech Introducing stage.
 
Returning show favourites include the GTMA Pavilion, the Medilink UK Pavilion and Inspex - a focus on the challenges and opportunities for metrology and inspection within the wider healthcare industry. New for 2019 will be the Acceleration Zone, a feature designed to help take new ideas and organisations to the next stage by presenting the latest innovations, research projects, start-ups and spin-outs to the wider market.
 
Med-Tech Innovation Expo brings together designers, engineers, innovators and manufacturers from all corners of the medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors to source products, explore new ideas, understand emerging technologies and do business. The solutions on the show floor will help them design the next generation of medical and pharmaceutical devices.
 

Med-Tech Innovation Expo will be held in Hall 2 of the NEC, Birmingham (UK) from 15-16 May 2019. Attendance is completely free, find out more at www.med-techexpo.com

TCT Show 2018 – ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, 3D PRINTING, DESIGN AND ENGINEERING EVENT SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGIES

Chester, 27th September 2018 - The doors closed on the 2018 edition of TCT Show after three days of innovation, announcements and product debuts. 

More than 250 exhibitors converged on the NEC Birmingham, to create the largest show floor in the event’s history and to showcase game-changing design and manufacturing technologies to around 10,000 (audit pending) attendees. 

“The number of new products on show reflected the current pace of change in the industry,” said Jim Woodcock, VP, Content, Strategy and Partnerships at Rapid News Group. “From advances in additive metal technologies, to materials, to innovative software, the technologies that will shape manufacturing in the future were on display across the show floor.”

Biggest news from the show floor included

• UK debut of Mimaki's 10 million colour 3DUJ-553 3D printer in partnership with Hybrid Services.

• Trumpf debuted its TruPrint 3000 metals system for the first time.

• Shapeways announced its full colour 3D printing service with Stratasys' J750 machine.

• Ultimaker unveiled new material alliances and print core for composites on the desktop.

• DyeMansion showcased increased colour capabilities for its DM60 post-processing machine.

• Materialise introduced a simulation module to its Magics software. 

• Sculpteo announced the direct integration of FDM to its Fabpilot cloud-based end-to-end solution.

• Several partnerships were also struck on the show floor; XJet secured a distribution agreement with Carfulan Group, Additive Industries teamed with Laser Lines to accelerate its UK presence and Link3D partnered with the ACAM Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing.

We’re having lots of conversations that have been technical, lots of engineers coming to us. Conversations like this means we are having a good show. People coming to us for solutions is great and the R+D team have been taking some great enquiries.
Nuno Campos - Chief Marketing Officer, Ultimaker

It’s been amazing and we’ve seen a really good result. I think TCT is the future because in this industry everybody needs to mix and build relationships within the industry. That’s the amazing thing about TCT, the mix of the universities, the people who want to acquire technology and the people who have a concept and want to try out their designs. 
Lee Moakes, Trumpf UK Managing Director

Another excellent year for TCT and Europac3D, we’ve had hundreds of visitors on the stand, business good, and looks like two machines will be sold and delivered next week! Here we go again, look forward to 2019.
John Beckett, Europac3D Director and Founder

We’ve had an amazing time here at TCT, a lot of great conversations, a lot of interest from quite a variety of markets and industries. Getting in front of people and being able to show them a product in person is great for us. 
Nick Brewer, Formlabs Events Marketing Manager.

We’ve had great footfall this year, we’ve used this as a format for looking at new opportunities within new sectors and we’ve had a very good mix of markets both in terms of aerospace and medical markets. In general terms I'd think that we doubled the level of conversations we’ve been having in terms of business and there's been quality conversations at a senior level.
Mark Da Costa, Datron Technology

The TCT Show conference programme covered the entire industry through almost than 100 speakers. Airbus, PepsiCo and BMW took to the main stage highlighting technical breakthroughs and advances. Education and increasing technology adoption is key to every TCT event and three stages of content ensured there was something for all technology interests.

Duncan Wood, Chief Executive at Rapid News Publications Ltd, organisers of the TCT Show commented: “Yet another amazing TCT Show to reflect on with so many highlights in the conferences, at the TCT Awards and across the show floor. Add to this the largest number of exhibiting companies ever and a steadily increasing international participation and we can look forward to an even more exciting and internationally focused event in the future. We are already deep in planning for 2019 and we look forward to welcoming the industry again next year.”

TCT Show will return to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK, from 24-26 September 2019.