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TCT Show 2019: The latest 3D printing hardware and applications

The TCT Group's flagship event, TCT Show returns for its 24th year on September 24-26th to deliver the very best in design-to-manufacturing innovation. 

Taking place across Halls 3 and 3A of the NEC Birmingham, TCT Show brings together dozens of inspirational speakers, exhibiting companies and more than 10,000 visitors from over 60 countries. This year will be no exception as we launch the new user-led TCT Summit and networking features that will enable visitors to participate in more opportunities than ever before.  

With around 250 exhibitors to on the show floor, it's a good idea to have a plan of action to ensure you make the most out of your time at the show. Here are just a handful of the must-see 3D printing hardware and applications on the show floor. 

Stratasys to present real-world aerospace and rail applications

At TCT Show, Stratasys will present real-world applications of its certified production-grade materials on Stand C50. One of the focal points of Stratasys’ stand will be a full-size business class aircraft cabin which will demonstrate a number of interior part applications, produced at reduced costs with lightweight and durable designs. Stratasys' ULTEM 9085 material, which can be used to produce flight-ready parts according to flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) regulations, will also be on display. The company will also highlight the progress it is making to certify printed parts for aerospace. Recently, Stratasys launched a public domain database with the National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP), America Makes and the FAA.

Matsuura to deliver UK firsts from HP 

Matsuura is gearing up for this year’s TCT Show with two UK firsts from HP’s 3D printing hardware range. Exhibiting on stand C110, the UK-based manufacturing solutions provider will be holding live demonstrations of the HP 580 colour 3D printer and new HP 5200 volume production solution. Visitors will also be able to see a number of parts produced with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology and Matsuura’s own LUMEX hybrid system, which combines metal 3D printing and CNC milling operations.

ExOne to exhibit new metals 

On stand D72, ExOne's Innovent+ metal 3D binder jet printer will be showcased, featuring state-of-the-art recoating technology, allowing for a wide range of materials to be printed with a consistent and uniform print bed.

In addition, displays will feature new, cutting-edge materials, including Inconel 718, M2 Tool Steel and Copper. ExOne says its proprietary binder jetting technology creates the opportunity to leverage a broader class of materials for 3D printing. 

SYS Systems and Torus Group to feature TCT Show exclusive

SYS Systems is to team up with bespoke metrology specialist Torus Group for a live demonstration of a pioneering 3D printing application. On stand C40, visitors will be able to see a 3D printed filling assembly for its top load and volume gauge machine featuring a complex construction of channels, inserts and electrodes that allow water to flow in and out during bottle volume and crush resistance testing. The assembly is printed to an accuracy of 50 microns on the Stratasys Objet260 Connex3 and, according to Torus, it has not only increased efficiency but improved accuracy and reliability to help meet the stringent demands of internationally renowned clients like Coca-Cola and GlaxoSmithKline.

EOS to showcase LaserProFusion technology

On stand C76, EOS will be presenting industrial AM solutions including the EOS M 300-4 metal system and customised variants, polymer EOS P 500 system and LaserProFusion technology, a revolutionary development in polymer AM using one million diode lasers to build parts up to 10 times faster. In addition, EOS’ Regional Director, Dr. Jose Greses will be giving a presentation on AM for Serial Production on Tuesday at 15:10, stage A140.

See the new MakerBot Method X

MakerBot recently announced the second machine in its Method 3D printer range, the Method X, promising accessible manufacturing with “real ABS”. The desktop 3D printing leader’s latest model will be on display at TCT Show demonstrating its 100°C build chamber and SR-30 soluble support compatibility which enables accurate ABS parts without common warping or cracking issues experienced with modified ABS filaments. MakerBot CEO, Nadav Goshen will also be discussing the evolution from desktop to performance 3D printing on the TCT Introducing Stage on 24th September at 11.20am.

Fraunhofer to demonstrate high-speed SEAM process

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU in Chemnitz have developed a new high-speed printing system for high-performance plastics. Visitors to stand B61 will be able to learn more about the process, known as Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing or SEAM, which is said to be eight times faster than conventional extrusion-based 3D printing methods, enabling 30cm high plastic components to be printed in 18 minutes. The technology has been fitted into a new machine which Fraunhofer believes will benefit automotive and aerospace industries, as well as tool manufacturers, for the production of large-volume, fibre-reinforced components that are several metres in size.

3DPRINTUK to display breakeven points between AM and injection moulding

Leading UK service provider 3DPRINTUK will pitch up on stand C10 to demonstrate the price comparison of your current injection moulded parts and potential 3D printed ones. Visitors will be encouraged to insert the dimensions, quantity and surface finish of their desired parts to generate an interactive graph which will show where the breakeven point is between printing a batch production of that component and injection moulding a batch production. Also on the stand will be a display of 40,000 small electrical connectors which the company can produce within a working week.

TCT Show and TCT Summit will take place on 24-26th September at NEC Birmingham, UK. Register for your FREE ticket here.