The shortlist for the TCT Technology Innovation Hardware Award 2017 has been released.
Distinct from the Application awards that have been rolled out over the last six weekdays, the ‘Technology Innovation’ awards – which will also include Innovation Software and Innovation Materials – celebrates the very best of the enabling technologies themselves. This could be a workstation, 3D printer, additive manufacturing platform, 3D scanner, CMM… or any other hardware that contributes to true 3D workflows.
A total of 10 applicants have been shortlisted for the award, showcasing the wide array of new, innovative hardware products to be released over the last 24 months.
The winner of the award will be announced on the evening of 27th September at the Birmingham Town Hall, the middle evening of the TCT Show. British television actor and presenter, Robert Llewellyn, best known for his role as Kryten in cult sci-fi sitcom, Red Dwarf, will present the inaugural TCT Awards.
Below is the shortlist for the TCT Technology Innovation Hardware Award in full. Each of these submissions will be sent in full to a selection of the TCT Expert Advisory Board. The board comprises many disciplines, and we will be splitting the categories between those who are best placed to judge particular categories.
TCT Technology Innovation Hardware Award – Shortlist
Desktop Metal – Studio System
The Studio System has brought metal 3D printing to the office environment with its FDM-like Studio System. It extrudes bound metal rods, eliminating concerns of safety and allows users to build metal components in-house.
RP Support – NEO-800
This stereolithography platform was designed and built in the UK, and is said to provide increased quality and a 50% reduction in finishing time. Its open resin system is compatible with all 355mm SL resins, allowing for the freedom of material selection.
Formlabs – Fuse 1
Formlabs’ first SLS platform was launched earlier this summer and promises affordability and the potential to produce large and geometrically complex prints without the need for supports.
Impossible Objects – CBAM Model One
The Model One was recognised as the RAPID+TCT Innovation Award at the event in Pittsburg in May. Harnessing Impossible Objects’ composite-based additive manufacturing process, the Model One allows users to build lightweighted parts in maximum strength, with a range of composite materials.
Additive Industries – MetalFAB 1
MetalFAB1 had been in development for four years before its debut at formnext powered by tct last year. The company’s first truly industrial 3D printing platform boasts multiple build chambers with integrated power handling – meaning four different materials can be combined simultaneously. It can also be equipped with four full field lasers.
Roboze – One+400
Roboze’s desktop platform has been designed for reaching temperatures of around 400 degrees Celsius and printing high viscosity materials. It has been acquired by such companies as GE and Airbus, and has also been used to manufacture helicopter parts, which were showcased at last year’s formnext powered by tct.
EnvisionTEC – cDLM
The Continuous Digital Light Manufacturing technology was launched in early 2016 and this year was revealed to be harnessed in two EnvisionTEC 3D printers: Vida cDLM and Micro Plus cDLM. cDLM allows for continuous motion of the build plate, which results in quicker print times.
Stratasys – J750
The J750 platform is a multi-material, multi-colour 3D printing machine, brought to market in an attempt to transform the development cycle. With this machine, Stratasys didn’t focus on how fast it could produce a print, but instead how detailed it could make them.
HP – Multi Jet Fusion
The Multi Jet Fusion technology was launched after a lengthy build-up, created by HP. It finally made its debut at RAPID 2016 and the two printers which harness it, the 3200 and 4200, is steadily growing in popularity. It prides itself on speed, quality and affordability.
Rize 3D – Rize One
Rize introduced the Rize One at this year’s SOLIDWORKS World in LA. Powered by Augmented Polymer Deposition technology, Rize One is an office friendly 3D printing platform, suitable for the production of both prototypes and end-use parts, and doesn’t emit toxic particles into the atmosphere.
