TCT 3Sixty 2022 Recap: Pioneering Innovations and Award-Winning Achievements in Additive Manufacturing

The curtains have officially closed on TCT 3Sixty 2022, a flagship event for the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry. Held in its customary location in Birmingham, England, this year’s conference took place earlier than usual, from June 8th to 9th, shifting from its traditional September slot. Despite the change in dates, the energy and innovation were palpable. The trade show served as a crucial meeting point for leading figures, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the global 3D printing landscape. Attendees gathered to network, forge new connections, and witness firsthand the latest technological breakthroughs. From exciting product announcements and insightful conference sessions to the highly anticipated annual TCT Awards, every moment of the two-day event was packed with groundbreaking developments. We delve deeper into the most significant news and highlights that emerged from this pivotal industry gathering, ensuring you’re up-to-date with all the advancements you might have missed.

WAAM3D Unveils RoboWAAM: Revolutionizing Large-Format Metal Additive Manufacturing

One of the standout announcements at TCT 3Sixty 2022 came from Milton-Keynes based WAAM3D, which proudly launched its innovative large-format metal 3D printer, the RoboWAAM. As its name cleverly suggests, this cutting-edge machine utilizes Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) – a robust and increasingly popular Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology. WAAM is distinguished by its ability to produce large-scale metal parts with significant material efficiency and speed, making it an ideal choice for heavy industry applications. We have previously observed the transformative power of WAAM technology in a variety of ambitious projects, including the fabrication of components for boats and even the construction of impressive bridges.

At TCT 3Sixty, attendees were given the unique opportunity to see the RoboWAAM in action, demonstrating its capabilities live. The WAAM3D team emphasized that the RoboWAAM is perfectly suited for the creation of critical metal components across demanding sectors such as aerospace, where precision and material strength are paramount; defense, requiring robust and reliable parts; and oil and gas, where large, durable components are essential for infrastructure. The machine’s inherent ability to work with a wide range of metal alloys, combined with its capacity for rapid production of substantial geometries, positions it as a game-changer for these industries seeking more efficient and sustainable manufacturing solutions. The RoboWAAM’s advanced control systems and integrated software also promise enhanced process stability and repeatable quality, addressing key challenges in large-scale metal AM.

Beyond the impressive product launch, WAAM3D also achieved significant recognition at this year’s TCT Awards. The company was honored with a prestigious award in the non-polymer hardware category, underscoring the innovative nature and industrial relevance of their WAAM technology. This accolade not only celebrates WAAM3D’s engineering prowess but also highlights the growing importance of DED-based metal additive manufacturing in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. The RoboWAAM’s successful debut and award win signify a promising future for large-scale, high-performance metal 3D printing, offering a viable alternative to traditional manufacturing methods for complex and sizable components.

Wematter Showcased the Gravity 2022 Mk II at TCT 3Sixty: Bringing Accessible SLS to Every Office

Swedish additive manufacturing trailblazer Wematter made a significant splash at TCT 3Sixty 2022, unveiling the updated version of their groundbreaking SLS 3D printer, the Gravity 2022 Mk II. This marks the first public showcase of the improved model, which embodies Wematter’s ambitious vision: to enable products to be manufactured both locally and globally with unprecedented ease and accessibility. The core mission behind Wematter’s innovation is to democratize Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing, transforming it from a complex industrial process into a user-friendly technology that can be integrated into virtually any environment, including a standard office setting. This eliminates the need for specialized industrial spaces, complex infrastructure, and extensive operator training, making advanced manufacturing more attainable for businesses of all sizes.

The Gravity 2022 Mk II is designed with a strong emphasis on being “quick and easy” to operate, without compromising on the intricate details and high-quality finishes that SLS technology is renowned for. This blend of accessibility and performance is a significant achievement, enabling users to rapidly prototype, iterate designs, and even produce functional end-use parts directly from their workspace. The implications for product development cycles, supply chain flexibility, and distributed manufacturing are profound. Businesses can now bring manufacturing in-house, reducing lead times, cutting costs associated with external production, and maintaining greater control over their intellectual property.

The new Gravity 2022 Mk II boasts an array of exciting features and improvements designed to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. A key upgrade is its significantly improved water cooling system, which ensures more stable print conditions and extends the lifespan of internal components, leading to more reliable and consistent results. Cleaning and maintenance steps have been simplified, minimizing downtime and making the printer more manageable for operators with varying levels of expertise. Furthermore, the inclusion of robust remote monitoring and controlling capabilities allows users to oversee print jobs, adjust settings, and receive status updates from anywhere, boosting productivity and workflow flexibility. These enhancements collectively contribute to a more seamless and intuitive 3D printing experience, further solidifying Wematter’s commitment to making industrial-grade SLS technology truly accessible.

Attendees at TCT 3Sixty 2022 had the invaluable opportunity to interact directly with the Gravity 2022 Mk II, observe its operation, and experience its new features live. This hands-on exposure allowed potential users to understand how Wematter is addressing common barriers to entry for advanced additive manufacturing, positioning the Gravity series as a frontrunner in the movement towards decentralized and office-friendly industrial 3D printing solutions. The enthusiasm around Wematter’s offering at the event underscored a clear industry trend towards more accessible, efficient, and integrated manufacturing technologies.

The TCT Awards at TCT 3Sixty 2022 Celebrated Additive Manufacturing Accomplishments and Industry Pioneers

As always, one of the most anticipated highlights of TCT 3Sixty each year is the prestigious TCT Awards. These awards serve as a critical benchmark, recognizing and celebrating the very best innovations, groundbreaking applications, and outstanding contributions within the additive manufacturing industry. The 2022 ceremony honored a diverse range of achievements, showcasing the breadth and depth of AM’s impact across various sectors. This year, a total of 11 winners were celebrated across different categories, reflecting the multifaceted advancements being made in the field. Notable winners included the NHS Knee Alignment Device, which received the Healthcare Award for its significant contribution to medical technology and patient care, and an ingenious Lego Go-Kart, which was awarded the Creative Award, demonstrating the imaginative and practical applications of 3D printing beyond industrial uses.

Beyond technological innovations, the TCT Awards also took the opportunity to spotlight individuals who have made profound impacts on the industry. A significant recognition was the Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award 2022, which was proudly presented to Eliana Fu. A well-known and respected mainstay in both the aerospace and additive manufacturing sectors, Eliana Fu is widely recognized not only for her technical expertise and contributions to industrial advancements but also for her passionate advocacy. She is a tireless champion for encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, particularly within additive manufacturing, actively working to build a more inclusive and diverse industry. Her award underscores the growing importance of diversity and mentorship in fostering future innovation.

The ceremony also marked the long-awaited induction of new members into the TCT Hall of Fame, a recognition reserved for those who have made enduring and foundational contributions to the 3D printing world. After a necessary hiatus due to the global pandemic, Terry Wohlers and Phill Dickens were officially inducted for the 2020 class. Terry Wohlers is globally renowned for the “Wohlers Report,” an annual publication considered the definitive industry guide and an invaluable resource for market insights and trends in additive manufacturing. Phill Dickens is a distinguished academic whose research and educational contributions have significantly shaped the understanding and development of additive manufacturing technologies. Furthermore, Elaine Hunt was announced as the well-deserved inductee for the 2022 Hall of Fame class, acknowledging her own substantial and pioneering efforts that have helped steer the industry forward. These inductions not only honor individual excellence but also provide a historical perspective on the evolution and growth of additive manufacturing, celebrating the visionaries who laid the groundwork for today’s advancements.

Reflecting on TCT 3Sixty 2022: A Glimpse into the Future of 3D Printing

TCT 3Sixty 2022 once again proved to be an indispensable event for anyone invested in the future of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. The exhibition floor buzzed with activity, showcasing everything from novel materials and advanced software solutions to revolutionary hardware. The overarching theme that emerged was a strong push towards industrialization, sustainability, and greater accessibility for advanced manufacturing processes. Companies like WAAM3D and Wematter exemplify this trend, offering solutions that cater to both large-scale industrial demands and the growing need for decentralized, user-friendly production. The insights shared during the conference sessions, combined with the exciting product launches and the celebration of industry stalwarts at the TCT Awards, painted a vivid picture of a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.

The event highlighted the continuous innovation within material science, with new polymers, metal alloys, and composites being developed to meet diverse application requirements. Software advancements focused on improving design optimization, process simulation, and workflow integration, crucial for maximizing the potential of 3D printing. Furthermore, the strong emphasis on sustainability, exemplified by discussions around material recycling, energy efficiency in printing processes, and local manufacturing, signals a maturing industry that is increasingly aware of its environmental responsibilities. TCT 3Sixty 2022 wasn’t just a showcase of current technologies; it was a forward-looking forum that provided a clear roadmap for where additive manufacturing is headed in the coming years: towards greater efficiency, broader adoption, and more impactful applications across virtually every industry.

Did you have the chance to attend TCT 3Sixty 2022? We’d love to hear about your experience! What were your favorite parts of the event, or which innovations stood out to you the most? Share your thoughts and insights with us in a comment below, or engage with our community on our various social media platforms, including Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter. Don’t miss out on the latest advancements and breaking news in the additive manufacturing world – be sure to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, delivering the most relevant 3D printing news directly to your inbox! For deeper dives and visual content, you can also explore all our comprehensive videos on our dedicated YouTube channel, where we showcase interviews, technology demonstrations, and event highlights.