TCT 3Sixty 2022: Unlocking the Future of Additive Manufacturing in the UK

The world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing (AM) is a dynamic landscape of rapid innovation and evolving applications. Following closely on the heels of other major industry gatherings, the UK is set to host its largest and most influential event in the sector: TCT 3Sixty 2022. Scheduled for June 8th to 9th, 2022, at the NEC in Birmingham, this event is poised to be a pivotal meeting point for the entire additive manufacturing community. Attendees will have the unparalleled opportunity to engage with over 60 insightful speakers and explore solutions from more than 150 leading exhibitors, all dedicated to helping participants “discover their additive strategy.” With a steadfast focus on real-world applications and delivering targeted intelligence, TCT 3Sixty is an indispensable event for professionals across the AM spectrum, including designers, engineers, buyers, and anyone keen on leveraging the transformative power of 3D printing.

This year’s event holds particular significance, occurring just nine months after its predecessor in September 2021. This quick turnaround underscores the remarkable resilience and rapid recovery of the AM industry post-pandemic, as well as the immense demand for in-person collaboration and knowledge exchange. The organizers, Rapid News Group, are brimming with enthusiasm for what promises to be an even more impactful show. Duncan Wood, CEO of Rapid News Group and owner of the TCT portfolio, shared his excitement: “Hot on the heels of a successful return to events last September, we are delighted to be approaching the 2022 edition, in its new regular June timeslot, with more exhibitors and more products on the show floor, a broader conference programme, a host of new show floor elements and the return of the TCT Awards. ” His statement highlights a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering enhanced value to every attendee. Over the course of the two-day event, visitors will be empowered to interact directly with cutting-edge technology, learn from industry experts, advance their understanding, and ultimately define the next crucial steps in their additive manufacturing journey. Whether you are in the initial stages of evaluating AM technology, integrating it into your existing business operations, or seeking to optimize your current equipment, TCT 3Sixty offers the insights and solutions necessary to propel your organization forward in this rapidly expanding field.

Deep Dive into the TCT 3Sixty 2022 Experience

Beyond the impressive array of exhibitors, which includes industry giants and innovators such as HP (known for Multi Jet Fusion technology), Nano Dimension (specializing in additively manufactured electronics), EOS (a pioneer in industrial SLS and DMLS solutions), 3D Systems (offering a comprehensive portfolio across various AM processes), Formlabs (popular for accessible resin-based desktop 3D printers), and Intamsys (focused on high-performance polymer solutions), attendees can anticipate a truly immersive and educational experience. This year’s event is meticulously designed to provide a “full 360-degree view of the AM adoption journey,” according to a press release from the organizers. This holistic approach ensures that visitors, regardless of their current level of AM integration, can find relevant information and guidance. The journey covers everything from initial feasibility studies and technology selection to full-scale production implementation and optimization. The extensive conference program features over 40 CPD accredited presentations, offering invaluable learning opportunities. Esteemed organizations and thought leaders from Boston Consulting, the US Air Force, Deutsche Bahn, Vital Auto, and the University of Birmingham will share their expertise, providing insights into strategic AM implementation, defense applications, industrial integration, automotive innovation, and cutting-edge research. These sessions are critical for understanding the practical applications and strategic implications of additive manufacturing across diverse industries.

The conference agenda is also set to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the additive manufacturing industry today. Key topics include sustainability in AM, exploring advancements in eco-friendly materials, waste reduction strategies, and the potential for a circular economy through additive processes. Quality assurance will be another central theme, addressing the critical need for robust standards, certifications, and process controls to ensure the reliability and repeatability of AM parts. Furthermore, discussions will delve into the future of the supply chain, examining how additive manufacturing can contribute to supply chain resilience, distributed manufacturing models, and the potential for reshoring production. These comprehensive discussions are vital for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of AM adoption and maximize its benefits.

Nurturing Talent and Ensuring Quality through Education

Education takes a prominent role at TCT 3Sixty 2022, underscoring the industry’s commitment to nurturing future talent and upholding the highest standards of quality. A standout initiative is TCT Inspired Minds, powered by CREATE Education. This program is specifically designed to ignite interest in additive manufacturing among high school students by providing them with direct access to a diverse range of 3D printing technologies and essential AM training. By engaging the younger generation, TCT Inspired Minds aims to build a vital talent pipeline for the industry, address the growing skills gap, and encourage participation in STEM fields. Inspiring students early on is crucial for the long-term health and innovation of the additive manufacturing sector.

The educational offerings extend beyond inspiring the next generation. TCT 3Sixty will also host a significant first for the event: the ASTM Short Course Fundamentals: Quality Assurance for Additive Manufacturing. This intensive course is meticulously crafted to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the fundamental considerations in quality assurance specific to additive manufacturing. Participants will gain critical knowledge on various aspects, including material qualification, process validation, part inspection, and post-processing quality control. The course will also cover an overview of crucial topics such as industry standards, regulatory compliance, and the available inspection methods, which may include non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and advanced metrology. This course is invaluable for engineers, technicians, quality managers, and anyone involved in the production of critical AM parts, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to maintain high-quality outputs and build trust in AM technology.

Celebrating Excellence at the TCT Awards

A highlight of TCT 3Sixty 2022 will undoubtedly be the annual TCT Awards, scheduled to take place on the evening of June 8th. These prestigious awards serve as a global benchmark, recognizing and celebrating the pinnacle of innovation, design, and engineering excellence within every facet of additive manufacturing. The TCT Awards bring together the brightest minds and most groundbreaking projects from around the world, showcasing advancements in hardware, software, materials, post-processing, and a myriad of transformative applications across various industries. It’s an evening dedicated to acknowledging the incredible progress being made in AM and fostering further innovation. This year, the ceremony will be hosted by the charismatic Jason Bradbury, widely recognized for his role as host of Channel 5’s popular Gadget Show in the UK. His engaging presence is sure to add an extra layer of excitement to an already anticipated event. Attending the TCT Awards is not only an opportunity to celebrate but also to network with industry leaders and be inspired by the visionaries shaping the future of 3D printing.

With such a comprehensive program encompassing cutting-edge technology, expert insights, vital educational opportunities, and a celebration of industry excellence, TCT 3Sixty 2022 is an essential calendar fixture for anyone invested in the future of additive manufacturing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event. Make sure to register for the event HERE and secure your place among the leaders and innovators of the 3D printing world. The insights and connections gained could be invaluable for your additive journey.

Are you planning on attending TCT 3Sixty 2022? What aspects of the event are you most excited about? Let us know your thoughts and questions in a comment below or connect with us on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! For the very latest 3D printing news delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here. You can also explore all our informative videos and interviews on our YouTube channel.

*All Photo Credits: TCT 3Sixty