TCT Show 2019: Unveiling the Future of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Innovation

On September 24th, 2019, the highly anticipated TCT Show opened its doors, welcoming nearly 10,000 visitors over its three-day run. This leading global event served as a crucial platform for showcasing the latest advancements in additive manufacturing technology solutions and innovations. With almost 300 pioneering exhibitors, including industry giants such as HP, Ultimaker, Trumpf, Formlabs, Siemens, and Renishaw, attendees had an unparalleled opportunity to explore the forefront of 3D printing. Beyond the extensive exhibition floor, visitors immersed themselves in world-class conference and seminar programmes, spanning across four dynamic stages: the TCT Summit, TCT Tech Stage, TCT Introducing Stage, and TCT Insights Stage. Each stage was meticulously curated to offer deep insights into various facets of the additive manufacturing ecosystem.

James Woodcock, Vice President of Content, Strategy & Partnerships at Rapid News Group, articulated the core philosophy behind the event, stating: “Each year we strive to break down the barriers to accessing information, which enables our visitors to make the best of their time away from the office, factory floor or boardroom. One central differentiator is the cost. Both the exhibition and all the conference content are free to attend. We believe this is the right way to serve the community.” This commitment to free access underscores TCT Show’s dedication to fostering widespread industry knowledge and accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies across diverse sectors. It positions the event as an invaluable resource for professionals seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, making cutting-edge information accessible to all. The breadth of content and the caliber of exhibitors solidified TCT Show 2019 as a must-attend event for anyone involved in design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

TCT Show 2019: A Deep Dive into What to Expect

The TCT Show is renowned for its comprehensive program designed to educate, inspire, and connect professionals. From foundational knowledge to advanced applications, the various stages cater to every level of expertise and interest within the additive manufacturing and 3D printing community.

The TCT Summit: A User-Led Knowledge Hub

Debuting this year, the TCT Summit was a groundbreaking addition, conceived as a user-led conference dedicated to bringing together the brightest minds in the additive manufacturing sector. Industry experts and trail-blazers captivated audiences with engaging talks and thought-provoking panel discussions. This stage was particularly focused on cutting-edge technology, fostering innovation, and delivering critical market intelligence. The TCT Summit provided a unique forum where leading authorities, seasoned engineers, visionary designers, and renowned academics from critical sectors like aerospace, automotive, rail, healthcare, and general business converged to share their insights and experiences. Attendees gained strategic perspectives on how additive manufacturing is not just changing but redefining these industries.

The Summit program featured compelling topics designed to tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the field. For instance, Dr. Wilderich Heising from the Boston Consulting Group presented a session on ‘Surviving Disruption in Additive Manufacturing’, offering invaluable strategies for navigating the rapid changes within the industry. Concurrently, Arash Farboud of Arash Motor Company shared his expertise on ‘Driving Innovation in the Automotive Industry with AM Technologies’, illustrating real-world applications and transformative case studies. These are just two examples of the high-caliber presentations available, providing attendees with both theoretical understanding and practical takeaways. Further details on this year’s debuting TCT Summit can be explored HERE, offering a deeper look into the full agenda and speaker lineup.

TCT Tech Stage: Exploring Niche Applications and Diversity

The TCT Tech Stage offered a focused lens on specialized applications and emerging trends within additive manufacturing. Sessions delved into critical topics such as the innovative use of AM in jewellery design, the intricate processes of powder metallurgy, the precision required in metrology for quality assurance, and the evolving landscape of plastics manufacturing. This stage was a hub for technical discussions, providing attendees with specific industry knowledge. A significant highlight was the engaging #3DTalk panel session, specifically dedicated to software innovations and hosted collaboratively by Women in 3D Printing & Cyant. This session provided an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from pioneering female leaders and influential figures who are shaping the future of the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industries, promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech community.

TCT Introducing Stage: Spotlighting New Innovations

Designed to keep visitors at the absolute cutting edge, the TCT Introducing Stage was where the latest additive manufacturing product developments and services made their debut. This stage covered a broad spectrum, from revolutionary hardware and advanced software solutions to essential ancillaries that support the entire AM workflow. Through a series of inspiring talks, live debates, and interactive sessions, attendees gained firsthand knowledge of emerging technologies that are poised to disrupt the market. It was an essential destination for anyone looking to identify potential new tools, partnerships, or competitive advantages for their business in the rapidly advancing world of 3D printing.

TCT Insights Stage: Building Foundational Knowledge

Another crucial new addition for 2019 was the TCT Insights Stage, specifically conceptualized to illuminate the essential aspects required to fully grasp the entire spectrum of current and emerging additive manufacturing technologies. This stage was invaluable for both industry veterans seeking a refresher and, more critically, for those newly initiated into the 3D printing industry. The program included an ever-popular and highly practical workshop on the fundamentals of AM, expertly delivered by Graham Tromans. This session provided a solid foundation, breaking down complex concepts into digestible information, ensuring that all attendees, regardless of prior experience, could build a comprehensive understanding of additive manufacturing principles, processes, and potential.

Beyond the Stages: Networking and Live Content

TCT Show 2019 extended its value beyond structured presentations with two additional innovative features. The TCT Additive Insight Podcast, presented live by the expert TCT Content Team, offered on-the-spot analysis, interviews, and deep dives into the day’s key developments, providing an engaging auditory complement to the visual and experiential aspects of the show. Complementing this was TCT Connect, a dedicated networking platform introduced in association with HP. This interactive space was specifically designed to foster meaningful connections among professionals across the entire design-to-manufacturing industry. TCT Connect provided a facilitated environment for exchanging ideas, forming strategic partnerships, and ultimately driving significant business growth through collaborative opportunities and direct interactions with peers and potential collaborators. These features enhanced the overall experience, ensuring attendees could not only learn but also actively participate in shaping the future of the industry.

Meet the Innovators: Exhibitors at TCT Show 2019

The exhibition floor at TCT Show 2019 was a vibrant hub of innovation, bringing together a diverse array of companies showcasing their latest advancements in additive manufacturing. From established pioneers to exciting newcomers, the show offered an unparalleled opportunity to witness cutting-edge technology firsthand and engage directly with the experts behind it.

Industry Leaders and Pioneering Newcomers

Many companies have made TCT Show their consistent platform for engagement, demonstrating their long-standing commitment to the industry. Stalwarts like Stratasys, Renishaw, Ultimaker, and EOS have been exhibiting at TCT show for over half a decade, consistently bringing their latest breakthroughs to the global stage. They were closely joined by other major players such as 3D Systems, Trumpf, Siemens, and SLM, all of whom had already secured their prime exhibition space, underscoring the event’s importance. This year also saw an exciting influx of fresh talent and groundbreaking solutions from newcomers such as nTopology, Solukon, Xact Metal, Fraunhofer, Tiger-Vac, and many more, all eager to make their debut and introduce their unique contributions to the additive manufacturing landscape. Their presence signifies the rapid expansion and diversification of the AM industry.

Showcasing Transformative Technologies

The exhibitors provided a comprehensive overview of the additive manufacturing ecosystem. For example, nTopology, one of the highly anticipated newcomers, presented its radically new approach to product development and computational modeling. Their innovative method is designed to bridge the often-complex gap between advanced manufacturing machines and the sophisticated engineering software needed to optimize designs, unlock new geometries, and drive efficient production workflows. This capability is crucial for industries pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AM.

Regular exhibitors like Stratasys, a global leader in professional 3D printing solutions, demonstrated their expansive expertise across multiple sectors, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer products. A significant highlight from Stratasys was the UK market debut of their recently launched F120 3D printer, an industrial-grade machine designed for reliable, high-quality functional prototyping and small-batch production. Furthermore, they showcased the profound impact of additive manufacturing on aircraft interiors, highlighting how AM enables lightweight components, customized designs, and optimized supply chains for the aviation industry. Visitors had the chance to see live demonstrations, discuss specific applications, and explore the vast potential of these technologies with the engineers and product specialists directly. The exhibition floor served as a tangible representation of the ongoing revolution in advanced manufacturing, offering practical insights and fostering invaluable connections for everyone present.

Celebrating Excellence: The TCT Awards 2019

A pivotal event during the TCT Show was the prestigious TCT Awards, designed to honor and celebrate the remarkable innovations, key players, and transformative technologies shaping the additive manufacturing industry. These awards served as a beacon of excellence, showcasing world-leading projects that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing. Beyond recognizing groundbreaking applications, the TCT Awards also paid tribute to the most influential and impactful members of the additive manufacturing community by inducting them into the esteemed TCT Hall of Fame, acknowledging their lasting contributions to the sector.

James Woodcock reiterated the significance of this celebratory evening: “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.” The TCT Awards thus served not only as a platform for recognition but also as a cherished communal gathering, strengthening bonds within the industry and inspiring future generations of innovators to continue advancing the capabilities and applications of additive manufacturing. It underscored the collaborative spirit and rapid progress that defines this dynamic field.

Join the Future of Additive Manufacturing

The TCT Show 2019, held in Halls 3 and 3A of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK, from September 24-26, was a resounding success, affirming its position as a cornerstone event for the global additive manufacturing industry. With its comprehensive program covering everything from strategic market insights to foundational technical workshops, and a sprawling exhibition floor featuring hundreds of leading and emerging companies, TCT Show provided an unparalleled opportunity for learning, networking, and discovery. The commitment to free attendance further solidified its role as a truly community-focused event, ensuring that vital knowledge and access to cutting-edge technology are accessible to all dedicated professionals.

For those who missed out or wish to relive the experience, or for future event planning, more information can always be found on the official TCT Show website HERE. We encourage you to engage with the additive manufacturing community! Tell us if you attended or if you plan to visit future TCT events. Leave a comment below or join the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages. And to ensure you never miss out on the latest news, innovations, and insights in 3D printing, remember to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, delivering all the essential updates straight to your inbox!