The 3D printing innovations at RAPID + TCT 2019

With new technologies, machines, and materials constantly emerging in the market, additive manufacturing is evolving quicker than ever before. This is why RAPID + TCT 2019 is such an important event for the industry. It is an opportunity to meet the main actors of the sector, see what’s new and learn all about the latest technologies and partnerships. The key word for this year is possibly partnership, as you will discover from our list of 3D printing innovations at RAPID + TCT 2019, many companies have made strategic partnerships to help each other expand and evolve. The show is also a great opportunity to network, this year it counted over 6,000 industry peers and 300 exhibiting companies. So, which announcements caught our eye? Find out below!

1. Sandvik unveils first 3D printed diamond composite

Sandvik has introduced a new composite material: it’s supposed to be the first to contain diamond. The resin used in the SLA process is a mixture of diamond powder and polymer. In this way, the material is supposed to retain the physical properties of a pure diamond. Anders Ohlsson, Delivery Manger at Sandvik Additive Manufacturing adds: “Historically, 3D printing in diamond was something that none of us imagined was achievable. Even now we are just starting to grasp the possibilities and applications that this breakthrough could have.” It should be noted that the printed diamond composite does not retain the optically glossy properties of a natural diamond. However, the hardness of the material in particular has immense potential for the aerospace and automotive industries.

2. DyeMansion launches new colour line

To meet the special requirements of the industry for colour solutions in the AM sector, the post-processing expert DyeMansion from Bavaria presented its new colour line ColorsX. At RAPID +TCT 2019, DyeMasion presented the new colours for the perfect finish of automotive and neon applications. According to the finishing expert, this is only the beginning, Kai Witter, Chief Customer Officer at DyeMansion added, “Some of our earliest customers who made use of DyeMansion Print-to-Product technologies for serial production are from the Automotive and Lifestyle industries. While working closely with our customers, joint strategies are always about creating even more value to their businesses. So, I feel very delighted to now offer additional value creating products.“