Covering the entire 3D printing process and the technologies involved, TCT Show has expanded once more for 2017, taking place from 26 to 28 September. At its heart is an exhibition that fills the cavernous Birmingham NEC venue with over 300 stands, showcasing the latest 3D printing machines, materials and peripherals for you to inspect up close, and find out more first-hand.
Nearly every form of 3D printing technology will be represented – from industry giants to the latest start-ups – as well as a wide range of users.
The Main Stage will include talks from the likes of McLaren F1, Adidas, DuPont, and Johnson & Johnson and last month’s DEVELOP3D cover stars Hackrod, all giving an insight into the wide range of industries 3D printing technologies are now a part of.
Getting to grips with the fundamentals of 3D printing is the Tech Stage, where experts will cover topics from evaluating a full reverse engineering work flow or ensuring you’re up to speed with the latest health and safety regulations.
A range of CPD-certified workshops intend to provide attendees with a range of topics – whether you’re a beginner or an expert within the industry.
All workshops and talks are free for registered visitors and seats are offered on a first come first served basis.
With more to see than ever before, new for 2017 is the TCT Product Stage, giving visitors the opportunity to hear from both first-time and returning companies about their latest products and services, including materials, software, inspection, scanning and more.
These twenty minute presentations will run across all three days of the event and are situated at the heart of the show floor, allowing visitors to drop in and out as they wish. This stage should prove perfect for visitors wanting to assess and adopt 3D printing machines or the technologies that support them.
The event’s Start Up Zone returns bigger than ever in 2017, shining a spotlight on the most dynamic and promising international start-ups in this arena.
Participant companies will also be found on the Tech Stage, pitching their products and ideas for the chance to win an award for the year’s best Start-Up.
Announcing TCT Awards
Launching in 2017, the TCT Awards gala evening will recognise the most innovative products, technologies and individuals in the 3D printing industry as decided by TCT’s industry panel.
The event will be held at The Birmingham Town Hall on the evening of 27 September.
Duncan Wood, COO of Rapid News Publications, owner of TCT, explains the thinking behind the awards categories:
“Many technology awards have categories for almost all types of machine, and in the end it can come down to which company mobilises its users to vote for them.
“However, it’s not how we wanted to do things. Ultimately technology is made great by the innovation and skills of those who use it.
“So, we will reward the best applications of 3D manufacturing technology in multiple areas. We feel this is a true reflection of the impact of the technologies on our world.”
In addition to the industry award categories, the TCT Award evening will also see the first inductees to a TCT Hall of Fame, as the event looks to recognise and celebrate individuals that have made a significant impact in either inventing or developing the technologies since their inception a little over 30 years ago.
Wood, continues: “This is a natural progression for us; we’ve been in the industry almost as long as the technology has existed.
“I am looking forward to recognising some amazing individuals, alongside some incredible technology-led applications.”
Showfloor classroom
For 2017, the TCT classroom has been expanded and a wider range of technologies will mesh with a programme, developed by Black Country Atelier and The CREATE Education Project.
The classroom lies right at the heart of the exhibition floor, allowing the students to understand the connection between technologies, before heading out to look more closely at exhibitors for inspiration.
The set-up will encourage pupils to apply real world design and manufacturing thinking into their work, using an integrated set of tools in the classroom ecosystem, which includes not only technology, but teacher training, the new curriculum and engaging thefuture of 3D printing.
DEVELOP3D will be there, so drop by our stand and say hi.
#3DTalk event
This year TCT has teamed up with Women in 3D Printing and Cyant to host the UK’s first ever #3DTalk event at TCT Show 2017. This female-led panel session will focus on materials for additive manufacturing, the advancements, impact on industry and what’s next.
Featured panelists include; Dr. Nicola Jones, LPW Technology, Dana McCallum, Carbon, Sophie Jones, Added Scientific and Martine van der Ent, DSM Somos.
The session will be chaired by Nora Touré, founder of Women in 3D Printing, and Laura Griffiths, deputy group editor at TCT Magazine
A look at what’s in store at this year’s 3D printing event
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