Disruptive technologies accelerate the future

TCT people2
TCT people2

One of the UK’s leading trade shows focused on additive manufacturing (AM), 3D printing and advanced manufacturing opens its doors in September. Aerospace Manufacturing reports.

TCT + Personalize will bring together more than two hundred exhibiting companies and thousands of visitors from more than 50 countries to see the latest in innovative manufacturing processes. Alongside the additive and advanced manufacturing technology on show the event also includes a conference programme with a range of expert speakers.

Now in its 21st year the show features real world applications and innovations alongside product launches and live demonstrations. The show, managed by Rapid News Publications will be held on September 28-29 this year at the NEC in Birmingham. It also features innovative takes on conventional manufacturing such as moulding, tooling and CNC machining, as well as the Start Up Zone and Awards, Beginners Guide to Additive Manufacturing and new for this year, the Inspex Zone, which focuses on metrology.

In 2016, the two-day free show conference programme will see a big change in its format and focus. Featuring a number of traditional presentations from users of 3D technologies throughout the process chain, this year’s conference agenda will be complemented by live debate and discussions, interactive sessions and addresses from speakers whose expertise lies on the margins of the established TCT subject area.

A compact entrant into the world of AM comes from Trumpf (stand H17). The company is launching the TruPrint 1000 metal AM machine into the UK market. Designed for the production of small, complex components, this smaller laser metal fusion system is described as a true plug and play machine that's easy to install and requires only 240V of power and an inert gas connection.

The TruPrint 1000 builds components layer by layer from a wide range of fine metal powders including steel, aluminium and titanium using a build space of 100mm by 100mm. This technology is especially suitable for parts with a complex geometry, such as those with internal channels and hollow spaces, and for economical manufacture of individual parts, prototypes or short production runs. Trumpf says it sees potential with demanding applications in the aerospace industry where LMF can pave the way for weight savings of between 30 and 50% with the same, or improved, mechanical qualities.

Plastics and polymers

On the plastics and polymer front Stratasys (stand, E14) will highlight its latest AM solutions to optimise product development. On display will be a host of real life examples from a broad spectrum of industries, demonstrating how Stratasys’ proven FDM and PolyJet technologies are significantly reducing time and costs for leading manufacturers worldwide.

Print

Making its debut at TCT will be Stratasys’ recently-launched J750 3D printer, which it claims is the world’s only full colour, multi-material 3D printer. The J750 delivers versatility with the ability to produce prototypes, as well as tooling, moulds, jigs and fixtures – all from one system. Showcasing the power of FDM within production, Stratasys’ Fortus 3D printer will also be running live on the stand.

Metrology and inspection specialist Olympus (stand D35) will exhibit the Lext OLS4100 – said to be the industry's first laser scanning compound microscope which delivers measurements of surface features at 10nm resolutions. Other leading companies bringing new tech to TCT + Personalize include Sodick, who will be showcasing its brand new OPM250L metal 3D printer and high-speed machining centre combination.

“Providing a platform that accelerates 3D technologies has been TCT show’s mission for two decades - even as the technologies and the show itself have evolved, the aims have remained the same,” concluded Rapid News Publications’ COO, Duncan Wood. “Each year the TCT show acts as a crucible for providers and users of 3D technologies; from the comprehensive show floor where visitors can see all of the latest developments to the definitive conference where state-of-the-art applications are unveiled.”

www.tctshow.com

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