TCT Show 2018: 10 Must‑See Additive‑Manufacturing Innovations

As autumn approaches, the UK’s premier additive‑manufacturing event, the TCT Show, is set to return to Birmingham from 25 to 27 September. With nearly 300 industry leaders—including AMFG—joining the event, the show will draw more than 10,000 visitors eager to explore the latest AM systems, software and services.

Below are the ten technologies that experts and attendees are most excited to experience at this year’s TCT Show:

1. Mimaki’s Full‑Colour 3DUJ‑553 3D Printer

Mimaki, a long‑standing leader in inkjet technology, expands its expertise into 3D printing with the 3DUJ‑553. The European debut at TCT includes a generous build volume of 500 × 500 × 300 mm and the ability to print over 10 million colours with photorealistic fidelity. The printer uses ABS‑like resins, eliminating labour‑intensive post‑processing such as painting.

2. TRUMPF: TruPrint 3000 3D Printer

Building on nearly two decades of metal AM expertise, TRUMPF unveils the TruPrint 3000—a flexible medium‑format metal printer featuring a dual‑supply cylinder system for rapid component and powder replacement. With a 300 × 400 mm build volume and a 500 W laser, the system promises reduced downtime and heightened productivity.

3. FARO’s Design ScanArm 2.0

FARO’s latest high‑resolution 3D scanner, the Design ScanArm 2.0, earns a nomination for the TCT Metrology Award. It offers faster scanning speeds, enhanced ergonomics, and battery‑powered portability, making it ideal for reverse engineering and digital part cataloguing.

4. Stratasys’ New Carbon Fibre Fortus 380CF 3D Printer

Stratasys introduces the Fortus 380CF—a production‑grade FDM printer that uses carbon‑fibre‑reinforced nylon to deliver high‑performance parts. The machine, showcased at its first European event, also demonstrates Stratasys’ multi‑material and full‑colour printing capabilities.

5. BigRep’s STUDIO 3D Printer

German manufacturer BigRep presents the STUDIO, a large‑format FDM printer with a 1000 × 500 × 500 mm build envelope. Launched in 2017 for industrial production, the enclosed machine features power‑failure resume and continuous printing, offering precision and speed at a competitive price point.

6. Simufact’s 3rd Generation Simulation Software

Simufact showcases its latest Additive 3.1 package, which now supports multi‑part build modelling, optimal print orientation evaluation, and thermal behaviour prediction—all within a single simulation environment for metal AM processes.

7. Ultimaker’s New Ultimaker S5 3D Printer

Ultimaker’s newest flagship, the S5, features dual extrusion, an upgraded feeder system and advanced connectivity to enhance reliability and efficiency. The event also highlights real‑world industrial use cases that illustrate the value of desktop manufacturing for production environments.

8. Europac 3D’s End‑to‑End 3D Printing Solutions

UK supplier Europac 3D will occupy one of the largest stands, showcasing HP’s Multi‑Jet Fusion system and UnionTech’s SLA technology. Live demonstrations include 3D‑printing sunglasses to showcase mass customisation.

9. BASF’s Materials and Solutions for 3D Printing

Global chemical leader BASF, via its BASF 3D Printing Solutions subsidiary, will present high‑performance photopolymers, plastic powders and filaments, sharing insights into material innovation that enable functional parts and service solutions.

10. Xaar’s High Laydown Technology

UK‑based printhead manufacturer Xaar demonstrates its High Laydown Technology, which increases build rates for Material‑Jetting systems by enabling high‑viscosity fluids and achieving faster deposition—resulting in parts with superior mechanical properties.

Meet AMFG at TCT 2018

The AMFG team is thrilled to return to the TCT Show. Visit us at Stand J42 to experience our AI‑driven workflow automation platform for additive manufacturing. Don’t miss the TCT Introducing Stage, where our CEO Keyvan Karimi and Dr. Martin Baumers (University of Nottingham) will discuss how AI and automation are reshaping the industry.

We look forward to seeing you there!