7 Must‑See Additive Manufacturing Innovations at TCT Show 2019

TCT Show 2019 (24–26 September) is the UK’s largest 3D‑printing event, drawing over 10 000 visitors and 300 exhibitors. It remains a pivotal venue for professionals to discover cutting‑edge technologies and forge industry connections.

Below are seven standout technologies that you won’t want to miss this year.

1. Photocentric’s Record‑Setting Motorbike and Award‑Winning Desktop Printer

Photocentric, a UK‑based resin manufacturer, debuted its Liquid Crystal Magna printer this summer—one of the largest resin printers in its lineup. Using the Magna and the high‑power LC Maximus, the company 3‑d printed an entire motorbike, demonstrating the printers’ capacity for complex, functional parts. The unveiling will take place at TCT, where visitors can see the bike’s detailed components up close.

The stand will also feature the LC Precision 1.5, the 2023 3D Printing Industry Award winner for the best desktop non‑FFF printer.

2. Zortrax Launches a New Dual‑Extrusion FDM Printer

Polish OEM Zortrax will introduce a high‑performance dual‑extrusion FDM machine that features a heated chamber, multiple filament sensors and advanced thermal management. Designed for industrial use, the printer is compatible with tough polymers such as PEEK, suggesting an evolution of the M300 Dual system.

3. nTopology’s nTop Platform: Generative Design for the Entire Workflow

New York‑based nTopology has launched the nTop Platform, a suite that merges print preparation, simulation and topology optimisation. A key breakthrough is the ability to generate printable designs without STL files, streamlining the CAD‑to‑manufacturing pipeline. At TCT, the company will showcase live 3‑D‑printed prototypes created directly from the platform.

4. OxMet Technologies Introduces New Alloys for Additive Manufacturing

OxMet’s “Alloys by Design” platform uses large‑scale computational chemistry to develop bespoke metal powders. Shortlisted for the TCT Materials Award, the company will present a new suite of nickel, titanium and aluminium alloys, explaining the design process during a stage presentation.

5. 3D Systems Expands Figure 4 Material Portfolio

3D Systems will launch five new resins for its Figure 4 platform, effectively doubling the available material range. The company will also demonstrate aerospace and medical metal parts, reinforcing the versatility of the Figure 4 ecosystem.

6. Renishaw Showcases Metal 3D‑Printed Applications

Renishaw will present real‑world cases where its laser‑based AM enabled cost‑effective, high‑precision components—such as fluid‑power valves for Domin and a custom manifold for a Formula Student race car. Additionally, Ben Farmer will discuss how Renishaw’s technology is driving innovation in the bicycle sector.

7. Laser Lines Debuts Xact Metal’s Compact XM200C Printer

Laser Lines will showcase Xact Metal’s XM200C, a compact metal printer priced at $80 000. Compared to typical metal AM systems, which can exceed $500 000, the XM200C offers a more accessible entry point for universities and SMEs. The stand will also feature Desktop Metal’s Studio System and updates from Additive Industries’ MetalFAB1.

Meet AMFG at TCT 2019

AMFG will return to the show with workflow‑automation solutions for additive manufacturing. Visit Stand A68 or book a meeting to explore how AI, big data and software can scale your AM operations. VP of Sales Nico Bruel will speak at the Introducing Stage on “Scaling Additive Manufacturing with AI, Big Data and Workflow Software” (Wed 25 Sep, 12:40‑13:00).