Makers @ TCT 2012
TCT Show + Personalize is the UK's leading additive manufacturing, 3D printing and product development technology show, and in 2013 the event is boasting a first, as it is welcoming the RepRap community to set up camp in a dedicated space on the show floor.
As such, the innovative event - which has a reputation for promoting the latest in 3D design and manufacturing technology to a wide audience - will be truly honouring its commitment to reach 3D printing users from "hackerspace to aerospace", when it welcomes visitors from every corner of the industry to the NEC in Birmingham from September 25th-26th 2013.
Overseeing the RepRap Hub will be none other than Richard Horne, RepRap stalwart. He will be speaking at TCT for the first time this year, where he will be championing the maker community in his presentation 3D Printing for Business and Pleasure.
He said: "I really look forward to meeting and talking to as many people as possible at the NEC in September. The Personalize section of last year's show was really buzzing and the flow of information was constant - and of a very high quality."
Horne's reputation among makers is borne out of his keen involvement in the RepRap community. RepRap - which is short for replicating rapid prototyper - is a self-copying 3D printer that uses a plastic filament and is much cheaper than buying a desktop 3D printer, as RepRap develops and gives away its designs for a much cheaper machine with a self-copying capability. The technology is giving communities in the developing world access to 3D printing, as well as hobbyists keen to print their own 3D designs at home.
In addition to Horne's own RepRap machines and creations, the RepRap hub will showcase an appearance from Faberdashery - another favourite among the maker community around the world. UK-based Faberdashery provides the 3D printing community with material for 3D printing, while its blog is also closely watched by hobbyists all over the world, and the team will be available to offer expert advice at the Show.
And the organisers are also thrilled to announced that the father of RepRap, Dr Adrian Bowyer, will be joining Horne et al for the show along with RepRapPro Ltd. on the stand, who will have many RepRaps printing RepRaps and will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the future of home 3D printing and how personal manufacturing could evolve in the coming years.
Giving the maker community greater focus will also complement the TCT Bright Minds UK programme, which will be given a platform at the Show. In partnership with 3D Systems and Black Country Atelier, the scheme aims to introduce 3D printing to 300 school students.
TCT Show + Personalize organisers are excited to welcome makers to get involved in the RepRap Hub at the show this September and expect that the addition of this dedicated maker space will help give the community a platform to showcase the important role it is playing in the growth of the industry.
Jim Woodcock, Conference Director for TCT Show + Personalize commented: "We are delighted to be able to welcome Richard and the wider RepRap community to this year's show. Staying in touch with such a fast-paced and diverse industry is a challenge and we really value our relationships with everyone that brings us closer to the communities we serve. As one of these contacts, Richard is ideally placed to bring a balanced overview to the conference — we can't wait to hear what he has to say."
To register FREE for this event go to www.tctshow.com
