TCT Show 2018: From powders to filaments - the latest in 3D printing materials

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There are just two weeks to go until the doors open for TCT Show 2018 at the NEC, Birmingham. Over 250 exhibitors will fill halls 3 and 3A with the latest in design-to-manufacturing innovation across additive manufacturing (AM), materials, software and post-processing technologies.

Materials are integral to the advancement of AM and whether you’re looking for that specific metal alloy for production or engineering-grade filament for prototyping, you will be sure to find it at TCT Show. Here are just some of the material highlights you can expect on the show floor this year alongside new hardware, software, inspection products and more.

Europac 3D brings DSM additive manufacturing expertise to show floor (Stand M26)

Europac 3D has ticked just about every box this year with 3D printers, scanners and software all covered on its huge stand. To top it off, the company has also announced a partnership with DSM, one of the largest manufacturers of materials for the AM market. Last year DSM merged its Somos AM brand into new dedicated DSM Additive Manufacturing business covering both stereolithograpy and extrusion-based processes with over 20 materials. Europac will have a range of DSM SLA examples on hand which will be showcased alongside UnionTech’s open source machines.

BASF makes TCT Show debut (Stand F18)

This year marks the TCT Show debut for one of the world’s biggest materials companies. BASF has been working with AM for some time having established a dedicated AM business and developed materials for powder-based technologies from EOS, HP, Farsoon along with extrusion technologies through partnerships with the likes of Essentium Materials. Most recently, BASF invested 25 million USD into Materialise to focus on materials and software optimisation, solidifying the commitment that global chemical giants are making with AM. 

Fillamentum introduces Vertigo Starlight filament (Stand B42)

As the name may suggest, Fillamentum is a filament manufacturer with more than 15 years’ experience in the plastics industry. Manufactured in Czech Republic, the company offers more than 40 variations of PLA along with ABS and wood chip filled, Timberfill material. Its most recent addition is PLA Extrafill Vertigo Starlight, a deep blue filament with a shimmering effect, ideal for high-detail, decorative pieces. The company says it has a few pieces of news up its sleeve for the show including the introduction of a new sub-brand, Fillamentum Industrial.

LPW demonstrates smart metal powder products (Stand T41)

The metal powder manufacturer opened the doors to its new AM materials factory earlier this year showcasing not only its powder capabilities but smart functions which ensure complete traceability and quality control throughout the powder lifecycle. Visitors to TCT Show will be able to find out more about LPW’s PowderLife range including PowderTrace, PowderEye and PowderSolve which help manage risk and reliability in metal powder production and repeated AM builds. Plus, LPW apprentice, Regan Hoult will be discussing AM and smart factories in a #3DTALK panel session on day two. 

PolyMaker Industrial materials power "3D printed car" (Stand F43)

The Shanghai-based materials manufacturer launched its new product family for industrial customers last year and took home the TCT Technology Innovation Materials Award. This year, Polymaker features once again, this time in a joint project in the Automotive category with automotive company XEV on the LSEV 3D printed urban car. Polymaker Industrial materials and vacuum lamination process were leveraged to produce 57 plastic parts for this two-seater vehicle in just three days. Visitors can learn more about the materials on Polymaker’s stand.

Nanoe to launch filament for ceramic and metal 3D printing (Stand D39)

French company, Nanoe is launching Zetamix a filament for ceramic and metal filament 3D printing. The material is made up of around 50% polymer and either ceramic or metal powder and parts will need to undergo a debinding and sintering process once printed. The company has been specialising in ready-to-sinter nano powders for ceramics for a decade, and believes this material is going to give users a much more affordable way of making ceramic parts.

Get the latest TCT Show news here and register for your FREE TCT Show ticket and conference pass at www.tctshow.com.