This event is for both novice and experienced users that are in search of answers to the questions of what is available and what is possible. It is an event that allows attendees to casually flow between exhibits (or “stands” as they say in Europe) and informative presentations.
TCT Live is a resource that somehow manages to balance excitement and enthusiasm with pragmatism.
Once again, I offered a keynote presentation, happily donating my time to play a small part in bringing balance to an industry that has enjoyed a heavy dose of sensationalism. But I was not alone. The messages from the podiums (conveniently located on the show floor so that all can attend, free of charge), challenged attendees to think bigger, try new things and solve problems while toning done the media’s message that anything is possible, even with a $500 3D printer.
On the selfish side, I enjoyed attending TCT Live for the third consecutive year because I learn. I guess this is a testament that the event has something for everyone: expert, novice, researcher and educator — all of which I met as I stepped from the podium and while a roamed the spacious hall of the NEC Center.
For North American visitors, TCT Live can be a bit of a tease…you will see technologies that have yet to come to our part of the world. However, these are outnumbered by the global suppliers of hardware, software and material represented on the show floor.
All of the leading manufacturers were present, many with new products announced throughout the year. For example, ExOne was available to discuss its new multi-material platform, M-Flex; Blueprinter had a prototype of its soon-to-be-launched Blueprinter SHS, a small-format, low-cost alternative to laser sintering; Solidscape built beautiful parts on its 3ZStudio printer; and Mcor announced its upgraded Matrix printer and shared details on the Iris, a full-color printer that will be available shortly.
TCT Live also took a different approach from other professional-oriented shows by hosting a pavilion for the low-cost, consumer-oriented printers from companies such as Leap Frog, Ultimaker, MiiCraft, Sintermask and Makerbot.
This area was packed throughout the two-day event. The lure of sub-$3,000 printers attracted both hobbyists and professionals. The latter seemed to be investigating whether or not a low-cost 3D printer could address their business needs.
The creativity was amazing, and the pieces were stunning.
It is difficult to give you a feel for a two-day show in a few hundred words. There is so much that I have not discussed, but I hope that I have conveyed the nature of TCT Live and given you a bit of a nudge to consider attending next year.
If asked to present in 2013, I will not hesitate in accepting the invitation. The show is that good. Never mind that I have yet to realize any financial gain from my past participation. That’s not what the show is about; instead, it is a forum for exposure to new technologies, new ideas and new approaches.
TCT Live is a forum that I highly recommend that you leverage by attending next year’s event, which is schedule for the fall of 2013 at what has become its home, the NEC in Birmingham, England.