Previewing Rapid + TCT 2018

Last year’s edition of Rapid + TCT set records in terms of attendance, exhibitors and square footage, and the 2018 event promises to live up to those expectations. The trade show and conference has become the venue for many 3D printing suppliers to launch new products and technologies, and to some extent, set the tone for the AM community for months to come. 

Produced by SME, Rapid + TCT 2018 takes place at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. While I won’t attempt to predict what new innovations might be unveiled at this year’s show, the exhibit floor promises more than 300 booths highlighting 3D printing products, services, auxiliary equipment and more. See a sampling of the technologies to be displayed in ’s Rapid preview coverageAdditive Manufacturing. 

The show also provides a robust conference and workshop program. The agenda includes: 

• Three days of conference presentations from more than 150 speakers, highlighting topics ranging from product design to low-volume end-user part production.
• Eight workshops covering casting processes and materials; AM fundamentals; making the business case for AM; metal part fabrication; and quality system considerations for 3D-printed medical devices, among other subjects. 
• Tech Briefings, 1-hour presentations on basics such as fundamentals of 3D scanning and imaging, fundamentals of additive manufacturing, and medical manufacturing innovations. 
• Two networking receptions, plus opportunities to consult and collaborate with users, manufacturers and other industry experts. 

Rapid + TCT takes place April 23-26, 2018 (exhibits April 24-26).