TCT Asia

TCT Asia TCT Asia：The event for design-to manufacturing innovation.

New Dates: TCT Asia 2020Dear Exhibitors, Prospective Visitors and Partners,We are pleased to announce that the new dates...
12/03/2020

New Dates: TCT Asia 2020

Dear Exhibitors, Prospective Visitors and Partners,

We are pleased to announce that the new dates for TCT Asia 2020 will be
8th – 10th July 2020. The venue will remain as Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), but we will move to Halls E5-E6.

As a well-known annual exhibition in the additive manufacturing industry, TCT Asia shows have been held successfully for more than 5 years in China. We have confidence in our extensive experience in exhibition organization and the ability to respond to emergencies. We made this decision after a professional assessment and our primary concern remains the health and safety of our customers and partners.

We remain confident in bringing you a safe and productive industry event. Following this notice, we will initiate timely communications with every exhibitor and partner in our endeavors to provide you our best services.

Thank you very much for your understanding and support!

We wish you all a happy and healthy return to normal work and life!

Reimagined Dragons(2)[Hidden benefits of additive manufacturing]Taking advantage of the ability to design for additive m...
17/07/2019

Reimagined Dragons(2)
[Hidden benefits of additive manufacturing]

Taking advantage of the ability to design for additive manufacturing, 3D Systems’ On Demand Manufacturing team incorporated a series of screws, threads and covers that follow the exact form of the dragons along the spine.

3D Systems’ engineering expertise is built into each of the 18 different versions of the dragons that were SLS printed. As 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing Regional Sales Manager Simon Hammond points out, the ability to match precision with variety is a consistent benefit of using additive manufacturing for production. “Many hours of careful engineering work were put into the final designs, but by using a digital workflow with 3D CAD and 3D printing, we are able to frontload the time investment,” Hammond says. “Once final files were ready, we could launch into production with 18 different outcomes without 18 sets of tooling and molds. Designing and manufacturing the same outcome with good cost and sensible timing would be challenging for any other process.”

Following 3D scanning and design, early prototypes of the dragons were printed for analysis and testing to ensure the final designs were built in accordance with the stringent requirements of modern construction.

Throughout this process, 3D Systems worked diligently to deliver on the customer’s aesthetic requirements while meeting all the technical requirements of the builders. These considerations came into play as 3D Systems’ engineers determined how to best divide the SLS model for printing as well as position and conceal the various caps and closures for mounting.

[Production 3D printing for historical restoration]
3D Systems’ On Demand Manufacturing teams in the UK and the Netherlands printed the dragons using SLS technology. Due to the large scale of the dragons, each with final dimensions in the 1.2 – 2-metre range, 3D Systems sPro230 SLS machines were chosen for the task. With a maximum build volume of 550 mm x 550 mm x 750 mm, the sPro 230 enabled the dragons to be produced in a low number of large pieces that were expertly assembled by the 3D Systems team.

The dragons were 3D printed in DuraForm PA, a durable polyamide 12 nylon material capable of producing a comparable look and feel to the original dragons. The resolution and mechanical properties of DuraForm PA make it an ideal candidate for complex parts with thin walls or snap fit requirements. In the case of the Kew dragons, these features suited both the functionality requirement of installation as well as the cosmetic requirements of the historic restoration. Once printed, the dragons were finished and hand painted in the UK by the 3D Systems High Wycombe finishing department. 3D Systems’ team also painted the final wooden dragons to ensure visual consistency across the project.

“3D Systems is greatly honored to have been selected for this project,” said Lewis. “In addition to the rare opportunity to help restore a cultural and historical landmark, this project showcases the extreme element of what we do. Our expertise extends far beyond 3D printing and we were able to offer guidance across multiple stages of this restoration, from engineering and scalable production through to finishing.”

Reimagined Dragons [1]3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing experts help restore UNESCO World Heritage Site with scan-to-CA...
17/07/2019

Reimagined Dragons [1]

3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing experts help restore UNESCO World Heritage Site with scan-to-CAD workflow and SLS printing.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens, London, UK is home to The Great Pagoda, a striking 163-foot structure commissioned in 1761 by King George III and built in ornate and highly fashionable Chinoiserie style. Central to the design were the 80 painted wooden dragons that adorned the octagonal corners of each successive level.

The talk of the town for more than twenty years, the Kew dragons were removed in the 1780s to accommodate roof repairs to the pagoda and were never replaced. Although rumors allege the dragons served as payment for royal gambling debts, experts believe the wood had simply rotted over time. An often revisited topic for conservationists, The Great Pagoda is finally being returned to its former splendor, dragons and all, for the first time in over 200 years thanks to 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing Service.

As Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) began to explore methodologies for replacing the dragons, it faced a dilemma: not only would wooden replacements invite the same longevity issue as before, but the pagoda had not supported the weight of the dragons for two centuries. “One of the most challenging aspects of this project was to minimise the impact imposed by so many dragons on this grade one listed building,” said Craig Hatto, Project Director at Historic Royal Palaces.

HRP was looking for a restoration solution that would answer the quality, weight, time and cost concerns inherent to the project. In searching for a supplier capable of delivering on all aspects, HRP asked 3D Systems to submit a competitive tender, which it subsequently won on the basis of being able to provide the expertise, technology, quality and scalability required to fulfill the project.

[Designing the dragons]
The Kew dragons were brought to life as a collaborative effort between two sets of specialised designers. The exterior appearance of the dragons was recreated by HRP using the scarce historical information available to achieve the most accurate representation possible. Once designed, a dragon prototype was carved from wood to enable the digital manufacturing workflow that followed, undertaken by the second design and engineering team at 3D Systems. Seven additional wooden dragons were carved to adorn the first level of the pagoda, leaving 72 to be created using SLS printing.

Using a reverse engineering workflow and a FARO Design ScanArm, the carved wooden dragon was scanned into a 3D design environment that would allow 3D Systems to address HRP’s concerns regarding weight. 3D Systems’ design experts used a variety of software including Geomagic Design X to reverse engineer the scan data into CAD and hollow the scan data to a controlled thickness, preserving both the exterior details and structural integrity in the process.

When combined with the intricate exteriors of the hand cut masters, the resulting hollow geometry was too complex to be manufactured traditionally and required additive manufacturing for production. Using a digital manufacturing workflow also enabled 3D Systems to seamlessly scale the dragons to achieve a slightly different size for levels two through ten of the pagoda. In total, 18 designs were prepared, comprised of nine different dragon sizes and a left- and right-hand version of each.

3D Systems’ engineers incorporated another simple yet compelling feature into each of dragon designs by adding built-in mounting features directly into the CAD files. These designs constituted part of the dragons’ construction designs, and were devised and implemented by 3D Systems’ On Demand Manufacturing team in close collaboration with Hockley & Dawson, the other lead engineering team on the project.

“The final dragons are essentially a perfect copy of the original, but have been improved upon in a way that is invisible to the observer,” said Nick Lewis, General Manager UK, 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing. “We engineered internal elements for a secure mounting process, but designed them in such a way as to be completely concealed so no nuts, bolts or traces of construction will be visible.”

Don’t Let Bad Apples Spoil ProgressFrom the TCT Show’s main stage, I spoke of being on the cusp of positive change refle...
16/07/2019

Don’t Let Bad Apples Spoil Progress

From the TCT Show’s main stage, I spoke of being on the cusp of positive change reflected in a shift in attitudes, beliefs and actions. I believe that we are at a transition point from which the AM industry will continue to build momentum that builds in a way that makes advancing into the future easier with each passing day. Essentially, this shift will accelerate the arrival of the promised future.

The crux of this observation is that we are experiencing an alignment amongst all the constituents in the industry. Instead of toiling to discover needed information or to make a technology work for the intended application, vendors are now collectively and proactively working to support the user community by supplying real information, real guidance and purpose-built technologies that open the doors to real opportunities. This is in stark contrast to the days of grand visions and bold claims that showed possibility but offered little support in making them a probability.

Working in collaboration to meet a shared objective, information is being produced and exchanged and technologies are being developed to address the needs, wants and desires of the user base. Working in concert, possibilities emerge, and the probability of success grows.

However, being on the cusp means that we are transitioning, which in turn means that not all of the vendors are abiding by this new discipline. There are still “bad apples” that will exaggerate the truth, mislead through omissions of fact, or blatantly lie. In a very competitive market where it is hard to stand out and be noticed, the motivation to deceive is comprehensible, but it is no longer acceptable.

Those that behave badly to serve their interests alone, in stark contrast to the interests of the AM industry, jeopardize progress by undermining the momentum that we are building. While one bad apple won’t spoil progress, if we allow too many to exhibit this bad behavior, we will suffer from their actions. Rather then pushing beyond the cusp, we could roll backwards and have to regain lost momentum.

So it is time to put all AM vendors on notice that we, the AM user community, will no longer tolerate this behavior. We will not overlook or excuse deceit. As a maturing industry, we expect participants to behave accordingly, maturely.

I recognize that there is some degree of salesmanship that will have to be tolerated and that the actions of an individual should not condemn his/her organization. Therefore, I suggest that we start to communicate bad corporate citizenship where misinformation and dishonesties are part of an organization’s DNA.

To get this movement started, I suggest that you start by telling your peers when you encounter a bad apple. Don’t keep it to yourself, allowing the same thing to happen to others, which allows the rottenness to spread and infect the perceptions of broad swaths of our user base. Alternatively, tweet your experience using the hashtag . However, be judicious and don’t act with prejudice. Before conveying an experience, contemplate if the action is indicative of the organization’s directives or just the character of an individual.

For those that want to affect change anonymously, message me through LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/toddgrimm) to share your experiences. I have no intent of exposing deceit based on a single incident, but if a pattern emerges, I will investigate. Where warranted, I will make the information public. Additionally, I will report, without naming companies, the nature of common misdeeds to offer insights on items that must be diligently examined.

AM advances with the successes of the user community; solving problems and creating new opportunities. On the other hand, failures, disappointments and letdowns become setbacks. Working together, and working towards common goals, we will experience far more success. Let’s take control by encouraging and supporting AM vendors that are working with us while discouraging bad behavior that erodes the momentum that has been achieved.

--Todd Grimm

Believe in 3D printed unicorns (2) Myth or Legend?The elusive unicorn however is hard to come by. In a brilliant keynote...
15/07/2019

Believe in 3D printed unicorns (2) Myth or Legend?

The elusive unicorn however is hard to come by. In a brilliant keynote talk at TCT Show, Dave Burns, Principal and Founder at Global Business Advisory Services LLP, spoke about the challenges and realities faced by manufacturing technology startups. As someone who has spent 15 years directly interfacing with 3D printing and led a company all the way from startup to IPO, it’s no wonder a number of startups have sought Burns’ expertise when embarking on their next steps. Presenting on the TCT Show stage, Burns explained how at least seven out of ten startups fail (in fact, he believes it’s closer to nine). Why? Lack of market alignment, hiring the wrong team, and crucially, running out of cash.

For manufacturing technology startups, unicorn status is perhaps even more challenging as the overall journey from the initial beg and borrow phase to positive cash flow bliss can take a long time. Those investing in or developing a manufacturing technology, rather than say a new app, Burns said, have to understand that cash flow comes much later, often taking 3-5 years. Seed rounds come later, and they’re usually larger due to the nature of the product, which can lead to startups taking technologies to market too soon.

“We have a fundamental problem because to get from where we are holistically and globally with the large thing we're dealing with and get it where we want it to be, we need more investment dollars and we have a dynamic here that makes those investment dollars difficult to come by,” Burns told the TCT Show crowd. “But I remain convinced that the difference between where we are and where we want to go is just investment. It simply is R&D dollars, if we throw enough of them at these basic science problems we have, we'll solve them.”

In the days of the trough of disillusionment, we saw companies make huge cuts, close retail points and disband entire business arms – largely in the consumer sector. Now, the landscape is very different, we’re on “the cusp” of something as both Burns and Todd Grimm recently called it, as wistful ideals have long been replaced by real production, meaningful industrial applications and factory of the future concepts which epitomise the true value of 3D printing, validated by major investments from giants like GE. If unicorns are in fact a reality in the 3D printing universe, now might be a good time to start believing.

-- Laura Griffiths

Believe in 3D printed unicorns (1)If I said the words “3D printing” and “unicorn” to you five years ago, an image of a p...
15/07/2019

Believe in 3D printed unicorns (1)

If I said the words “3D printing” and “unicorn” to you five years ago, an image of a plastic polygonal model in a garish colour would have been a fair enough deduction. A horse-like creature with a spiralling horn pointing from its forehead, unicorns are the stuff of myth, existing only in fairy tales and on novelty pencil cases. In the finance world however, the term unicorn, coined in 2013, is more the stuff of legendary status, used to describe a privately held startup company valued at over 1 billion USD.

As of August, there were reportedly around 260 of these companies in the world, including the likes of Uber, Pinterest and Airbnb, and in amongst those household names, a trio of 3D printing unicorns.

Earlier this year, Formlabs joined fellow Boston-area company, Desktop Metal and Silicon Valley startup, Carbon on the list after a successful Series C in April raising 30 million USD and an additional 15 million USD in August. It’s the ultimate Kickstarter success story, having started out on the platform in 2012 and growing into one of the world’s leading sellers of stereolithography systems.

Carbon, a company which can count Adidas and Ford amongst early adopters of its super-fast CLIP technology and programmable engineering-grade resins, surpassed the billion-dollar threshold early on, topped up with the launch of a 200 million USD Series D last year. Shortly after, Desktop Metal, manufacturer of office-friendly metal 3D printing systems, reached a billion-dollar valuation just two years in, after a 115 million USD Series D in July 2017 from NEA, Google Ventures, GE Ventures amongst others.

--Laura Griffiths

Renishaw reduces dental framework build preparation time by up to 75 per centGlobal engineering firm Renishaw says its Q...
15/07/2019

Renishaw reduces dental framework build preparation time by up to 75 per cent

Global engineering firm Renishaw says its QuantAM Dental software can cut preparation time for dental frameworks from two hours or more with existing build preparation software to around 30 minutes. The software is designed to automate additive manufacturing (AM) build preparation for hundreds of dental frameworks in a single operation. The company claims the 75 per cent reduction is enabling dental production facilities to produce patient-specific frameworks at a lower cost.

QuantAM Dental automatically imports hundreds of dental frameworks, repairs STL files, automates orientation to eliminate the need for supports on the fitting surfaces and generates supports where necessary. It also automatically adds an identification tag to each framework.

The software then groups framework types according to manufacturing requirements (e.g. heat treatment). Finally, the software reviews the files and gives a list of potential errors for any sub-optimal frameworks. The systems operator can then slice the build files ready to transfer them to the AM system.

Ed Littlewood, Marketing Manager at Renishaw’s Medical and Dental Products Division commented, “QuantAM Dental consolidates the number of software packages required to produce batches of frameworks, helping to reduce licensing overheads, decrease training requirements and reduce build preparation times daily.”

ClearCaps uses Structo 3D printers to produce 250 clear aligner models in 24 hoursDental-specific 3D printers from Singa...
13/07/2019

ClearCaps uses Structo 3D printers to produce 250 clear aligner models in 24 hours

Dental-specific 3D printers from Singapore-based Structo are being leveraged by clear dental aligner brand, ClearCaps, to accelerate its large volume manufacturing operations.

ClearCaps currently uses 3D software for planning and tracking of its cases including a 3D simulation of the patient’s treatment. Now Structo’s Mask Stereolithography (MSLA)-powered DentaForm 3D printers form an integral part of the Berlin company’s manufacturing facilities.

Jesse Bartels, founder of ClearCaps commented: "We always strive to be at the forefront of the latest technology to help us deliver superior treatment outcomes.”

Launched last year, the DentaForm is capable of printing up to 10 clear aligner models in 30 minutes thanks to its large-build volume measuring 200 x 150 mm and high print speeds. ClearCaps currently prints around 250 models every 24 hours but the company plans to scale that up in the near future.

EnvisionTEC unveiled high-speed 3D printer and dental materialsAt this year’s LMT Dab Day, EnvisionTEC launched its larg...
13/07/2019

EnvisionTEC unveiled high-speed 3D printer and dental materials

At this year’s LMT Dab Day, EnvisionTEC launched its largest high-speed continuous 3D printer to date.

The new Vida cDLM offers a build volume of 145 x 81.5 x 100 mm with a XY resolution of 76 microns. Material-depending, EnvisionTEC says the Vida cDLM can print models in half the time of its best-selling Vida desktop machine. For example, when used with EnvisionTEC's premium E-Model Light material, the Vida cDLM can 3D print 10-12 vertical orthodontic models in 100-micron layers in 90 minutes.

In addition, EnvisionTEC launched two new materials; E-OrthoShape, a resin designed for fast and affordable volume production of models on which to produce clear thermoformed aligners, and E-Ortholign, a biocompatible material designed for direct 3D printing of the "first aligner", a device used after an orthodontist removes a patient's brackets to hold teeth in place.

Carbon partners with National Dentex LabsCarbon has announced a multi-year agreement with National Dentex Labs (NDX) to ...
13/07/2019

Carbon partners with National Dentex Labs

Carbon has announced a multi-year agreement with National Dentex Labs (NDX) to deliver a complete 3D printing solution for dental applications.

NDX, the largest network of dental labs by revenue in the U.S., has already been applying 3D printing for the production of dental models, casts and implant guides. However, increasing demand for has led the organisation to seek a solution that can meet this growth and provide scalability, fleet management and the ability to report data and analytics

“3D printing has become integral to the dental industry and NDX is at the forefront of using this innovative technology,” said Tom Daulton, CEO of National Dentex Labs. “As we evaluated the options, we needed a solution and a partner that could scale with us while offering efficiencies, quality parts, and excellent support and service.”

The Silicon Valley company recently has installed its Carbon M2 printers in NDX labs and will continue to scale this throughout next year.

Prodways announces desktop DLP 3D printer and dental packageEarlier this year, French 3D printer manufacturer Prodways l...
12/07/2019

Prodways announces desktop DLP 3D printer and dental package

Earlier this year, French 3D printer manufacturer Prodways launched a new desktop DLP machine, the ProMaker LD3.

Based on the company’s MOVINGLight technology, the machine is designed to serve dental professionals, jewellers, and educators with a native resolution of 50 microns
and a build envelope of 64 x 120 x 130 mm. The idea being to package the professional performance of DLP technology into a compact, multi-functional platform, that can operate in any-sized environment.

The machine is scheduled to be made available before the end of the year within a dental package that includes specific dental materials and expert support. Those materials will include resins for dental models intended for repair work, such as crowns and bridges, and to be used in thermoforming, such as dental aligners and retainers, and CE certified resins for implant guides. In addition, Prodways will also supply burnout resins for casting or fixed crowns in ceramic or metal.

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Business Mansion, Shanghai Exhibition Center, No. 1333, Nanjing Road (W)
Shanghai
200040

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Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00
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About TCT Asia

With year-on-year growth and increased international attendance TCT Asia is establishing itself as one of the leading 3D technology exhibitions within the Asia market. 2018 will witness further expansion in Asia with the introduction of TCT Korea as part of the global TCT Group portfolio. We recognize the global markets niche and provide our exhibitors and visitors with consistent quality shows tailored to help them enter global market. The industry outlook is currently rather positive and the relocation for 2018 ensures that TCT Asia has the opportunity for further growth in terms of Exhibition space and remains “years ahead" in the 3D manufacturing technology show in China.