Looking at How Additive Manufacturing Is Impacting Critical Industries at RAPID + TCT

It should be clear by now, applications were the star at RAPID + TCT. This was especially the case when it comes to demanding sectors: for example, aerospace, defense and automotive. Although we already knew these fields would have a starting role at the event, especially with the AeroDef exhibitors sharing the show floor, but we were truly blown away by some of what we saw at the event this year. But what exactly were the companies bringing the most impact to demanding industries through additive manufacturing?

To learn why, we went around the show floor to pick out a few of our favorite among the exhibitors booths. We started off with ADDiTEC, already well-known in the aerospace sector, and now also making its mark in defense. How? Well at its booth at RAPID + TCT, we were able to see the AMDROiD X, this compact, portable DED solution is housed in a  10-foot container and  is able to print large-scale metal parts with materials like Inconel, copper and aluminum. This makes it perfect for on-demand repairs in remote or combat environments.

Next up, we stopped by HP. The company has had a number of impressive parts at events over the years, but the Doughboy made our jaw drop. This 2,800-horsopower vehicle features 75+ 3D printed parts. See it in the video to discover how the marriage of additive manufacturing and automotive for next-gen design was on display at RAPID + TCT.

Moving to the aerospace sector, we had the opportunity to take a look at the booth of a relative newcomer from South Korea, MADDE. This large-format wire arc additive manufacturing company is making full-scale rocket bodies and nozzle extensions, some of which were also present at RAPID + TCT. In the video, take a look at the manufacturer’s complex, large metal parts that have real orbital potential.

Interested in combining vintage racing with modern manufacturing? Sean Jackson certainly is! That’s why he used additive manufacturing to design the Pennsylvanian 8 board track racer, which was present at Farsoon’s booth at RAPID + TCT. That is because the FS200M-2 system was used to 3D print several custom parts, including brackets and intakes in aluminum and stainless steel.

Last up, we were able to see a dual-material rocket combustion chamber at Meltio’s booth. The most interesting part? It is only able to be made using additive manufacturing! That is because the component combines both Inconel 718 and a copper alloy, allowing for both strength and thermal performance, and boast a complex internal geometry. See all the applications in the video below:

What do you think of these companies and how they showed they are using additive manufacturing to impact major sectors while at RAPID + TCT? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.