The second day of RAPID + TCT 2019 is now in the books! With so much happening at the event, we’re assembling the top takeaways from each day. Below you will find key takeaways from Day 2 of RAPID + TCT 2019.
From companies announcing groundbreaking new additive manufacturing technologies, to keynote presentations from industry leaders in 3D printing and much more, here is a recap of day two at RAPID + TCT 2019.
Special Morning Presentation
To kick off the second day of RAPID + TCT 2019, Christoph Schell, President of 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing at HP, held a special presentation in which he talked about 3D printing’s role in the fourth industrial revolution, and explained how HP is helping to transform the manufacturing industry with their innovative solutions.
iRAMP Introduction
After the presentation from HP, SME President-Elect Susan Smyth welcomed back attendees, talked about the significance of holding the conference in Detroit and noted the power of coming together to share what’s going on in the world of additive manufacturing.
She also introduced a new addition to RAPID + TCT, an additive manufacturing advisory system called Interactive Rapid Manufacturing Portal, or iRAMP. A tool that supports critical additive manufacturing decisions, iRAMP seeks to help attendees find the exact 3D printing solution they came to RAPID + TCT to find. Multiple iRAMP kiosks are now on the event floor, with SME ambassadors next to them for guidance.
Morning Keynote by Bill Taylor
Susan Smyth then introduced Bill Taylor, co-founder of Fast Company, who took the stage to deliver an inspiring keynote presentation. With the digital revolution reshaping the logic of competition, work and manufacturing, Bill shared lessons and case studies from the industry’s most effective leaders—showing attendees the new rules of success as they master the challenges of innovation. His keynote was truly a manifesto for change and a manual for achieving it.
Innovation Auditions
With the exhibition floor of RAPID + TCT 2019 officially open today, companies from all over the world set up shop to showcase their additive manufacturing technologies and solutions.
In the SME Zone, eight of these companies were selected to participate in the Innovation Auditions, a platform in which organizations get the opportunity to present and explain what makes their additive manufacturing technology so innovative and groundbreaking—all in just five minutes. The companies selected were:
- Origin
- Formalloy
- ParaMatters, Inc.
- nTopology
- 3DQue Systems
- Henkel Corporation
- Rapidia
- Teton Simulation
FOX 2 Detroit meteorologist, Derek Kevra, hosted the event, and announced the presenters with his iconic wit and geniality. Along with a packed audience, three expert judges were in attendance to listen to the presentations and narrow down the finalists. They were:
- Paul Bates, Director of Advanced Process Engineering at UL and President of the Additive Manufacturing Users Group
- Ernie Covarrubias, Rotational Engineer focused on technology integration and program management at Boeing Additive Manufacturing
- Scott Owsley, Chief of Design and Analysis for the US Army’s Technical Support Division
After careful deliberation, the judges announced the 2019 Innovation Auditions finalists. They are:
- Formalloy
- ParaMatters, Inc.
Congratulations to the finalists! The two companies will present during tomorrow’s morning keynote. The winner will then be chosen through audience polling and announced at the keynote’s conclusion.
Welcome Event at Eastern Market
After a day filled with great workshops and exhibitions, RAPID + TCT 2019 attendees gathered at Detroit’s historic Eastern Market for an epic evening of food, networking and fun! Eastern Market is the commercial district that houses one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in the United States, and attendees had the chance to explore while listening to Motown music and sampling the best tastes of Detroit.