Throughout the last 12 months, we’ve been following growth in every aspect of the 3D printing industry, from hardware introductions to software developments to new materials set to bring new ideas into reality. A huge part of my year has entailed packing up and heading out to different locations to share with you directly the latest developments right from the ground. As we close out 2016, let’s take a look back at what we’ve seen this year and shared first-hand!
Starting with one of my favorite cities around the world, in early March I found myself in London, where I attended the iMakr Desktop 3D Printing Show at their storefront location. With plenty of upcoming and increasingly popular desktop 3D printers to see, this event showcased the ‘permanent tradeshow’ aesthetic of the shop, as well as highlighting some technologies and business plans to keep an eye on.
In early April, I headed next to sunny Colorado to see the unveiling of the new Stratasys J750 3D printer, set to “reinvent 3D printing.” From the OtterBox HQ, I was able to share with you a look at full-color 3D printed phone cases ready right off this innovative new multi-material machine. This 3D printer has seen its first year on the market met with some impressive use cases, and we look forward to continuing to see what Stratasys does next.
Right after returning from Brooklyn, I got in my car and drove down to Akron, Ohio, where I spoke at TPE TopCon next. This event for plastics manufacturers brought together many who were somewhat new to 3D printing, though there were several experienced users as well as a few 3D printing companies in attendance. I was part of a segment of the conference dedicated to 3D printing, and spoke on 16 of the top 3D printing stories from ’16, and chatted afterwards with several attendees who were interested in learning more about this industry and how it relates to the larger plastics industry.
Continuing on in September travels, I grabbed my passport and headed back to the UK late in the month for TCT Show in Birmingham where there was a lot to see. This event has been showing so much growth due to rising interest that it was announced early on that the 2017 event would be even larger and longer — and it was easy to see why, as announcements and introductions kept Marilyn Reed from our marketing team and me busy for the two days of this year’s show. With partnerships a running theme and expert views on the industry at hand, this show was a valuable resource for gaining insights right from the makers’ mouths.
In 2016, our team sought to bring all the latest news right from the ground — and we’re showing no signs of slowing down! From media events at company HQs and labs to tradeshows around the globe to local conferences, you can count on 3DPrint.com to be your voice on the ground to continue finding out all the latest in 3D printing and related technologies. This year has been an exciting and dynamic one in shaping the industry, and 2017 only looks to build upon the ever-stronger foundation that has been in the works since the 1908s.
I’ll be heading off again next week (already!) for CES 2017 in Las Vegas, and look forward to continuing to report on all the latest tech announcements first-hand. Keep an eye out at 3DPrint.com for news from Vegas and beyond, as 2017 kicks off strong. I’ll keep looking out for the best in conferences and for invitations from companies to catch their introductions and announcements to bring them directly to you. Discuss in the Around the World forum at 3DPB.com.
[All photos taken by Sarah Goehrke for 3DPrint.com unless otherwise noted]