Learn all about Keypoint Intelligence’s foray into the world of additive manufacturing here!
From Tesla to the United States Marine Corps, the list of the top attending companies at RAPID + TCT 2022 is extensive, not to mention impressive. The event took place in Detroit, Michigan, from May 17-19, and hosted technological showcases from over 400 solutions providers, new product launches, and additive manufacturing (AM) experts from across the industry, providing “everything you need to know about the latest 3D technologies, all under one roof.”
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Along with Keypoint Intelligence President and CEO Anthony Sci, Len Wolak, the technical lead on our AM initiative, was in attendance. “With an excellent turnout of manufacturers and others from the 3D space, RAPID + TCT was, as it always is, an amazing showcase of devices and technologies,” Wolak said. “The educational and networking opportunities are top tier—we met with over 25 manufacturers and seven service companies in the two days we were there. The floor also had a wide array of vendors offering industry-related services, software, and supplies such as post-processing equipment, materials testing services, metrology equipment, and third-party metal powders, resins, and filament.”
Highlights from the Show Floor
If we were to report on even 25% of what was at RAPID + TCT 2022, this piece might rival Ulysses word count-wise. But here’s a succinct capsule of some things that caught our attention…
FabWeaver, a South Korean-based company, introduced the FabWeaver type A530. With a large build volume of 310 mm x 310 mm x 310 mm, two printheads, and storage for up to four spools of material, the device claims to offer precision industrial printing for prototyping and proof of concept modeling.
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| The FabWeaver type A530 features a large build volume. |
Pantheon, a newly formed company based in Canada, will be offering its HS3 printer in Fall 2022. Founded by a team of engineers that designed the printer with ease of use in mind, Pantheon claims the HS3 can print 5 times faster than competing devices and a heavy-duty, high-quality construction ensures high accuracy, high reliability, and longevity.
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| The Pantheon HS3, which is priced starting at $7,999 USD. |
Raise3D, first founded as a Kickstarter Campaign in 2015, introduced the Raise3D E2 filament-based (FFF) printer, which offers dual easy-swap extruders for easy maintenance, a large 11.6" x 9.4" x 9.4" build volume when utilizing the IDEX dual extruders, and a wide array of useful features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic bed leveling, and a flexible steel bedplate.
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| The Raise3D E2CF offers a library of 15 filament types. |
Other companies we spoke with were 3D Systems, which provided us with a rundown of its lineup, including the new SLA 750; Asiga, which displayed its Asiga MAX and PRO 4K models (SLA liquid resin technology); Mimaki, which showcased its 3DUJ-553, a full-color 3D printer that uses binder jet technology; Nexa3D, which featured its XiP (SLA liquid resin technology); Photocentric, which displayed its Liquid Crystal Magna (SLA liquid resin technology); and Prusa, which showcased its Prusa SL1S and Prusa XL, both utilizing (SLA liquid resin technology).
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| The Nexa3D XiP is priced at $7,300 USD. |
We had the chance to speak with Nikon on X-ray and CT scanning work with plastic; Element about medical and aerospace testing; and Pine Engineering on tensile strength testing.
Keypoint Intelligence’s Journey into Additive Manufacturing
With the increasing relevance of 3D printing, we have taken several steps toward incorporating additive manufacturing into our everyday thought processes. Check out our testing of the FormLabs Form 3+, and don't forget to also check out the additive manufacturing page on our company website, which details our ability to create custom tests for 3D devices, a look inside our 3D test lab, and information on the tests and methodologies we perform (setup, software, speed, chemical composition, etc.)
Learn all about it today on the Keypoint Intelligence website!
For more information on 3D print, head to The Key Point Blog and The Key Point Podcast. Log in to the InfoCenter to view research on additive manufacturing through our Functional & Industrial Print Advisory Service. If you’re not a subscriber, just send us an email at sales@keypointintelligence.com for more info.
