SME celebrates 90th year of supporting and advancing manufacturing technologies throughout North America

DETROIT, March 8, 2022 — (PRNewswire) —  May 17-19 marks the reconvening of the additive manufacturing (AM) industry's most innovative community as RAPID + TCT returns this year to Huntington Place in Detroit. Produced by SME and Rapid News Publications, RAPID + TCT offers a massive collection of 3D-printing technologies and insights from experts in the industry who will present next-level solutions to real-world challenges. SME Executive Director and CEO Robert Willig made the announcement. 

"For more than 30 years, AM has experienced dynamic growth that continues to unlock unlimited potential for manufacturers," Willig said. "RAPID + TCT has defined and established a field that conceives, tests, improves and manufactures new products that are not only more cost-efficient, but are truly lifechanging. Combining decades of 3D-technology insights and experiences with the latest evolving trends in AM, RAPID + TCT is the place to be for players of any size in the AM industry. We can feel the support and excitement within the AM community from far and wide, and we're looking forward to another successful event."

SME's entire AM community, including countless volunteers, is heavily involved in the planning of RAPID + TCT. Focused on showcasing innovative technologies represented by technical groups, the community is passionate about accelerating adoption within the manufacturing industry. Beyond offering valuable resources like access to experts, conference presentations and relationships with industry partners, SME's AM community recognizes leadership and impact on the industry through the prestigious SME AM Industry Achievement Award, which will be presented at the event.

Each year at RAPID + TCT, exhibitors reveal groundbreaking products, and this year will include over 300 hands-on exhibits showcasing real-world AM solutions from the industry's well-known leaders and peers. The conference lineup is classified around three key stages of one's AM journey: evaluation, adoption and optimization. Guests will have access to an extensive lineup of programming highlighting AM applications in a variety of industries, including automotive, healthcare, aerospace and more. In addition, the event will open daily with a featured keynote presentation, along with thought-leadership panels and interactive presentations on AM trends, challenges, advancements and the societal impact of 3D technologies throughout the dynamic three-day event.

RAPID + TCT 2022 also offers an immersive Digital Experience where attendees can participate and access exclusive digital content, livestreaming and industry resources from speakers and exhibitors. The Digital Experience serves as the primary platform for gathering and connecting members of the AM community whether they are or are not on-site at the event. Content will be available remotely at all times throughout the event.

Taking place concurrently with RAPID + TCT 2022 will be SME's Bright Minds program which includes a Student Summit and the AM Career Forum. The program will include a Technology Playground designed to engage high school students with 3D-printing technologies by delivering student-centric programming with demonstrations and activities from leading AM solution providers. The AM Career Forum has two components: one level for high school students to explore different universities and another for postsecondary, graduate students and emerging professionals to explore careers from leading AM companies.

To learn more about RAPID + TCT, please visit rapid3devent.com.

About RAPID + TCT
For more than 30 years, SME and RAPID has defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and empowered the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. In 2017, the two industry leaders in 3D technology events, SME and The TCT Group, partnered to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event. For users and suppliers alike, the event is the premier destination for those who provide technology and for those who need to understand, explore and adopt 3D printing, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection technologies. For more information, visit rapid3devent.com, follow @RAPID_Event on Twitter or on LinkedIn.

About SME
SME connects manufacturing professionals, academia and communities, sharing knowledge and resources to build inspired, educated and prosperous manufacturers and enterprises. With 90 years of experience and expertise in events, media, membership, training and development, and also through the SME Education Foundation, SME is committed to promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce and attracting future generations to advance manufacturing. Learn more at  SME.org, follow  @SME_MFG on Twitter or  facebook.com/SMEmfg.

About Rapid News Publications Ltd & The TCT Group
Rapid News Publications Ltd, the owner of the TCT Group, has been a leading authority in additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design and engineering technology for 30 years. A rich mix of live events and all-encompassing media portfolio enables TCT to deliver business critical intelligence, connecting the additive community across Europe, North America and Asia. The TCT Group ( www.thetctgroup.com) is owned by Rapid News Publications Ltd ( www.rapidnews.com) a member of the AEO (Association of Event Organizers) and BPA Worldwide.

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SOURCE SME

Contact:

Company Name: SME, RAPID + TCT Michael Scholl, Senior PR Representative, SME Email Contact Tel. +1 313.425.3040 Erin Sabo Robinson, Identity P.R. Email Contact Tel. +1 810.964.3715