The TCT Show is one of the most important events when it comes to the topic of additive manufacturing. At this successful trade fair format, the latest product innovations and community learning opportunities will be presented on several stages with the goal of accelerating the acceptance and advancement of this technology. SLM Solutions has been one of the traditional exhibitors at the event for years.

The leading supplier of metal-based additive manufacturing technology is going to present its new products this year at booth F7 in Hall 3. The highlight of SLM Solutions in Birmingham will be the SLM 280 2.0. The machine impresses with its high productivity while providing optimum component quality at the same time. As a result, additive manufacturing processes are shortened even more.

Stefan Ritt, Vice President and Head of Global Marketing and Communications of SLM Solutions Group AG again expects considerable interest this year: "Last year, more than 7,000 visitors visited the fair. We had many very good discussions. With our high-performance further developments and tried-and-tested applications, we will certainly score with customers in 2017. We are looking forward to an exciting TCT Show.”

SLM Solutions is monitoring the steady market growth in the United Kingdom and Ireland and is reinforcing sales efforts in this region. David Wilckens was appointed as Regional Sales Manager for UK & Ireland on June 1. "With this decision, we are providing our customers with direct contact to the machine manufacturer and a high degree of technical competence on site. Consequently, we can support our customers better to take advantage of the potential of this new technology to the greatest possible extent. We have customers such as CA Models that already use our technology economically very successfully as a service provider."

CA Models produces prototypes and functional components for many industries such as aerospace, Formula 1 and medical technology as well as oil and gas. In addition, the company has been nominated for an award at TCT 2017. Visitors can have a look at some of the highlights of the applications of CA Models at the SLM Solutions trade fair booth.
"England is the home country of the first industrial revolution and also plays a leading role on the subject of Industry 4.0," David Wilckens continued. Today, you can find many leading companies there such as Airbus Defence & Space in Stevenage that use the SLM 280 Twin Machine for the production of satellites parts. Mr. Wilckens emphasized: "However, we also see the research landscape in the UK as one of the strongest worldwide in the area of additive manufacturing. For example, the University of Birmingham is conducting leading research in this area."

With an SLM 500, the fastest multi-laser system for metals on the market, the university continually researches, develops and tests new manufacturing technologies for advanced materials within the context of its 80 million dollar Quantum Technologies program.
"These are all examples of the potential we see in this market," Mr. Wilckens added and additionally stated: "I am looking forward to working very intensively with such exciting customers in the future and to many interesting discussions at the TCT Show 2017."