TCT
TCT UK User Group report published
A new report published by The TCT Group has identified repeatability and reliability amongst the biggest challenges impacting the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies in the UK.
The TCT UK User Group 2024 report features key findings from the second TCT UK User Group Meeting which took place this past June and brought together industrial users of 3D printing to discuss the technical challenges and broader implications of AM on UK manufacturing.
According to the report, users are urging machine OEMs to adopt a more open approach to tackle persistent issues related to repeatability and reliability, and allow customers to play a role in the development of hardware and software to ensure they are fit for real use cases.
With recent announcements from companies such as Additive Assurance, Oqton and Interspectral focused specifically on providing greater quality assurance for AM processes, it appears technology developers are stepping in to fill this need.
Notably, the report also emphasises the need for strategic support from governmental and machine OEMs to harness the full potential of this rapidly evolving sector.
In addition to reliability and repeatability, the report detailed skills, materials and supply chain as standout themes impeding AM's adoption within the UK.
- Skills development and education: High on the agenda was the shortage of additive manufacturing skills. It was widely agreed that further efforts are needed to inspire the youth towards the fields of engineering and manufacturing, ensuring that industry-standard tools are within reach of educational establishments, and rejuvenating the UK’s apprenticeship model will help to close this gap.
- Materials selection and sustainability: To enhance user knowledge and foster greater trust in the products offered, users are urging materials manufacturers to implement an industry-wide categorisation of materials based on feedback and data from experienced AM users. Furthermore, manufacturers should take a step back and prioritise quality and sustainability of the materials over variety.
- Supply chain: The UK supply chain for parts manufacturing needs support, with users looking to both the UK Government and the Catapult networks. Manufacturers would like to see direct communication channels to express their needs, supported by initiatives that will address these challenges.
You can access the full TCT UK User Group Meeting 2024 Report ahead of general release next year by registering for TCT3Sixty 2025.
The next TCT UK User Group Meeting, supported by AMS and Additive Manufacturing UK, is scheduled for 3rd June 2025.
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