RAPID + TCT 2019 Recap: Bringing 3D design to life

Cobo Center | Detroit, MI | May 21-23

Did you miss RAPID + TCT, the industry's most comprehensive additive manufacturing event? We have you covered.

This year it was held in Detroit, the home of America's automotive industry. FARO^® proudly demonstrated our design and reverse engineering capabilities to thousands of consumers, visitors and industry experts. We also displayed our strong portfolio of manufacturing solutions for automotive applications, geared toward accelerating productivity and performance.

Here's a quick recap of the show (click each to see more):

• 3D in the D cityscape scanning
• The Additive Report interview
• Live talk by Jim Hall from Jay Leno's Garage^®
• Structured light scanning
• Markforged adaptive manufacturing solution

Highlights of the show

3D in the D cityscape scanning

We were invited to contribute to the 3D in the D cityscape scanning project! Using the FARO Focus Laser Scanner, we captured some Detroit landmarks, like The Fillmore Detroit, Renaissance Center, Fox Theatre and Shed 3 of the Eastern Market. These iconic structures were then scaled down and reproduced using various 3D printing companies. Below, you can see the results of this collaboration, including the full series of captured locations on a map, as well as close-ups of the Fox Theatre and Renaissance Center.

The Additive Report interview

Editor Don Nelson talks with FARO Senior Applications Engineer Les Baker about our reverse engineering capabilities for custom car restoration, including a quick demo of the 8-Axis Design ScanArm with full-color capture. Check out the video to see Les walk through a total 3D scan-to-print process.

Live talk by Jim Hall from Jay Leno's Garage^®

At this year's event, we partnered with 3D Systems to showcase how our technology fits together into a full scan-to-print workflow for design applications. Jim Hall presented in the 3D Systems booth, talking about how our combined solution allows him to execute complex reverse engineering and restoration projects as Chief Engineer at Jay Leno's Garage.

Structured light scanning

We had the opportunity this year to show off one of the solutions from our Open Technologies acquisition: Scan in a Box. The small, versatile structured light scanner and automated turntable capture parts easily in full color. This inspired solution is an ideal entry-level scanner for design applications, priced to make 3D capture an affordable evolution in the design workflow.

Markforged adaptive manufacturing solution

Markforged, a leader in additive manufacturing, exhibited one of our Quantum FaroArms in their booth to highlight their latest advancements in closing the loop with adaptive manufacturing. Using the scan data and analysis against CAD, they are feeding back analysis results into artificial intelligence to improve design and production quality.

Want to learn more about the latest tech?

Dive into more information about 3D manufacturing and design technology at the links below:

• 3D Design Technology
• 3D Manufacturing Technology