Excitement, technology, investment and growth in “additive manufacturing” is everywhere you go.
May was a month with a large focus on “additive manufacturing”. Additive has become a large part of all material, industry and manufacturing conferences and events. Metal is becoming main stream with plastics and ceramics is not far behind.
Ceramics Expo had a large focus on additive manufacturing, but the RAPID + TCT was the additive manufacturing event that showcased product innovations and focused on opportunities to ultimately accelerate the adoption and advancement of the technology.
Desktop Metal was one of the stars of the show launching their F123 FDM series 3D metal printing low cost unit expected to ship September 2017, two years after the company was created. This first office-friendly 3D metal printing solution is stated to be ten times less expensive than today’s metal 3D printers.
Desktop Metal recently raised $45 million in new venture funding that values the company at $305 million with total raised funding of $97 million allowing the company to enter mass production.
At the show, Desktop Metal announced an extension of their partnership with Stratasys Ltd. with an agreement that includes distribution efforts and further go-to-market activities in the future. This will place the F123 FDM series 3D metal unit alongside the recently released Stratasys FDM-based F123 3D plastic series and the companies believe customers will benefit from the complementary nature of both technologies.
Desktop Metal had over 40 employees at the show, many which were hired in 2017. The booth was full of people, many with parts in their hands and full of questions. I felt like I was at a jewelry store or pawn shop with everyone in line to discuss the specifics of the part and how much would it cost.
Both Desktop Metal and Carbon, a Silicon Valley-based 3D manufacturing company, also with over $100 million in funding starting in 2013, were set up with table top parts and people. Their employees were focused on discussing their technology and the parts the attendees had with them.
Carbon had many new employees, all excited about their new mid-sole application and partnership with Adidas, wearing the sneakers in the booth. Many booths had long lines of people with parts and questions.
You have to be excited about “additive manufacturing”, the investment in technology, processing and people. As a recruiter, the people part is exciting and I continue to learn the key needs and wants of my clients and candidates.
Where are the next opportunities for learning and networking?
In the foodservice industry, I am still learning and will attend the National Restaurant Association Show. This is the largest annual gathering of the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry that takes place every May in Chicago.
NRA Show 2017 – The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest annual gathering of the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry that takes place every May in Chicago. This event showcases products like bakery items, kitchen tools, table ware, flatware, crockery, food service technology, catering paraphernalia, sustainable products, snacks and munchins etc. in the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering industry. https://show.restaurant.org/Home
Leave a Reply