Imagine a place where movie stars step aside for technology stars, and the red carpet leads not to a theater but to an exhibition hall filled with state-of-the-art “almighty” printers. Los Angeles—city of dreams and innovation—once again confirmed its status, becoming for several days the capital of technological progress.

At the end of June, the Los Angeles Convention Center transformed into the epicenter of innovation during RAPID + TCT 2024—the largest additive manufacturing and 3D printing conference in North America. Thousands of professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts gathered to explore the latest achievements in the field.

The exhibition hall, spanning over 300,000 square feet, impressed with its diversity of technologies—from desktop 3D printers to industrial machines for metal parts. In particular, medical prototypes drew attention by demonstrating their life-saving potential.

The educational program featured more than 200 presentations and discussions, covering technical aspects, strategies for implementing additive manufacturing in production, and sustainability issues. A startup zone showcased innovative projects such as bioprinting tissues and 3D-printed houses.

The Hollywood Showcase, organized with Gentle Giant Studios and Direct Dimensions, highlighted the impact of these technologies on the film industry. Attendees could see and even touch printed props from blockbuster films like Star Wars, Frozen, Avatar, and Monsters, Inc. The 3D-printed lightsaber looked so realistic that it was hard to believe it wasn’t authentic.

The influence of the expo extended beyond the venue: local restaurants offered dishes with artificially created elements, and an “AM” installation near the Hollywood sign symbolized the pivotal role of additive manufacturing in the modern world. Robert “Bob” Willig, CEO of SME, noted the exhilarating atmosphere and significance of the event for all participants.

During the AM Industry Awards ceremony, industry leaders were recognized, including Dr. Andreas Vlahinos for research on a femoral implant and Paul Gradl for contributions to skills development in aerospace. The startup Onulis received the Start-Up Technology Award for its WRAP Prime system—a fully automated, traceable DLP post-curing unit compliant with ISO 9000 standards.

The TCT 2024 exhibition demonstrated how 3D printing is transforming various sectors:

  • Fashion: soon we may print new clothing at home.

  • Medicine: doctors will create personalized implants.

  • Culinary: restaurants are adopting tools for creating unique dishes.

  • Film industry: a significant part of special effects and props in blockbusters will be produced using advanced AM methods.

This event was a true celebration where past, present, and future met. It showed that the boundary between science fiction and reality is becoming thinner—and we live in an era where boldest dreams are realized through cutting-edge solutions.

The TCT 2024 exhibition revealed that technology can make our lives more convenient, efficient, and sustainable, opening exciting prospects for additive manufacturing. It’s a window into a world where your boldest dreams can become reality.

Get closer to the world of 3D printing with Look-Feel-Live-3D. Besides a wide range of products for 3D makers, our blog offers valuable professional insights and growth opportunities. Follow our announcements to stay up to date with the latest reviews, articles, and catalog additions on the LFL3D site!