North America's largest 3D printing convention returns to its birthplace

One of the largest 3D printing conventions in the world is happening in downtown Detroit through Thursday evening.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, refers to items being made from a digital file that is designed on a computer; the file then gets sliced into layers that come out of the printer as a 3D object.

This year, more than 400 Additive Manufacturing exhibiting companies will be showcasing their latest technologies, including 3D printed motorcycles, superheroes, medical supplies and more. Over 5,000 experts are in attendance to share their knowledge on the latest innovations in the 3D printing industry.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers technical community hosts the RAPID + TCT convention. The first clinic that SME held took place in Dearborn in 1987. The event grew over the years into what it is today. The convention style, with exhibits from companies across the nation, began in 1990.

"The technology which makes up this event is so bright for our future in manufacturing and making products because everything can be customized to fit just you," said Angie Szerlong, industry manager for additive manufacturing at SME.

Large exhibitors include HP, EOS, Stratasys, Desktop Metal and Xerox.

This industry continues to grow and assist more and more manufacturing areas.

"Just yesterday, SME announced our strategic partnership with Women in 3D Printing because we're supporting the DEI movements and (they) are massively growing and we're trying to expose more women to this exciting technology," said Szerlong.

One booth features Altair, a company that has been in business for over 25 years. Altair was founded in Troy and is now a global company focused on simulation-driven innovation.

"We are leaders in computational sciences, data analytics and high-performance computers, and we have solutions in the area of solving high-end physics problems," said Ravi Kunju, senior vice president of Altair.

Altair customers include the U.S. Army and carmakers like Ford and GM.

"Everybody is learning this process, seeing what is unique and what the limitations are, so there's tremendous interest because it is new and viable," said Kunju. "If you look at the world's global supply chain, there is dependency on somebody making something overseas that has to be shipped, but this industry could change that."

3D printing innovation is an advance in technology that is likely to grow and become more accessible in the future.

More: GM's new 3D printing shop in Warren will speed up production, cut costs

More: Dearborn 3D printer rewriting rules of manufacturing

"The additive manufacturing process allows you to have a captive manufacturing facility everywhere," said Kunju. "Imagine the old days of Kinko's, they don't exist anymore, but there was one on every street corner if you needed to print something. Imagine that kind of stuff for 3D printing. That is a possibility."

The event is hosted at Huntington Place, formerly known as Cobo Center, in Detroit.

To learn more visit http://www.rapid3devent.com/.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 3D printing convention comes to Huntington Place in Detroit