DELRAY Systems - Blog by Renee DiGiorgio

My First RAPID+TCT Experience in Detroit: Top 5 Takeaways

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:30:58 +0000

This past week I had the opportunity to attend my first trade show, RAPID+TCT, with a few of my colleagues from DELRAY Systems. And the best part? It was right here in Detroit.

Though my career began as a school psychologist, I’ve always had a passion for innovation and creativity. Over the years, that passion evolved into an interest in 3D printing. What started as a hobby has grown into a new professional direction, and attending RAPID+TCT felt like a milestone moment in my career journey.

Walking into Huntington Place and seeing the scale of the event, feeling the energy in the room, and connecting with others in the industry was amazing. Here are my top 5 takeaways from the event:

1. RAPID+TCT is a Massive Event with Something for Everyone

I heard RAPID+TCT was a big event but I didn’t fully understand until I was there in person. The show floor was buzzing with excitement and packed with people from all corners of the additive manufacturing world. There were aisles of exhibitors showcasing the latest in 3D printing, materials, software, and applications.

The booths were interactive, and there was a little something for everyone. The RAPID+TCT event sparked my interest and imagination. I made a mental "to print" list as I explored the creative 3D printed samples. Whether you were there to check out the latest machines, ask technical questions, or just marvel at the printed parts on display, you could easily spend hours (or days) exploring and learning something new.

2. 3D Printing Technology Is Advancing Fast — and It’s Fascinating

There’s no doubt about it, the world of 3D printing is evolving at lightning speed. The most exciting part for me at RAPID+TCT was seeing what’s next in the world of 3D printing. I was amazed by the new machines, cutting-edge materials, and clever applications being introduced across the show floor.

One fascinating machine that caught my attention was from RLP (Rapid Liquid Paint). RLP uses reduced gravity manufacturing, a system capable of printing silicone in gel using a gravity free process. Sitting on the bench in the booth, that was cushioned with printed RLP material, and watching the machine work was mesmerizing.

3. It was Engaging and Fun

Yes, it’s a trade show, but RAPID+TCT had booths that kept things engaging and super fun. One of my personal favorite booths was Polymaker. They had competitive, interactive games that let you earn Polymaker coins (3D printed, of course!), which you could then exchange for awesome little 3D printed prizes. I walked away with some fidget toys for my kids and a new planter for my desk.

I also enjoyed the Bambu Lab booth with interactive 3D printed remote control cars. I used the remote to operate a toy forklift around in a miniature 3D printed world.

I must not forget to mention the delicious espresso bar by the Cappuccino Man, compliments of EOS. My pistachio latte was a delicious pick-me-up in between booth hopping.

4. Amazing 3D Prints Everywhere You Look

One of the most exciting parts of RAPID+TCT was simply wandering the floor and discovering incredible 3D printed pieces at nearly every turn. From fun and artistic to highly functional, the creativity and precision of the pieces on display were impressive.

A few of my personal favorites? The massive, intricately detailed king at the Photocentric booth stopped me in my tracks. Then there was the Addams Family–inspired “Thing” hand at the Prusa booth. I want the file on that print because it would be a perfect decor piece to add to my Halloween decorations.

And I also have to mention the rock-and-roll-themed prints at Polymaker, including a full 3D printed guitar and rock and roll hand gestures. What a perfect mix of engineering and artistry!

Beyond the eye-catching pieces, there were also tons of impressive, functional parts on display. Everything from industrial grade components to medical models and jewelry prototypes.

5. Connecting with Industry Innovators

While the machines and prints were impressive, it was the people that made this experience so beneficial. I had the chance to network with incredibly smart, passionate individuals in the industry.

One of the highlights for me was meeting some of DELRAY's partners in real life, including our teams at BigRep and UltiMaker. It was nice to put faces to names and to have real, in-person introductions and conversations. I also had a great experience networking with individuals at 3D Systems, Formlabs and Stratasys, who continue to be strong leaders and innovators in the industry.

Being somewhat new to the world of additive manufacturing, having the chance to be surrounded by other professionals who are so knowledgeable and passionate about the future of this technology was a great experience.

Final Thoughts

Attending RAPID+TCT for the first time reminded me why I fell in love with 3D printing in the first place and why I’m so excited to be a part of this growing industry.

As much as I saw, there was so much more I didn’t get the chance to experience. With many incredible booths and speakers happening at once, it was impossible for me to catch it all.

Until next time, I’m looking forward to joining my team at DELRAY Systems at our next trade show event: The Battery Show, also happening here in Detroit this fall. If it’s anything like RAPID+TCT, I know it’s going to be another exciting and inspiring few days surrounded by innovation and great people.

Considering a 3D Printer for Your Small Business? Why UltiMaker Should Be a Top Choice

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:42:03 +0000

It is no wonder why small businesses today are investing in 3D printers to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and enable innovation. 3D printing has emerged as a game-changer, offering a pathway for businesses to prototype and produce custom parts in-house. Among the 3D printer options available, businesses should consider the ease of use, cost, dependability, and productivity.

As a proud reseller of UltiMaker 3D printers, we know and our DELRAY customers agree that the S7 and Factor 4 stand out as a smart solution for small businesses.

Both the S7 and Factor 4 have been widely recognized for excellence. In fact, on All3DP.com both printers were listed in their recent article The Best 3D Printers for Small Businesses in 2025.

The Best 3D Printers for Small Businesses in 2025 | All3DP Pro

Here’s why you should consider the S7 or Factor 4:

1. Ease of Use

The UltiMaker S7 is designed with user-friendliness at its core. Its intuitive touchscreen interface and straightforward setup process mean that even those new to 3D printing can start creating with minimal training. Similarly, the UltiMaker Factor 4 emphasizes ease of operation, featuring pre-calibrated settings that allow users to achieve high-quality prints right out of the box.

2. Material Compatibility

Small businesses often have diverse needs, from creating durable prototypes to crafting intricate models. UltiMaker's compatibility with materials makes it a top choice. The S7 supports a wide range of materials, over 280 types of materials, including PLA, ABS, TPU, and advanced composites like carbon fiber. The Factor 4 works with over 200 materials, with its advanced material profiles supporting high-temperature materials for more demanding applications.

3. Reliability and Precision

At DELRAY Systems, we know that when running a business, time is money. The Factor 4 is equipped with an enhanced precision nozzle system and robust frame design, ensuring even the most complex designs are produced with reliability. The S7’s dual extrusion system and precise print head technology ensure consistently high-quality results with minimal downtime. Its active leveling system guarantees that every print starts on the right foot, reducing failed prints and wasted materials.

4. Easy-to-Use Software

Both the S7 and Factor 4 integrate seamlessly with UltiMaker’s ecosystem of software, hardware, and materials. UltiMaker created an industry-leading software called Cura.

Cura simplifies the process of preparing models for printing. Many companies new to 3D printing don’t realize how critical good software is to achieving good printed parts. UltiMaker Cura provides countless settings to adjust for perfect surfaces, finer detail, and faster prints. Alternatively, users can take the recommended settings and change nothing at all for a hassle-free experience.

5. Compact and Professional Design

Space is often a premium for small businesses. The S7’s compact footprint allows it to fit neatly into any office or workshop. Its sleek, professional design ensures that it not only performs well but also looks great in any environment. The Factor 4 shares these attributes while offering a slightly larger build volume, making it ideal for businesses requiring more capacity without compromising on space.

6. Cost-Effective Solution

Investing in a 3D printer like UltiMaker's S7 or Factor 4 can significantly reduce the costs associated with outsourcing prototyping and production. Both models are built for durability and low-maintenance operation, ensuring a long lifespan and making them valuable long-term investments for small businesses.

7. Support and Community

UltiMaker is known for its outstanding customer support and active user community. Small businesses can rely on extensive online resources, forums, and responsive technical support to troubleshoot issues and optimize their printing workflows.

Is UltiMaker the best fit for your business needs?

DELRAY Systems is here to help you decide.

At DELRAY Systems, we see how 3D printers have empowered our small business customers to innovate and grow. UltiMaker provides 3d printers with user-friendly designs, versatile capabilities, and reliability. Whether you’re a startup looking to prototype new products or a small-scale manufacturer seeking to streamline production, the S7 and Factor 4 are the perfect tools to bring your ideas to life.

Contact us DELRAY Systems to learn more about how these 3D printers can meet your business needs and take your operations to the next level.

Shop UltiMaker S7

Shop UltiMaker Factor 4