It's That Time Again -- Registration Opens for IMTS 2024
Registration has opened for IMTS 2024 -- The International Manufacturing Technology Show, taking place Sept. 9-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
"'Inspiring the Extraordinary' sets the theme for IMTS 2024, as the event is packed with solutions that deliver exceptional results," says Peter R. Eelman, chief experience officer, AMT -- The Association for Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. "The show offers a multitude of innovative technologies that enable manufacturers to move beyond their typical production approach to improve productivity and profitability. For every technology, there is a team of application experts eager to solve your toughest manufacturing challenges."
IMTS 2024 Prep Guide
"One year out from IMTS 2024 is a good time to assess your efficiency, set new goals, research technology, and plan equipment acquisition," says Kevin Wigington, the 2023-2024 chair of the IMTS Show Committee and general manager for Select Production Technologies, a provider of CNC machine tools for high-volume production of complex parts exhibiting in the Metal Removal Sector. "Solutions such as integrated machining and turning centers, production line solutions, data analytics, and capital expense items have longer purchase cycles, so start evaluating solutions before the need becomes critical."
Combination Machining Centers
"Visit IMTS to find out how you can complement your machine with any technology that boosts unattended run-time," advises Markus Stolmar, president and CEO of United Grinding North America, an exhibitor in the Abrasive Machining Sector. "For example, combination machining centers, tool measuring machines, and grinders now feature integrated tool changers, metrology equipment, and the ability to laser scan a tool or part to generate a 3D model."
Another trend, Stolmar notes, is machine manufacturers offering compact and more affordable machines so that job shops can move work in-house.
"OEMs are designing simple and efficient systems with operators and maintenance personnel in mind," says Stolmar. "For example, with an entry-level grinder, job shops can grind geometrically defined basic forms and contours for a wide range of parts. New digital solutions for data gathering, connecting systems, and other IoT applications also demonstrate intuitive use through operator interfaces that resemble a giant smartphone. Regardless of your company size, IMTS showcases the full spectrum of cutting-edge technologies that lead to business growth."
Tooling Technology
Advances to explore in the Tooling & Workholding Sector include tools to support the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market, PCD-tipped cutting tools for machining aluminum components, as well as coating advancements that provide consistent tool life.
"Manufacturing engineers want a tool that will last until the end of the shift without worrying about inexperienced operators making a tool change that could result in a less-than-perfect setup," says Scott Etling, vice president of global product management at Kennametal.
AM Trends
Glynn Fletcher, president of EOS North America, says that some AM processes are transitioning from lower volume, higher value production to more medium volume, cost-effective, and mainstream production applications.
"As part of this transition, AM is becoming an integrated process, not an isolated process," says Fletcher. "Ten years ago, users had a stand-alone AM machine for high-value items, design freedom, or consolidating assemblies. Now manufacturers are integrating AM as part of a bigger value chain. That's something visitors can explore when they come to a show like IMTS, where the full breadth of manufacturing technologies is exhibited."
Faster and Smarter
"The manufacturing and warehousing sectors remain optimistic, prompting company leaders to look at the big picture," says Doug Burnside, vice president of North American sales and marketing for Yaskawa Motoman, which is exhibiting in the Automation Sector. "From reshoring initiatives and workspace optimization to production capacity and workforce shortages, multiple issues are often at play when companies are looking to invest in automation technology."
Some of those technologies include robots that combine AI deep-learning software with 3D cameras to create human-like vision and achieve pick rates of 1,200 to 1,700 per hour for a wide range of objects. Extremely fast and intelligent robots help companies meet order fulfillment demands, a trend driven by e-commerce sales, which grew to $272.6 billion in the first quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
"The solutions exhibiting at IMTS 2024 reflect the issues facing the industry," says Tim Shinbara, chief technology officer at AMT. "Labor and supply chain challenges dominate these issues, as does digitization and rapidly scaling production to meet demand trends. Manufacturers need to address these issues when they are manageable, which is why I say that researching and then visiting IMTS is the most intelligent investment you can make to mitigate risk and maximize opportunity."
For more information or to register, click below.
Rate this article
View our terms of use and privacy policy ::m::