IMTS 2024: By the Numbers
Digital transformation and high-productivity solutions empowered the manufacturing community at IMTS 2024 in Chicago. Manufacturing products were demonstrated in the context of integrated, automated, and connected turnkey solutions. Tech giants demonstrated software, AI, machine learning, and cloud-based applications, while manufacturing leaders and small innovators showcased solutions to improve workforce productivity and lower costs.
IMTS 2024 featured 1,737 exhibitors, a record of more than 40 million pounds of machinery, 1,226,523 square feet of show space, and 89,020 registrants, including 14,713 at the Smartforce Student Summit.
The IMTS 2024 Conference attracted 53% more registrants. There were 170,000 organic impressions on posts from the IMTS official channels (#WEAREIMTS) and hundreds of thousands more impressions for all IMTS posts.
"IMTS 2024 will accelerate the adoption of advanced technology in ways visitors could not have imagined before the show," said Peter R. Eelman, Chief Experience Officer, AMT -- The Association for Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. "A sense of new possibilities generated an enthusiasm felt throughout the show."
Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT, said: "Exhibitors fine-tuned their demonstrations, packaging their solutions in the way people want to consume it. Rather than featuring a product, exhibitors showed how they solved problems with systems. That's the genius that excited visitors."
The Navy Wants You
In a first for IMTS, contract manufacturers learned how they could partner with the U.S. Navy and its submarine industrial base.
"The Navy is here [at IMTS] to support the recapitalization of American manufacturing," said Rear Admiral Todd S. Weeks, program executive officer, strategic submarines, during an IMTS+ Main Stage keynote address on Sept. 11. "Building submarines is no longer the purview of big defense companies. The Navy needs more. We need small and medium-sized businesses that are innovative, that are committed, and that work hard. We need you because we need these submarines. This is what preserves our way of life and ensures that we can continue to enjoy peace."
AMT's Eelman added, "IMTS has always been known as the show where you learn how to improve your business and make connections. With the involvement of BlueForge Alliance, the non-profit defense industrial base integrator, IMTS is now a show where contract manufacturers can come to win new business."
Automation Is Everywhere
IMTS 2024 saw the launch of the new Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS -- smart production solutions.
"You can't sell a spindle anymore if you don't automate it, and that's why I see such an automation presence at IMTS 2024," said Robby Komljenovic, operating board member, Acieta, who has been coming to IMTS since 1994. "We help companies use automation to load and unload parts. There is a shortage of workers, and our aim is to fill that space with automation."
Every major machining exhibitor in the Metal Removal Sector demonstrated integrated systems featuring large pallet changers, bar feeders, load/unload robots, chip removal systems, and more.
An Additive Manufacturing Destination
The technology in the Additive Manufacturing Sector, accelerated by Formnext and educational opportunities on the Formnext Stage made IMTS an additive manufacturing (AM) destination.
Jupiter Machine Tool, a strategic integration partner in Meltio's booth, unveiled its high-precision five-axis vertical mill integrated with Meltio's 3D metal wire head.
"The industry has been waiting for a precision five-axis hybrid machine that would allow you to print a few layers, mill, and repeat to create internal passageways or other complex geometries," said visitor Ryan Jaimes.
"One of the reasons we love exhibiting at IMTS is because the community is really focused on manufacturing and real-world applications, and AM equipment is a great tool to have in your toolbox," said Melanie Lang, co-founder and CEO of FormAlloy Technologies. The company's DEDSmart technology provides greater manufacturing flexibility and efficiency to build, enhance, repair, and join.
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