IMTS Makes Its Way to Chicago

IMTS will showcase more than 15,000 new machines, tools, controls, computers, software, components, systems, and processes that can improve efficiency. Attendees can compare machines, capabilities, prices, and service. The show will feature nine pavilions, each focusing on specific industries, technologies and solutions. This years pavilions are: abrasive machining/sawing/finishing; controls and CAD/CAM; EDM; gear generation; machine components/cleaning/environmental; metal cutting; fabricating/laser/additive; quality assurance; and tooling and workholding systems.

Two additional shows will be colocated with IMTS: Industrial Automation North America and Motion, Drive & Automation North America. The MDA show features an exhibit area dedicated to fluid power called the IFPE Fluid Power Zone. Companies to look for in the Fluid Power Zone are: Argo-Hytos Inc., Bimba Mfg., Festo, Hawe Hydraulics, IC Flow Controls Inc., Lynch Fluid Controls Inc., National Fluid Power Association, SKH Hydraulics, Sommer Automatic Inc., Spectronics Corp., Thermal Transfer Products, and Wandfluh of America Inc.

Experience IMTS

The show offers visitors a chance to see applications of new technologies. At IMTS 2012, the IMTS Rally Fighter was built in the Emerging Technology Center (ETC); in the ETC this year a 3D printer will construct an electric car. The Advanced Manufacturing Center will have displays and presentations on additive manufacturing, automation, automotive 2025, benchmarking and data-driven manufacturing. In Today’s Technology Center, visitors will see technology from the aerospace, automotive, medical and energy sectors.

The Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS runs September 8 to 13. The summit brings students, educators, administrators, and parents together to experience advanced-manufacturing technology. Students have the opportunity to tour interactive exhibits and interact with professionals in the manufacturing industry. Attendees will also hear from Project Lead the Way, National Math and Science Initiative, and Sally Ride Science.

The IMTS hot air balloon will return to the 2014 show. A new event this year is the Miles for Manufacturing 5K; all proceeds from this run/walk will go to the Austin Polytechnical Academy.

Challenge

IMTS is holding an “IMTS: Everywhere You Look” photo contest. The challenge is to spell I-M-T-S using manufacturing technology, and then post the photo on social-media sites using the #IMTS hashtag. Visitors and exhibitors are encouraged to take the challenge; winners will receive gift cards and be featured on the IMTS website.