IMTS 2016

Third Largest Show for Registration and Exhibit Space, also Showcased Highest Number of Exhibitors in History

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) ran from September 12-17 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The 31st edition of the show was the third largest in number of registrations (115,612) and in net square feet of exhibit space (1,370,256). This show hosted the highest number of exhibiting companies ever (2,407). After move in, the building was 76 million pounds heavier.

The dominant technologies were additive manufacturing, robotics automation, and an increasing digital thread, according to AMT Vice President Tim Shinbara. On the automation side, embedded sensors and processors moved closer to the moment of inertia, enabling split-second decision-making that prevents collisions or enables a smooth, fluid, and rapid response. Numerous companies introduced equipment with Industrial Internet of Things (IIot) capabilities.

A highlight of futuristic technology at IMTS was the Emerging Technology Center (ETC). The ETC featured the AMIE (Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy) project from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. AMIE featured a 3D-printed house and 3D-printed utility vehicle. Both were made from carbon fiber-reinforced ABS plastic composite material at the DOE’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL using large-scale additive manufacturing.

The ETC also featured the “additive bionic human” with medical implants printed using laser sintering technology from EOS North America, a partner in the exhibit. EOS displayed a cranial implant, tracheal implant, dental implant, leg prosthesis, and joints.

During the show, a record number of more than 17,000 students, parents, and educators visited the Smartforce Student Summit, which offered nine challenges, each designed for students to discover and use technologies used in advanced manufacturing, including CAD/CAM software, robotics, 3D printing, machining, tooling, metrology, automation, and welding. In the “Build It!” area, experienced teams of mechatronics students worked with waterjet experts from WARDjet to plan, wire, wrench, and assemble a high-end waterjet system.

Conference sessions collectively attracted 2,296 attendees and offered 159 sessions spanning 151+ hours of programming. The hottest topic, judging solely by attendance, was additive manufacturing. Educational events included the IMTS 2016 Conference, Additive Manufacturing, EOS North American User Day, Fluid Power, Industrial Laser, Integrated Industries, Global Automation & Manufacturing Summit, OPC Foundation, and TRAM Aerospace. Today’s Technology Center (TTC), presented by GIE Media, showcased how technologies on display throughout IMTS come together to produce end results in the aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical sectors.

Whether they spent one day or six at the show, visitors left IMTS inspired by new technology, satisfied that they found unexpected solutions to manufacturing challenges and fulfilled by connections they made with industry representatives.

“IMTS represents a who’s who of innovation. If you can dream about an application, IMTS 2016 showcased the products, processes, and technologies that will bring it to life,” said AMT’s Peter Eelman.

• 2016
• imts
• manufacturing
• trade show