IMTS 2016: Showcasing the Future of Manufacturing Technology

Every two years, thousands of companies from around the world converge on the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) to unveil their latest machinery, technologies, and services. At IMTS 2016, the event stretched across multiple halls featuring state‑of‑the‑art CNC machining centers, 5‑axis waterjet cutters, a dedicated tooling and workholding pavilion, a wide selection of CAM software, robotic welders, and much more. With 115,612 registrants, the show ranked as the third‑largest in IMTS history and set a new record for the number of attendee‑designed parts manufactured on site, thanks in part to Markforged’s participation.

Printing a handful of pre‑approved “proven‑printable” sample parts offers only a glimpse of what our Mark Two Enterprise Kit can deliver. At IMTS, we went beyond the basics by manufacturing custom carbon‑fiber‑reinforced Onyx end‑of‑arm tooling, gripper jaws, and bracketry for a range of robotic arm integrators and manufacturers—including Yaskawa, who showcased a portfolio of robotic arms for industrial automation, manufacturing, and collaborative assembly.

The show also provided an ideal platform to demonstrate our expertise in tooling, workholding, and fixturing. Many Mark Two owners rely on the printer to create robust, highly intricate fixtures for job and production shops. With a technically proficient audience, we engaged in in‑depth conversations about engineering challenges, fostering a dynamic two‑way exchange of knowledge.

A special thank you goes to our Midwest reseller, Big Systems, whose support in acquiring, setting up, and operating our booth made the IMTS experience even more rewarding. Thanks to the entire team!