IMTS 2018: Unveiling the Latest Trends in Manufacturing Technology

To stay current with technology and peer into the future of manufacturing, take a look at our preview of IMTS—The International Manufacturing Technology Show, to be held at McCormick Place in Chicago from Sept. 10 through Sept. 15. In the following pages, ME provides in-depth examinations of each pavilion at IMTS, as well as previews of the products you will be able to see displayed at exhibitors’ booths.

“Because of the economic importance of the North American market, companies from around the world plan their new technology introductions to coincide with IMTS 2018,” said Tim Shinbara, vice president of manufacturing technology for AMT—The Association for Manufacturing Technology, which produces IMTS. “In addition, because of the velocity of technology expansion, products and concepts that were not ready for public consumption earlier in the year will debut in September at IMTS 2018.”

New technologies to explore at the show include the digital thread, robotics, automation, and additive manufacturing. Besides the trade show, IMTS 2018 has educational offerings to help explain the technology on the show floor. The IMTS Conference will be held Monday, Sept. 10, through Thursday, Sept. 13. Designed as a four-day technical “deep dive,” available with a four-day or one-day pass, the IMTS Conference features more than 70 sessions and is expected to be attended by more than 1500 IMTS visitors.

The technical subjects fall into the main categories of Manufacturing Process Innovations, Alternative/Additive Manufacturing, Plant Operations, Quality/Inspection/Metrology, and Systems Integration/Industry 4.0/IIoT.

In addition to the IMTS Conference, there are other conferences held during the week of the show:

• Additive Manufacturing Conference, Tuesday, Sept. 11, and Wednesday, Sept. 12.
• AppliedAM—Where Additive Minds Meet, Wednesday, Sept. 12. This is a half-day, application-focused symposium featuring industry experts delving into cutting-edge 3D printing applications.
• Global Automation Manufacturing Summit (GAMS), Wednesday, Sept. 12.
• OPC Foundation Conference, Thursday, Sept. 13. This Seminar brings together OT and IT to report about standardized, secured interoperability for data and information exchange from sensor to IT and the Cloud.
• Integrated Industries, Wednesday, Sept. 12.
• Industrial Laser Conference, Thursday, Sept. 13.
• Top Shops Workshop, Thursday, Sept. 13.

For information on the times and the fees for these conferences, visit www.imts.com/education/conference.html. Here you will also be able to learn the details of co-located shows, the Student Summit, webinars, podcasts, and special events happening at IMTS.

The Exhibition

When: Monday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018

Where: McCormick Place, Chicago

For more information visit: www.imts.com

Conferences

When: Monday, Sept. 10 through Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018

Where: McCormick Place, Chicago