MT Magazine January/February 2025

ADDITIVE, DIGITAL, GENERATIVE: EMERGED AND EMERGING TECH NEW TECHNOLOGIES DON’T APPEAR WITH THE SPEED AND CERTAINTY OF THROWING A SWITCH. THEY GROW, EVOLVE, AND THEN SEEM TO EMERGE. by Gary S. Vasilash | 13

MANUFACTURING’S TIME IS NOW by Douglas K. Woods | 01

TRUMP RETURNS TO WASHINGTON by Amber Thomas | 28

CONVERGENT MANUFACTURING PLATFORM AT IMTS MOVES AM CLOSER TO A TIPPING POINT by Bonnie Gurney | 25

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ISSUE VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1

A VIEW FROM THE WOODS

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Manufacturing’s Time Is Now I couldn’t do what I do if I were not enthusiastic about manufacturing. And manufacturing is a strength that all companies can possess – should they make the commitment – in ways that marketing, accounting, and other functions cannot match. Its ongoing importance is hard to overestimate.

ones, foreign firms invested a total of $177 billion in the United States in 2022.” A big reason companies from around the world are investing in the United States is because they recognize – due to factors like COVID and low water levels in the Panama Canal – that supply chains are fragile. This can mean job shops doing more contract manufacturing work to make products locally. Even the construction of warehouses by foreign companies creates manufacturing opportunities. They’ll need everything from sheet metal for the HVAC ducts to lighting fixtures to lift trucks. And, while not necessarily pleasant to consider, the United States has been supporting extensive military operations in the Middle East and Ukraine with munitions and equipment – stockpiles that need to be replenished. Manufactured. Additionally, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “China now possesses the world’s largest maritime fighting force, operating 234 warships to the U.S. Navy’s 219.” There are considerable efforts being made by organizations like BlueForge Alliance to work with U.S. manufacturers to build up the U.S. Navy fleet. Then there is technology available to manufacturing that will drive it forward in ways unimaginable just a few years ago – which may also attract younger workers to the industry. Held in 2006 in San Mateo, California – in Silicon Valley – the first Maker Faire was attended by some 20,000 people, all of whom were interested in the making of things. Subsequent Maker Faires in Atlanta, Detroit, New York, and other cities introduced attendees to innovations like 3D printing and robotic automation. During my visits to Silicon Valley over the past few years, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see the number of startups developing robots or utilizing additive manufacturing processes. Many of these companies were founded by people in their 20s and 30s who want to make things, not just code. These are makers who have gone from being hobbyists to professionals. In this vein, tech companies like Nvidia, AWS, and Microsoft – companies associated with video games or the screen you are reading this on – now have teams assigned to supporting manufacturing. What’s more, the technologies they are bringing to bear on manufacturing – AI, cloud computing, and others – can leverage existing shop floor equipment and personnel to improve everything from processes to training. From my years on the factory floor, I know that manufacturing isn’t easy. But compared to other industries, I don’t think you can find one with more upside – or one that’s more exciting.

Consider this: In December, the CEO of Intel resigned due to recent challenges, including the rise of competitors like Nvidia, as well as missing opportunities, like AI. When such a resignation occurs at a publicly traded company, a statement is released to reassure the market. In the case of Intel, Frank Yeary, the independent chair of the Intel board and then-interim executive chair, stated: “While we have made significant progress in regaining manufacturing competitiveness and building the capabilities to be a world-class foundry, we know that we have much more work to do at the company and are committed to restoring investor confidence.” Notice that he led with manufacturing. Not chip design. Not some variation on “Intel Inside.” Manufacturing. Intel is investing $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing. In the fall of 2024, the company received $7.86 billion through the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. It anticipates that these investments will support more than 10,000 internal jobs – and more beyond. The company anticipates creating some 20,000 construction jobs related to its increased U.S. manufacturing footprint, meaning excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment that must be manufactured. Intel also estimates the investments in manufacturing will support more than 50,000 indirect jobs. Jobs at places that build material handling, robots, and other automation, for example. Intel’s spend can be your gain. In addition to the CHIPS Act, manufacturing will also benefit from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. The former invests $1.2 trillion in repairing and modernizing the nation’s infrastructure – from bridges to water systems, all of which rely on machinery, equipment, and products. The Inflation Reduction Act directs some $400 billion in federal funding toward clean energy – electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other technologies. Again, more manufacturing is required in all the things leading to those end products. Some are concerned that these acts, signed during the Biden administration, could face challenges under the Trump administration. However, these are acts of Congress, not executive orders, and cannot be easily overturned. Then there is the ongoing direct foreign investment in the United States. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, “the United States is the top destination of foreign direct investment (FDI) globally. Through acquisitions, opening establishments, or expansion of existing

Douglas K. Woods President AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

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Editorial Team

Executive Team Douglas K. Woods President dwoods@AMTonline.org Travis Egan Chief Revenue Officer tegan@AMTonline.org Peter Eelman Chief Experience Officer peelman@AMTonline.org Becky Stahl Chief Financial Officer bstahl@AMTonline.org

Membership & Sales Bill Herman VP, Sales & Membership bherman@AMTonline.org Technology Ryan Kelly VP, Technology rkelly@AMTonline.org Intelligence Kevin Bowers VP, Research kbowers@AMTonline.org Smartforce Catherine Ross Director, Community Engagement cross@AMTonline.org

Cathy Ma VP, Audience & Content cma@AMTonline.org

Kristin Bartschi Director, Marketing & Communications kbartschi@AMTonline.org Chris Downs Director, Audience Development cmdowns@AMTonline.org

Kathy Webster Managing Editor, Content kwebster@AMTonline.org Dan Hong Writer/Editor dhong@AMTonline.org Jacob McCloskey Senior Graphic Designer jmccloskey@AMTonline.org

Advocacy Amber Thomas VP, Advocacy athomas@AMTonline.org International Ed Christopher VP, Global Services echristopher@AMTonline.org

Tiffany Kim Graphic Designer tkim@AMTonline.org

Hailey Sarnecki Graphic Designer hsarnecki@AMTonline.org

IMTS Peter R. Eelman

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Table of Contents

Click See what’s trending

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Manufacturing Matters Get details on the latest industry news

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AMT Upcoming Events Important manufacturing technology dates and events to bookmark

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Additive, Digital, Generative: Emerged and Emerging Tech by Gary S. Vasilash

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The Big Picture Emerging Technology Accelerators and Barriers

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Inspiration Everywhere: Elevating the IMTS Experience by Michelle Edmonson

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‘Passion Project’ Debuts in February by Bonnie Gurney

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Convergent Manufacturing Platform at IMTS Moves AM Closer to a Tipping Point by Bonnie Gurney

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Trump Returns to Washington by Amber Thomas

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Race of Thrones

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by Stephen LaMarca

Powering Technology and Human Progress by Chris Chidzik

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COVER DESIGN Hailey Sarnecki | Senior Graphic Designer

INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN Emerging Technology Accelerators and Barriers Hailey Sarnecki | Graphic Designer

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Click MT Magazine is more than just paper pulp and ink. Explore our content on AMTonline.org and engage with discussions on a wide array of topics affecting manufacturing technology now.

AMT Online 2024: The Year of Automation, Innovation, Transformation

Get a head start on 2025 with a look back at the articles that drove AMT Online in 2024! From practical tips to informed outlooks, AMT’s seven most popular articles of the year

were all focused on getting things done. AMTonline.org/article/AMT-2024

Tariffs: They’re a Big Deal Can tariffs safeguard American jobs, combat foreign competition, and boost U.S. manufacturing? This hot topic is back in the political spotlight. So, what do tariffs mean, are they truly beneficial, and what's AMT's stance? AMT Advocacy Vice President Amber Thomas digs in. AMTonline.org/article/tariffs

The Navy Needs You! Rear Admiral Todd S. Weeks, program executive officer for Strategic Submarines, is calling on manufacturers to strengthen America’s submarine industrial base. Don’t miss his compelling presentation, “Manufacturing Defense: Innovation in the Submarine Industrial Base,” from the IMTS+ Main Stage at IMTS 2024. IMTS.com/manufacturingdefense

Challenges and Opportunities of Automation in Aerospace Manufacturing How is automation transforming aerospace manufacturing? The ARM Institute held a panel discussion exploring how aerospace leaders are leveraging automation to boost

efficiency, tackle challenges, and drive workforce development. AMTonline.org/article/automation-opportunities

TLC: Job Shop Recap In this episode of “Tom & Lonnie Chat,” Dr. Tom Kurfess and Dr. Lonnie Love tackle the challenges of finding new talent in manufacturing. From discovering where to recruit to making the industry appealing to the next generation and their parents, they explore practical strategies and share insights on the evolving role of technology. Plus, they remind us that AI – like a wrench – is just another tool in the toolbox. IMTS.com/TLC-jobshop

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Manufacturing Matters Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.

TECHNOLOGY

At the Intersection of All the Technologies? Manufacturers are facing new challenges with increasing demand from the market. To keep pace, companies can’t rely on a single technology. Instead, cultivating an ecosystem of technologies and capabilities will help maintain their growth. The relationship between technologies is also demonstrated through their interdependency on each other. Automation requires a solid digital footprint. Additive manufacturing relies on subtractive processes for functionality. Subtractive processes use metrology technologies to drive faster time to market and increase confidence in the entire manufacturing process. Metrology depends on digital manufacturing to continuously improve processes and future designs. For manufacturers to be successful in this high demand, agile market, a holistic approach to manufacturing technologies must be taken. This can be done through incremental business process development, value-stream mapping, and consistent strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis.

INTELLIGENCE

As Populations Age, Automation Adoption Increases Renowned MIT economist Daron Acemoglu was awarded the 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his groundbreaking research on how institutions shape national prosperity. Along with his colleagues, Acemoglu demonstrated that societies with a strong rule of law and inclusive institutions generate greater economic growth. This work has implications for understanding global inequality and development. Interestingly, Acemoglu's research extends to the realm of automation and demographics. In another paper, he found that aging populations significantly drive robotics adoption: Within the United States, a 10-percentage-point increase in local population aging led to a 6.45-percentage-point increase in the presence of robot "integrators" in the area. This research suggests that as societies age, they increasingly turn to automation to maintain productivity. The manufacturing technology community can look to how societal factors – be they institutional or demographic – profoundly influence economic outcomes and technological adoption for interesting industry insights that can be leveraged to build stronger strategies.

SMARTFORCE

Smartforce Student Summit Launches Quarterly Newsletter Stay connected to the future of manufacturing with the new Smartforce quarterly newsletter! Designed for educators, students, and industry professionals, this newsletter delivers the latest in workforce development and education news. With insights from technology OEMs, universities, and community organizations, it’s your go-to source for inspiring and equipping the next generation of manufacturing technology professionals. Don’t miss exclusive updates and resources that keep the Smartforce brand active between IMTS shows. Subscribe and join a community of over 20,000 dedicated to advancing manufacturing’s future workforce at IMTS.com/smartforce.

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ADVOCACY

New Year, New U(SA) The 47th president and the 119th Congress of the United States have officially been sworn in, with President Donald Trump at the helm and the Republicans firmly in control of the legislative agenda. With this shift in power, swift action is expected in key areas such as tax reform, trade policy, and deregulation. A central part of this effort will be the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which will be led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. DOGE's mission is to streamline government operations by identifying regulations that can be rolled back using executive authority. One of DOGE's top priorities is reducing federal spending. Musk has already committed to cutting at least $1 trillion of the previous year's budget. In addition to budgetary cuts, DOGE plans to downsize the federal workforce and eliminate remote work for federal employees. The agency will also attempt to curb spending on initiatives championed by the Biden administration, including the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. These measures signal a bold approach to reshaping the federal government’s priorities and operations.

INTERNATIONAL

Solutions Over Equipment Global manufacturers are increasingly recognizing that no single technology can drive sustained growth. Instead, success depends on cultivating the integration of diverse technologies and expertise. Focusing solely on equipment is insufficient in the rapidly evolving and competitive manufacturing market. Manufacturers must adopt a solutions-driven mindset, leveraging digitally interconnected technologies, automation, additive and subtractive manufacturing, generative design, etc. These innovations work together, creating a seamless, adaptive system that responds to real time market needs. A comprehensive approach to manufacturing emphasizes interdependence – where automation, data analytics, and human expertise enhance each other to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and increase quality. Companies that prioritize integrating these technologies into a cohesive framework can adapt swiftly to evolving demands, ensuring resilience and competitiveness. Ultimately, manufacturers must embrace this interconnected landscape to thrive in a dynamic global market.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

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AMT Upcoming Events Learn more or register at AMTonline.org/events. Your datebook will thank you.

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TECHNOLOGY MFG 2025 February 19-21, 2025 | San Antonio, Texas

Forget the Sicilian Defense – MFG 2025 is the opening move for you! This year’s event in San Antonio, Texas, matches up visionaries, experts, and leaders from across the world of manufacturing for exclusive networking opportunities, educational sessions from a lineup of the industry’s grandmasters, and a whole lot of fun. Check them out and register today! IMTS+ WEBINARS Should I Consider a Cobot or a Robot? Presented by Weldon Solutions February 27, 2025 | Online While traditional industrial robots are still the only choice for certain manufacturing applications based on payload, speed, and other factors, collaborative robots (cobots) have gained widespread acceptance over the past decade. Join us to explore how cobots have been installed, where they have been applied, and how to determine which type of robot is right for your company.

INTELLIGENCE The 2025 MTForecast Conference October 15-17, 2025 | Schaumburg, Illinois MTForecast offers attendees the latest economic and global forecasts, manufacturing technology market insights, and information on new opportunities and challenges. Learn from the actual experts about the pitfalls and opportunities shaping manufacturing technology over the next few years.

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Located in key manufacturing hubs across the country, the Manufacturing Technology Series brings four long-standing regional manufacturing events (Houstex, Eastec, Southtec, and Westec) together under one umbrella. EASTEC: May 13-15, 2025 | West Springfield, MA WESTEC: October 7-9, 2025 | Anaheim, CA SOUTHTEC: October 21-23, 2025 | Greenville, SC HOUSTEX: November 4-6, 2025 | Dallas, TX

The largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere returns to Chicago! Find new equipment, software, and products to move your business forward, connect with industry experts and peers, and attend conference sessions to boost your industry knowledge. Learn more at IMTS.com.

Additive, Digital, Generative: Emerged and Emerging Tech New technologies don’t appear with the speed and certainty of throwing a switch. They grow, evolve, and then seem to emerge.

BY GARY S. VASILASH CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

When you think of an “emerging” technology, it may evoke the idea of something developing and on the edge of breaking through, but the reality is a little more complicated than that. In the case of additive manufacturing (AM) – the equipment, the material, the processes – its emergence was more along the lines of something evolving. And while emerging technology may be thought of as breaking out of beta testing to the workaday world, AM has been around for decades.

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AM is generally accepted as having gotten its start in 1984, when Chuck Hull developed stereolithography – a photochemical process that uses a digitally directed laser beam to build up, layer by layer, a structure from a liquid polymer. Hull went on to found 3D Systems and released his first production machine, the SLA-1, in 1987. Whichever date you accept, this isn’t what might be considered “emerging.” Like a Horse Race Peter Zelinski, editor-in-chief of Additive Manufacturing Media, has a different perspective on the technology. For the past several years, he’s covered the global AM scene, creating YouTube videos, podcasts, websites, and a print publication – all of which means he’s been on the ground, talking with people in the industry to an extent that others can only imagine. While the array of processes encompassed by the moniker “additive manufacturing” are all advancing, he says that this is happening at different rates. Consequently, there are “jockeying moves,” as different processes come to the fore while others fall back. Zelinski says that, currently, processes like the directed energy deposition of metals and the use of granulated polymers – in lieu of spools of filament – are making strides in AM. But he points out that there is a wide array of AM technologies available to manufacturers, depending on the application – which drives process choice and material requirements. A Wide Array There is vat photopolymerization, which encompasses the original stereolithography as well as things like direct light processing. There is powder bed fusion, which has several subsets, including selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, and electron beam melting. There is binder jetting, which uses an adhesive (i.e., the “binder” that is jetted). There is material jetting – plastic or metal – where molten materials are printed and then harden as they cool. There is direct energy deposition (DED), which uses a laser to melt the powder material as it is deposited. And there are more. DED, Zelinski notes, has improved to the point that it is now capable of generating finer details and is being used to build aircraft and space components with complex inner channels. And there are cases where the build material is provided by a wire feeder, which facilitates making large “castings.” (One area where there is considerable growth in the AM field is the production of larger parts.) And along with process development goes material development, so a wide array of metals, plastics, and composites are now available for use with AM. Zelinski points out, however, that more than a small amount of material engineering is necessary; while the same material may be used to additively produce a part as in, say, molding it, microstructural changes due to the nature of the additive process may not meet the part requirement.

He says this is more pronounced in metal applications. “Is the Inconel 718 that has gone through a laser powder bed fusion the same as one that has been cast?” Given the applications where that material is commonly used, slight differences in metallurgy are not likely at all acceptable. But Zelinski makes an important point: “3D printing systems for industrial applications can do industrial work. The barriers holding back additive are numbers – for a given application, it might not be fast enough. Or the cost per part you need to get to isn’t achievable. Or the part produced isn’t precise enough without downstream steps that would add more cost to it.” He adds, importantly, “Additive technologies are advancing quickly. Numbers for it are changing way faster than the capabilities of more established technologies.” It’s what happens with an emerging technology. Still, the numbers may not work for everyone. But the number of companies for which AM is becoming more and more efficient and effective is growing.

Although the actual Apollo 13 mission occurred in April 1970, most of us probably became familiar with it during the summer of 1995, when the Ron Howard movie starring Tom Hanks was released. Among the many interesting plot points of “Apollo 13” – a testament to clever MacGyvering – is NASA’s creation of a digital twin of the spacecraft to facilitate the ground crew’s understanding of what was going on thousands of miles away in space.

So, again: an emerging technology that has been around for a while but has significantly improved thanks to recent advancements in sensors, software, and data handling. Twin Types In a sense, if we consider digital twins in the context of human twins, digital twins are both identical and fraternal. That is, identical twins come from the splitting of a single egg, which results in both embryos having the same DNA. Fraternal twins come from two eggs and two sperm cells, created at the same time but lacking identical DNA. A digital twin, created with CAD and CAE tools, is an identical model of a physical object, whether that object is a part or a system. So, the digital twin is fundamentally different than its counterpart but is engineered the same. The physical object is fitted with sensors, measured with other sensors (e.g., cameras), and set up as an IoT device. The combination of these elements provides real-time information about parameters and consequent changes to the physical object (e.g., what happens when the knob is repeatedly turned to 11?) to a digital model of the physical object. This digital twin then embodies that information to predict results, providing important data to the user, who can then improve whatever object is being modeled.

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Because there is a big difference between the two operative adjectives. Digital twins are simple, but creating them isn’t exactly easy. Doing so is a cross-functional and cross-technical undertaking that involves designers, engineers, product experts, and production personnel – to name a few. The list of technologies relating to digital twins is rather extensive. They include the aforementioned sensors and IoT devices; edge computing devices, routers and servers; software including digital twin platforms (yes, there are specific software available from all the major vendors), 3D modeling and simulation, data analysis and visualization; machine learning – and the list goes on. How big is this? According to McKinsey, the global market for digital twin technologies is anticipated to reach the order of $73.5 billion by 2027. Again, the creation and operation of digital twins is not easy. And while vendors can help make it simple, it is still essentially complex. But there should be little doubt that (1) this technology is emerging in a big way, and (2) consequently, those who don’t engage with it – and possibly fully embrace it – are going to find themselves at a competitive disadvantage because others are. Stephen Laaper is a principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP and a manufacturing strategy and smart operations leader in Deloitte’s Supply Chain & Network Operations practice. He leads the firm’s smart manufacturing services. Laaper understands manufacturing. Given that, it isn't surprising that he talks a lot about generative AI (GenAI). However, it is surprising that when describing the capabilities of GenAI in the process of making things, he cites tool clearances as an example. GenAI is trained on text, images, and audio and can create solutions and recommendations related to that content. While Deloitte has identified seven total types of AI, GenAI is all we need to consider for the purposes here. As has been the case with other emerging technologies, Laaper says that AI has been around for a while but that there is now tremendous interest across the board, from consumers to manufacturers. “We recently completed a comprehensive AI strategy and road mapping with a large OEM,” he says. What’s more, the technology has moved beyond just proof of concept and is now adding direct value through deployment. Which brings us back to the tool clearances. Working the AI Laaper points out that during the development of a product, there are “very robust exchanges between manufacturing engineers and design engineers.” One of the issues that must be addressed during this process is whether what is designed can be manufactured – as in whether there are required tool clearances (e.g., for a spotwelding gun to fit into a particular area). Laaper says that typically requires spending a non-trivial amount of time ensuring that the space for tools is included in

Heating or Rotating Consider, for example, the top surface of an automotive instrument panel made from ABS material. For issues related to both cost and mass, there is an effort to make the part as thin as possible. Given the sun load in places like Phoenix, Arizona, the temperature of a dashboard can reach nearly 160 degrees. So, this would be an ideal situation to use a thermocouple to measure the temperature and amount of warpage that occurs in real life from the heat – data that is then sent to the digital twin. That then allows digital analysis based on real-world information. As a result, the material, thickness of the shell, design of the component, or some other characteristic can be adjusted as needed to improve future instrument panels. Or consider a machine with rotating elements. A digital twin of the bearings can be created to measure the behavior of the actual bearings over time and use. Companies can then predict the machine’s maintenance needs, allowing users to schedule routine service at their convenience, minimizing downtime and keeping the physical machine running in peak condition. Big Benefits The impacts on both process and product is significant. According to a survey conducted of the aerospace and defense industries by Capgemini Research Institute: • 75% say digital twins improve value from the start – when design commences. • 81% say there are operational improvements, such as availability and reliability of equipment. • 73% say there is improvement in the production rate. • 76% say there is an improvement in quality. And from a competitive point of view, it is worth considering that 73% of companies surveyed said they have a long-term roadmap (more than five years) for digital twins, and 61% said that digital twins are a strategic part of their digital transformation. Said simply, the aerospace and defense industry perceives digital twins as providing a significant advantage – and there is no reason to think that this isn’t the case for any durable goods industry. Not Easy Those of a certain age will remember a series of books for students written to help them with their studies: “Latin Made Simple,” “Calculus Made Simple,” and so on. Note that they weren’t … made easy. In fact, McKinsey consultants note that machine building – particularly in the area of customized, special machines – can greatly benefit from digital twins: not necessarily in the context of having models of the machines, which are one-offs, but by creating a library of models of key components (like the aforementioned bearing arrangements) that can be assembled.

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the CAD design, space that is necessary when going from digital to physical iterations. But an alternative is to create an AI agent that can go through the CAD model and assess whether the included tooling clearances are sufficient. If they aren’t, then the agent flags them and provides recommendations to address the issue. He says that this can take months out of the development cycle. Note that the system only makes recommendations. The human user is not out of the loop but rather significantly supported in their decision-making. Fixing the Robot Another benefit Laaper cites of GenAI is in the area of production maintenance. Say there is robot, and all of the available information about the robot – from the manuals to the operational data, historic and current, to failure mode and effects analysis to failure codes to faults and resolutions – has been used to train the GenAI system. Now imagine it is third shift, when a fairly new maintenance crew is working. “One of the problems that many manufacturing companies have is transitioning the institutional knowledge that has been built up over the years to new people,” Laaper says. People like those working third shift. Something goes wrong with the robot. The maintenance people can then query the GenAI system with natural language (i.e., the way they ordinarily talk – not some sort of technical language) and get recommendations to fix the problem. An immediate effect of this is that mean-time to repair goes down. But there are other benefits as well. Consider that when someone is trying to repair something, they may change out a part, then see if it does the job. If it doesn’t, then that new part likely remains, and another is tested. Eventually, the repair is made. But at a cost in time – and parts. One of the things that Laaper emphasizes is that the GenAI systems operate as assistants. This is not a case of decision making done by a system but rather of a system providing recommendations to the human operator, who then decides a course of action. Integrating the Existing Another thing Laaper notes is that this isn’t a case where what has been operational in the past (e.g., a lean production system) is simply replaced. Rather, he says that it is important to integrate the existing systems with the digital systems in order to get a better result. While he doesn’t minimize the amount of work that must be done to train the AI system – after all, there are probably manuals and notebooks on shelves that need to be inputted and up-to-date information, like spare-parts inventory, must be accessible – he says that, in his experience, he has seen solutions achieved in as little as 10 weeks’ time facilitated by things like pre-built accelerators, technology that Deloitte has invested in.

Software Changes In the auto world, efforts are underway to develop “software defined vehicles,” where modifications can be made to the performance of a vehicle through software – such as increasing the range of an electric vehicle by adjusting parameters with an over-the-air update – like updating a smartphone. Laaper says that “software-defined manufacturing” is emerging. Analogously to the vehicle situation, improvements in throughput or enhanced functionality can be achieved digitally. None of this is merely theoretical. And those who embrace it will undoubtedly be the ones who are the most competitive in their industries, which, arguably, is the case with all of these emerging technologies. The takeaway? Don’t wait for tomorrow, because this tech is here today. And the Robots The thing about industrial robots is that they’re not exactly new. At least for some companies. The first application of an industrial robot occurred in 1961. The Unimate robot, which was produced by Unimation Inc., used an arm that had been invented and patented by George Devol in 1954. Devol and his business partner, Joe Engelberger, founded Unimation in 1956. The application in question was tending a diecasting machine in a General Motors plant. Chuck Brandt, chief technology officer at the ARM Institute, points out that while there are several companies – like General Motors – that have a long history in robotic deployment, most of the manufacturing firms in the United States are small, and consequently, for many of these smaller firms, robotic technology is emerging. According to the most recent figures from the International Federation of Robotics, there are 285 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees in the United States; by contrast, there are 397 in Japan, 415 in Germany, and 1,012 in South Korea. With that kind of disparity, there is a lot of upside to robots in U.S. firms. Brandt says this is particularly the case, as finding employees is difficult. So, automation makes sense for simpler tasks, like machine tending. Brandt says there is notable growth in the deployment of collaborative robots, thanks to their simplicity in deployment (“These companies don’t have roboticists.”) and safety, which allows them to work in closer proximity to humans than conventional industrial robots. If you have any questions about this information, please contact Gary at vasilash@gmail.com.

THE BIG PICTURE

Embracing new technologies can be challenging, but it often leads to rewarding outcomes and increased competitiveness. For certain industries, manufacturing complex parts encourages the use of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes. Explore some of the circumstances helping and hindering widespread adoption.

Sustainability: Growth in powder reclamation and reduction processes

Growth of end-use markets, such as: Space, Defense, and Medical

Simplified human-machine interfaces enable more programming methods

Flexible lines – able to handle multiple parts and setups

Ease of use for notes, summarization, and data queries.

Proliferation and reduction in cost for AI-enabling hardware

Faster metrology capabilities for capture, processing, and post-processing 3D scans

AI-bolstered modeling and programming

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Unknown data management requirements and life-cycle for remote manufacturing

Standards must be created for new material and process qualification

Return on investment may require longer than one business cycle

Lack of working knowledge of automation and safety protocols

Underdeveloped data, security, privacy, and compliance protocols

Lack of off-the-shelf solutions for known manufacturing problems

Lack of technical expertise

Lack of standards

“Barriers will continue to be ever-changing in the market, with automotive uncertainty and consumer sentiment shifting. Automation readiness and adoption may be gated by skilled resources to support advanced manufacturing within facilities. However, as these barriers are addressed, the opportunities for growth are substantial.” Sami Birch Director, Marketing & Communications Mission Design & Automation

"As the industry navigates this AI revolution, the key lies in striking a balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining human oversight. Forward-thinking companies are finding ways to harness generative AI's power while addressing its limitations." Frank Nuqui Strategic Program Manager FANUC

Charles C. Gales, PE Manager, Automation Sales Weldon Solutions

Benjamin Moses Senior Director, Technology AMT

IMTS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

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Inspiration Everywhere: Elevating the IMTS Experience BY MICHELLE EDMONSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXHIBITIONS

Every two years, IMTS transforms McCormick Place into a dynamic hub of innovation, discovery, and connection. I am honored when exhibitors and visitors share how IMTS stands apart. It is the quintessential event that brings our industry together – whether it’s the

beyond the manufacturing sector to find ideas that elevate IMTS. Just as Southwest Airlines drew inspiration from NASCAR’s pit crews to streamline airport operations, we’ve looked to diverse sources like libraries, NFL games, Disney’s Epcot Center, and even the nation’s leading grocery stores. To simplify the visitor journey, libraries provided the inspiration for us to group related technologies into sectors. Our color-coded floor carpet signage, guiding visitors through the vast space of McCormick Place, borrows from Paris’ subway system to differentiate lines. Additionally, the setup of ESPN’s “College GameDay” influenced the design of our IMTS+ Main Stage, with its crowd-facing flexibility. By “borrowing genius” from other industries, we find fresh ways to deliver value. These diverse inspirations fuel our mission to create an event that is engaging, intuitive, and unforgettable. We regularly attend events like South by Southwest, Fast Company’s Innovation Festival, and EXPO! EXPO!, where trade show professionals exchange ideas and trends. These gatherings expose us to cutting-edge approaches in event design, attendee engagement, and technology integration. Bringing insights back to AMT ensures that IMTS is ahead of the curve, delivering an experience that sets new standards for the industry. Creating a world-class trade show demands a blend of vision, collaboration, and constant reinvention. By sharing the sources of our inspiration, I hope you feel encouraged to seek your own “borrowed genius” – and, of course, to share your ideas for IMTS with us. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m diving into creating a brand new floor plan for IMTS 2026, set to be unveiled in April 2025. After all, when it comes to inspiration, there’s always more to discover. III. Learning From the Best: Insights From Other Trade Shows

moment they walk into the Grand Concourse, captivated by the energy of the vibrant crowd, or the enduring relationships they build. Today, I’d like to share our approach – one that I hope may inspire your own ventures, encourage exploration across industries, and perhaps even spark an idea for IMTS 2026. At its core, our strategy draws from three key sources: the IMTS community, innovative practices from unrelated industries, and insights from other trade shows. Creating a fresh, relevant IMTS begins with listening to our community. We gather input from exhibitors, visitors, and prospective participants through targeted surveys, focus groups, and data analysis. This collaborative process, combined with insights from the AMT Show Committee, which is comprised of industry leaders, helps us shape an experience that resonates with everyone involved. For example, feedback following IMTS 2016 highlighted a growing need among smaller contract manufacturing shops to adopt digital technologies and enhance productivity. In response, we introduced specialized programming in 2018. By 2024, this initiative grew from five sessions to nearly 20, demonstrating its success in addressing a critical need. These programs reflect how meaningful engagement with our community directly shapes IMTS to better serve the industry. II. Looking Beyond: Finding Genius in Unexpected Places Innovation often lies in unexpected connections. We went I. The IMTS Community: Building Experiences That Resonate

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Michelle at medmonson@IMTS.com.

THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

IMTS+

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‘Passion Project’ Debuts in February BY BONNIE GURNEY VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & INDUSTRY RELATIONS

Manufacturing is the process of transforming raw materials into something with value. When you add a fervor for art, a keenness for progress, or a desire to help, you get a passion project. In 2025, IMTS+ will debut the new original series “Passion Project,”

After an attempt to enter the human prosthetics space stalled due to regulatory barriers, DIVE turned to animal prosthetics. They found an enormous opportunity to improve the lives of pets while proving the capabilities of 3D printing to make custom products that are repeatable. With a worldwide network of clinics, DIVE launched 3DPets. Customers bring in their pets or send in a cast, and the 3DPets team creates a digital scan using the iPhone’s lidar camera. A custom prosthesis is designed around the scan, and the part is 3D printed. The result is a lightweight, flexible, and breathable prosthesis that meet an animal’s unique needs. 3DPets reduced labor to two-to-three man hours, cut lead times from two months to one, and expanded beyond cats and dogs. That’s right: 3DPets has improved the lives of pigs, goats, tortoises, alpacas, llamas, and even elephants. The brand was so hot that Apple partnered with 3DPets on a commercial campaign to show off both technologies working together to improve pets’ lives. Episode 3: Furnishing the Future roots, set out to change that as co-founder and CEO of Haddy. An acronym for heroic, agile, design, durable, and yours, Haddy is a 3D-printed furniture manufacturer committed to delivering beautiful, functional goods that meet the needs of American consumers while cutting down on waste. Haddy entered the massive furniture industry with tables and planters designed for a premium retailer and the dual goals of simplifying and improving the sector. To achieve these goals, the company tapped into the capabilities of 3D printing and ensured sustainability through upcycling. Haddy’s process allows consumers to select furniture and have it printed near the point of use, eliminating the need for large warehouses or lengthy shipping times. By tracking products and ensuring circularity, Haddy also addresses the massive waste in the furniture industry. All products are made from recyclable materials so they can be repurposed as raw materials instead of discarded at the end of their life-cycle. That’s furniture for the future. Look for these and more new episodes of the IMTS+ Original Series “Passion Project” debuting on IMTS+ at IMTS.com/PassionProject in February. Today’s furniture industry is far from sustainable. In 2022, Jay Rogers, an entrepreneur with an automotive background and deep manufacturing

which explores the connections between manufacturing and the personal passions of the creators and doers who make up our industry. Whether they are passionate about making music, improving pets’ lives, or building a more sustainable world, these manufacturers go to great lengths to deliver innovative products and pioneering processes. Episode 1: The Harmony of Art & Technology approach that blends the craftsmanship of instrument-making with the precision of manufacturing. The result is an improved guitar fabrication process that highlights the harmony of art and technology. At IMTS, Lou Goffredo, the engineering services manager at Martin Guitar, met Bill Curtis, the applications engineering manager at Mazak, and Dan Skulan, the general manager of industrial metrology at Renishaw. They worked together to solve a long-standing challenge in guitar manufacturing: manual freizing, a time-consuming and labor-intensive process to cut a channel around the perimeter of a guitar body to install decorative elements. After months of development, Martin Guitar, Mazak, and Renishaw had a prototype and were ready for test cutting. Using a Mazak 3-axis horizontal machining center, an external two-pallet part exchange system, and a Renishaw metrology measuring probe, Martin Guitar implemented an automated freizing process. A computer-controlled machine now cuts the channel in the guitar body for decorative bindings or inlays with minimal input from the operator, who can focus on other tasks. Episode 2: Engineering Magic for Pets Legendary music manufacturer C.F. Martin & Co. and manufacturing technology giants Mazak and Renishaw have collaborated to create an innovative

Sometimes, you just have to jump. Alex Tholl and Adam Hecht, co-founders of DIVE, an industrial design firm transforming industries with additive

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Bonnie at bgurney@IMTS.com.

manufacturing solutions, learned that early on.