MT Magazine July/August 2024

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU ATTEND IMTS 2024 WITH ITS RICH HISTORY, MCCORMICK PLACE SERVES AS THE PERFECT VENUE FOR AMT'S DEDICATED STAFF TO CREATE AN EXTRAORDINARY IMTS — EVERY TIME.

IMTS 2024: YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE by Michelle Edmonson | 21

THE ETC TACKLES AUTOMATION, EFFICIENCY, AGILITY, AND PRODUCTIVITY AT IMTS 2024 by Bonnie Gurney | 22

READY, SET, SHOW: 17 TIPS FOR IMTS 2024 by Peter Eelman | 27

by Gary S. Vasilash | 13

AN

PUBLICATION

JULY/AUG 2024 THE IMTS ISSUE VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4

A VIEW FROM THE WOODS

JULY/AUGUST 2024

1

Lessons Learned From 22 Visits to IMTS

So, I would take a team to IMTS, and we would divide into two groups. One group would look for the company’s current needs. The other would check out the machines, software, and tooling that might be useful to us in the future. The team would consist of not only management but toolmakers and mold makers – people who use the equipment. Who would know better than them? Given the breadth of the show, we would look at pre-show coverage in trade magazines and promotional materials from exhibitors to determine beforehand which companies we needed to set up appointments with to make our time more efficient. Another thing that we did before the show was look at the conference sessions. This was particularly important when it came to technologies that we thought might work to our advantage but weren’t sure about. Attending presentations given by the people who developed or used the technology provided us with clarity on whether that was something we needed to pursue. At the end of each day, before we’d go to dinner, we would discuss what we each saw. This often led to adjustments to our agendas because someone would inevitably discover something that we needed to explore. That’s what makes IMTS great: a wide breadth of technologies – and access to the knowledgeable people behind them. When we would leave the show, there was a lot more buy-in and support from staff representing various functions than if just a couple of us from management attended. I also attended IMTS as an exhibitor, and I worked to make sure that we were presented in the most effective way possible to facilitate connecting with the people who visited our display. While I’ve been attending IMTS in my position at AMT since 2010 and seen tremendous advances, that first IMTS with my grandfather left an indelible mark on me. At that point in my life, I could have gone in plenty of different directions, but seeing that expansive display of manufacturing technology resonated with me then and continues to this very day. Although my grandfather’s walk of each and every aisle seemed a bit excessive to me as an 18-year-old, it is something that I now make sure to do whenever I attend a trade show. IMTS 2024 will be exceptional, but there will be no exception to the miles I will walk before it closes.

These days, it should come as no surprise that everyone at AMT is focused on ensuring IMTS 2024 will provide an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to gain firsthand access to the latest in manufacturing technology and the people developing and providing it. Websites are great

when it comes to providing photos, videos, and specs about machine tools, robots, additive systems, software, and other equipment, but talking to the people who brought it to market is invaluable. Needless to say, when you’re orchestrating something that covers more than 1.2 million square feet of floor space that is being taken in by tens of thousands of people from around the world, you’ve got to focus on not just simply doing it right but doing it in a way that shows people – attendees and exhibitors – that the time, effort, and money they’ve invested in being at IMTS have a measurable return. Achieving the benefits IMTS provides is something that I’ve been thinking about because the opportunities are as important as the show is big. So, how do you gain these benefits in an efficient manner? I’ve attended IMTS since 1978. My first visit was at age 18. I’d been apprenticing at my grandfather’s tool and die company since I was 15. During my freshman year at college, my grandfather brought me to IMTS with him. Not only was I blown away by seeing all the machines and equipment I had been working with in one place – and even more that I hadn’t – but I had the benefit of seeing how my grandfather attended the show. He already knew what equipment he was interested in acquiring, so, armed with a pocket full of blank purchase orders, he visited the booths of those companies and talked to their exhibitors, evaluating, comparing, and deciding what he needed. Before he left Chicago, many of the purchase orders would be filled out. And he also walked down every aisle at the show. Every aisle. I am not exaggerating. When I asked him why he was doing that – after all, he knew what he needed for the company – he explained that it allowed him to see things that he might be able to use in one of his shops, whether it was how chips were being evacuated or how tooling was being deployed. Later in my career, when I became a leader of a company, I would go to IMTS both to find equipment that we needed right then and equipment that might be advantageous for us in the future. Now I know that sometimes there is a tendency to think that going solo to an event like IMTS is more “cost effective,” but I learned right away that that’s a false economy. This is because if I saw something that I thought we needed, I would have to go back and sell the idea to other people. That’s not only not easy, but I could have also been wrong about our needs.

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

Make sure you visit the IMTS+ Creators Lounge to meet manufacturing influencers and hear their stories. You can also hear these stories at one of these IMTS+ Technology Hubs: Additive Manufacturing West Building, Level 3: Booth 433037 Automation North Building, Level 3: Booth 236635 Digital Manufacturing East Building, Level 3: Booth 135401 Metal Removal South Building, Level 3: Booth 338266

LEARN MORE AT IMTS.COM/CREATORS

MT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

JULY/AUGUST 2024

3

Masthead

Editorial Team Kristin Bartschi Director, Marketing & Communications kbartschi@AMTonline.org

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 Benjamin Moses Senior Director, Technology bmoses@AMTonline.org Intelligence Kevin Bowers VP, Research kbowers@AMTonline.org Smartforce Catherine Ross Director, Community Engagement cross@AMTonline.org

Mary Cecile Neville Director, Content mcneville@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

Elissa Davis Writer/Digital Community Specialist edavis@AMTonline.org

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

Jacob McCloskey Senior Graphic Designer jmccloskey@AMTonline.org

Tiffany Kim Graphic Designer tkim@AMTonline.org

Hailey Sarnecki Graphic Designer hsarnecki@AMTonline.org

IMTS Peter R. Eelman

Chief Experience Officer peelman@AMTonline.org

M

E

Michelle Edmonson VP, Exhibitions medmonson@AMTonline.org

O

C

E

B

Bonnie Gurney VP, Strategic Content & Partnerships bgurney@AMTonline.org Mark Kennedy Senior Director, Exhibitor Services mkennedy@AMTonline.org

Want to learn more about AMT membership? To learn how to make the most of your AMT membership, email us at membership@AMTonline.org.

JOIN AMT

R

E

B

A

M

M

E

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology 7901 Jones Branch Dr. Suite 900, McLean, VA 22102-3316 Tel: 703-893-2900 | Fax: 703-893-1151

IS

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

700+ Members in the Manufacturing Technology Community

Our members make, sell, service, and supportU.S. manufacturing technology in a global market. We advance the industry byfacilitating t he adoption of transformative technologies,producingcommunity events,promotingMT standards,supporting international business growth, and enhancing industry knowledge. Make the most out of your AMT membership. Reach out us at membership@AMTonline.org. f t i t h l i l b l k t W d Our members make sell service and support U S

MT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

JULY/AUGUST 2024

5

Table of Contents

Click See what’s trending on AMTonline.org

07

Manufacturing Matters Get details on the latest industry news

09

AMT Upcoming Events Important manufacturing technology dates and events to bookmark

11

Things To Think About When You Attend IMTS 2024 by Gary S. Vasilash

13

The Big Picture Explore the Show Floor at IMTS 2024

18

IMTS 2024: Your Essential Guide by Michelle Edmonson

21

The ETC Tackles Automation, Efficiency, Agility, and Productivity at IMTS 2024 by B0nnie Gurney Ready, Set, Show: 17 Tips for IMTS 2024 by Peter Eelman

22

27

Extraterrestrial Tech Tales From Roswell by Stephen LaMarca

31

Fed Up? Looking to September for IMTS, Possible Interest Rate Cuts by Chris Chidzik

32

COVER DESIGN Hailey Sarnecki | Graphic Designer

INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN Explore the Show Floor at IMTS 2024 Tiffany Kim | Graphic Designer

MT Manufacturing Technology (ISSN # 2836-2896), July/August 2024, Issue 4, is published bi-monthly by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, 7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean VA 22102. Periodicals Postage Paid at Merrifield, VA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MT Manufacturing Technology at 7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean VA 22102.

To manage your subscription, contact Chris Downs at cmdowns@AMTonline.org.

My TechSpex lets me narrow down my machine tool search based on criteria such as brand, price range, location and specific technical specifications. That means I find the precise machinery I need, tailored to my unique requirements, without wasting my time on irrelevant options. “ ”  “Goes way beyond just basic specs. I’m hooked!” SEARCH & EXPLORE Investigate more than 600 machine tool brands and 7,500 machine models in one premier database. COMPARE & SHARE Save your search data and collaborate with your team members inside the tool. CLICK & COLLECT Request quotes with one click from one or more sellers for simplified decision making.

The Machine Tool Search Engine TechSpex, the world’s largest online database of new machine tools, introduces its refreshed and modern user-friendly interface. Browse by machine attributes including type , size , spindle speed , horsepower , performance metrics , geographical location and more! You’ll find all the important details about machine tool builders and distributors. Set up your free account today and revolutionize how you discover the tools and supplies your shop needs to thrive.

Machine Type:

Specifications: # of Main Spindles: Spindle Direction: Mill/Drill Function:

Machining Center Drill/Tap Boring Mill Milling Machine

techspex.com Your Search for Machine Tools Starts Here ›

ADVANCED SEARCHES | COMPREHENSIVE EQUIPMENT PROFILES EXPERT INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS | SUPPLIER DIRECTORY BUYING GUIDES & WHITEPAPERS | VIRTUAL MACHINE TOOL TOURS | NEW PRODUCT NEWSLETTERS

CLICK

JULY/AUGUST 2024

7

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.

Manufacturing Supply Chains: Expert Perspectives Is now a good time to make things in the United States? Find out in the latest “AMT Industry Chats” episode with Harry Moser from the Reshoring Initiative; Andrew Osborne from United Grinding (IMTS booth #236802); and AMT’s Ryan Kelly. Uncover essential strategies for growth and opportunity as they share insights on the manufacturing supply chain, semiconductor manufacturing, reshoring, and the hottest tech trends and advancements. IMTS.com/MFGSupplyChain

AMT INDUSTRY CHATS

Chicago Like a Local Stay, dine, and get out and about with the new series "Chicago Locals," presented by IMTS+. Explore unique places to stay – from historic boutique hotels to high-end spaces. Start planning your dining adventures with exclusive previews of delicious destinations and satisfy your wanderlust by getting off the beaten path and checking out Fulton Market, Riverwalk, and the neighborhood around McCormick Place. IMTS.com/ChicagoLocals

The Stars Shine Brightly at IMTS Each day, IMTS 2024 will showcase industry leaders on multiple stages: the IMTS+ Main Stage, sponsored by Google Cloud, Hexagon, and Microsoft; the new IMTS+ AfterWords Lounge (IMTS booth #338000); the SPS – Smart Production Solutions Stage (IMTS booth #236008); and the Formnext Stage (IMTS booth #433010). In honor of 9/11, special guest Jim Cornelison will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the IMTS+ Main Stage, a mainstay of Chicago Blackhawk home games. IMTS.com/Stages

ELEVATE Your Career at IMTS Known globally for bringing together manufacturing communities to build relationships, share ideas, and grow, IMTS 2024 presents IMTS ELEVATE, powered by AMT, Modern Machine Shop, and Additive Manufacturing Media, programming to connect and develop three impactful communities. They are: • IMTS ELEVATE Job Shops • IMTS ELEVATE Women Make Manufacturing Move • IMTS ELEVATE LATAM IMTS.com/Show/Elevate

ROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFOR ECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • IN CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING • CO PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFOR ECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • IN CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING • CO PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFOR ECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • IN CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING • CO PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFOR ECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • IN CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING • CO PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFOR ECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • IN CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING • CO PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFOR ECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • IN CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING • CO PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFOR ECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • IN CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING • CO PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFOR ECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • IN

RMATION • NTEGRITY • ONTINUOUS RMATION • NTEGRITY • ONTINUOUS RMATION • NTEGRITY • ONTINUOUS RMATION • NTEGRITY • ONTINUOUS RMATION • NTEGRITY • ONTINUOUS RMATION • NTEGRITY • ONTINUOUS RMATION • NTEGRITY • ONTINUOUS RMATION • NTEGRITY • TECHNOLOGY INTELLIGENCE SMARTFORCE

MANUFACTURING MATTERS

JULY/AUGUST 2024

9

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.

IMTS: A Roadmap to Better Business Through Better Tech All roads connect in the physical world. In manufacturing, the latest technological advancements end up in the physical space, but what separates technology stagnation and adoption are relatable use cases. End-use demonstrations show an enabling technology's power and value, which is growing increasingly important as the tech becomes more complex. For instance, dashboards with real-time business metrics showcase the importance and difficulty of data collection. Standalone vision systems are valuable, but their value becomes obvious through high changeover for bin picking. In-situ metrology produces higher throughput. Data-enabled workholding creates a faster time to part.

In the end, exhibition events like IMTS are a means to connect the dots for end users. Let’s help them connect the dots to further technology adoption for growing a business.

Technology Adoption Meets Changing Market Needs at IMTS 2024 IMTS 2024 showcases a broad spectrum of manufacturing technologies across 10 product sectors, including the Automation, Metal Removal, and Tooling & Workholding sectors. These specific sectors punctuate IMTS’ diverse technological landscape, the markets of which are closely tracked by AMT surveys and research. Over the past four years, the demand for manufacturing technology has recovered as U.S. manufacturers responded to evolving customer needs. Since January 2020, machine tool orders significantly grew by 40%, cutting tool shipments were up 36%, and workholding technology shipments increased by 27%. Additionally, manufacturers are embracing new technologies that enhance productivity through automation. For example, capital intensity – a measure published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that can be used to track the adoption of automation in manufacturing – has increased by 10% in the three years after 2020 compared to the preceding three-year period.

See how IMTS affected the trajectory of 2024 and 2025 orders on Oct. 9-11 at MTForecast at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Illinois. Visit MTForecast.com for more information.

Expanding Additive Manufacturing Education and Apprenticeship Initiatives Join us at IMTS and be part of a movement that values education, empowerment, and wellness – essential pillars for our industry's vibrant future. • Support future generations and increase your market share in education at the Smartforce Student Summit (IMTS.com/ smartforce) in the East Building, Level 2. • Empower and celebrate the remarkable women shaping our field at IMTS ELEVATE Women Make Manufacturing Move (IMTS. com/wmmm), a Monday-night networking reception and Wednesday breakfast featuring a keynote from Dr. Sharon Cobb, associate program manager of the NASA Space Launch System program at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. • Get active with the Miles for Manufacturing 5K Run/Walk fundraiser (IMTS.com/show/M4M), where 100% of the proceeds goes to supporting STEM education. Join us at the show or highlight your brand to make a lasting impact by sponsoring an ELEVATE program or the Miles for Manufacturing 5K. Contact Catherine “Cat” Ross at cross@AMTonline.org for more information.

MANUFACTURING MATTERS

THE IMTS ISSUE

10

ADVOCACY

Biden Administration Announces Major Tariff Increases on Chinese Imports The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its four-year review of the Sec. 301 tariffs imposed in 2018 by former President Donald Trump on $250 billion of imported goods from China. The USTR report found China continues to use unfair trade practices to gain world market share. In response, USTR is adding or increasing tariffs on several imports from China, amounting to $18 billion, including steel and aluminum (25% in 2024), critical minerals (25% in 2024), electric vehicles (100% in 2024), semiconductors (50% by 2025), and medical products (25%-50% in 2024). In addition, the 2018 tariffs will remain in place. President Joe Biden has also directed U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to establish an exclusion process for machinery used in domestic manufacturing. As part of his presidential candidacy platform, Trump is proposing a 60% tariff on $427 billion in goods from China. China immediately vowed to retaliate.

INTERNATIONAL

The 'I' in IMTS Is International IMTS is upon us, and your months of preparation for a successful show are about to bear fruit. With visitors from more than 110 countries, IMTS is truly an international show. These foreign visitors are motivated and here on a mission to do business! You can be prepared as well by being up to date on the latest global trends and opportunities in the manufacturing space. Our free AMT members-only International Markets Briefing Breakfast on Wednesday morning on Sept. 11 is just the ticket to be in the know. This long-standing tradition allows you to stay abreast of the rapidly changing business environment in key international markets as presented by AMT’s international directors and general managers from China, India, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and Europe. With more than 100 years of combined industry experience, you don’t want to miss them.

This event always fills up fast, so please reserve your place by visiting Showpro.cdsreg.com/IIBB0924.

James Hockey | Incodema3D

#IAmIMTS

WHAT MATCHES WILL YOU MAKE AT IMTS? Manufacturing matchmakers come to IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show to connect, find inspiration, and discover solutions.

Join me at McCormick Place in Chicago from September 9-14, 2024.

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER FOR IMTS 2024

INSPIRING THE EXTRAORDINARY

WHAT’S HAPPENING

JULY/AUGUST 2024

11

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

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

The free IMTS Online: Exhibitor 101 Learning Series teaches the ins and outs of exhibiting to IMTS beginners and veterans alike. To learn more, watch previously recorded webinars, and register, visit IMTS.com/exhibitor/education. Upcoming Dates August 15: What To Expect When You Are Expecting To Get to IMTS Exhibitor 101: An Education Series for Exhibitors IMTS

Remember the manufacturing in San Antonio, Texas! At MFG 2025, visionaries, experts, and leaders from across the world of manufacturing technology blow into the Alamo City for exclusive networking opportunities, educational sessions, and a whole lot of fun. See you there, pardner!

Formnext Chicago April 8-10, 2025 | Chicago, Illinois FORMNEXT

IMTS 2024 September 9-14, 2024 | Chicago, Illinois IMTS

Additive for manufacturing: U.S. manufacturers deserve a world-class international show focused on integrating additive technologies into manufacturing operations. Formnext Chicago brings the leading AM show from Europe to the United States, creating one event in North America dedicated to all aspects of the AM ecosystem. Learn more at FormnextChicago.com.

The largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere inspires the extraordinary! 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.

MTForecast 2024 October 9-11, 2024 | Chicago, Illinois INTELLIGENCE

SPS Atlanta September 16-18, 2025 | Atlanta, Georgia SMART PRODUCTION SOLUTIONS

MTForecast breaks down the latest industry news, forecasts, and trends. Industry leaders, executives, and key decision makers connect and learn better business strategies through customer industry insights, economic forecasting, and deep dives into market data.

SPS covers the entire spectrum of smart and digital automation – from simple sensors to intelligent solutions, from what is feasible today to the vision of a fully digitalized industrial world. AMT is partnering with SPS to bring the renowned global trade event to the United States. To learn more, please visit SPS-americas.us.messefrankfurt.com/usa/en.html.

E !

E R

U T H

O

Y

E

E

S

THE IMTS ISSUE

12

Things To Think About When You Attend IMTS 2024 With its rich history, McCormick Place serves as the perfect venue for AMT’s dedicated staff to create an extraordinary IMTS – every time.

BY GARY S. VASILASH CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Chicago has long been a city where massive expositions showed off the latest technological developments. So, when you arrive at McCormick Place in September for IMTS, not only will you see unique solutions for any challenges you may face and the most advanced manufacturing technology from name-brand companies and niche specialists alike from around the world (the “I,” after all, stands for “International”), but you will be stepping into a site steeped in the rich history of manufacturing and industry.

FEATURE STORY

THE IMTS ISSUE

14

The Windy City has welcomed such spectacles as the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World (its dedication ceremonies were held in 1892). Then, 40 years later, the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair opened under the banner of A Century of Progress International Exposition. Events like these have profoundly enriched Chicago’s history, leaving a lasting impact that continues to shape the city – and IMTS itself. And Then the Railroads In 1948 there was a less well-known but still significant expo in Chicago: the Chicago Railroad Fair. “The Railroad Fair?” you wonder. Yes. The reason why this event is important is because it was attended by Colonel Robert McCormick, who happened to be the owner and publisher of the Chicago Tribune (back when print newspapers were tremendously important to their local communities and newspaper publishers had Big Ideas). McCormick, seeing the success of the Railroad Fair, decided that the city needed an expo hall, so he began lobbying for it. By 1955 Illinois approved construction of an expo center, and in 1958, it issued $41.8 million in construction bonds. Building began in 1959, and the McCormick Place expo center was completed in 1960. The first event? The Modern Living Home and Flower Show. And that was just the start of many that took advantage of the modern amenities provided by the exhibitions-dedicated structure on the shore of Lake Michigan. Then, in January 1967, the building burned down. New Beginnings and Architectural Lessons Construction of a new McCormick Place began in 1968. The reconstruction reused foundations and portions of what had remained of the original building.* In 1971, McCormick Place reopened. It was designed in the style of legendary architect Mies van der Rohe, the originator of the famous quote "Less is more." The first event held in the new building was the 63rd annual Chicago Auto Show. But since 1971, McCormick Place seems to have adopted a “more is more” policy, as the facilities have continuously expanded, reaching roughly 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space in its four buildings – one of the largest interconnected facilities in the world. It now offers more exhibit space than any other facility in the Western Hemisphere. McCormick, who died in 1955, before the original building that was named for him opened, is smiling somewhere: His idea put Chicago on the global map when it comes to events. As has IMTS.

The ‘Modern Era’ In 1927, IMTS, then known as the National Machine Tool Builders’ Exposition, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where it would stay for nearly a half century. In 1972, it migrated to McCormick Place, where it has stayed ever since. Those who are fans of NASCAR know that in 1972, the racing series entered what is known as the “modern era.” Arguably, the same thing occurred with IMTS that year, when the show moved to its new home in Chicago and an agreement was signed with the European Association of the Machine Tool Industries (CECIMO) so that IMTS would occur every even-numbered year and the European Exposition Mondiale de la Machine Outil (EMO) show would be held on odd years. Like NASCAR, whose modern era has seen the racing series’ focus turn toward its fans, IMTS in its modern era has focused on its attendees. Then, in 1996, Peter Eelman joined AMT as the person in charge of IMTS. Now the chief experience officer, Eelman and his team have 13 events under their belts, with 2024 being the 14th. For many modern-day manufacturers who attend IMTS, his shows are the only ones they’ve ever known. All About the Details Another Mies van der Rohe quote is “God is in the details.” As an architect, he meant that all the little things that make up the whole are essential, so it is important to pay attention to them. Eelman and his team take this approach in executing IMTS, ensuring that attendees have as seamless a visit as possible, whether this means arranging equipment and systems into 10 technology sectors (e.g., Additive Manufacturing, Tooling & Workholding, etc.) so that spending time at the show is efficient, or making it absolutely clear where one needs to go to catch the Metra train. It is all about the details. Each IMTS is individually architected. The McCormick Place Lakeside Center (aka the East Hall). It was built in 1968, as the original McCormick Place building on that site burned down the previous year. The style of the building was influenced by architect Mies van der Rohe, who taught at the nearby Illinois Institute of Technology. “Less is more,” he said. At IMTS, more is more. (Image: McCormick Place)

Eelman emphasizes that if one attended the show in 2022, they will want to attend in 2024 because show staff work to make every show different in some meaningful way. This has led to not only the creation of AMT’s Emerging Technology Center, where people are able to see the advances in industries ranging from automotive to

*The original building and its replacement is now known as Lakeside Center, aka the East Building. There are also the North and South buildings, which are connected by the Grand Concourse, and the West Building. Combined, there is 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, with 1.2 million on one level.

FEATURE STORY

JULY/AUGUST 2024

15

space exploration, as well as experience fun attractions, like a giant hot air balloon in McCormick Square or a man flying in a jet suit in front of the venue. This is not to say that the importance is diminished in any way of the tech on the show floor or the education being provided in the conference rooms. There are more than a dozen conference programs that are absolutely synchronous with the types of things that are on the show floor: process innovations, alternative processes, plant operations, quality control and metrology, automation – which are the session tracks of the most notable on-site conference, The IMTS 2024 Conference. In addition, the IMTS ELEVATE programs – Job Shops, LATAM, and Women Make Manufacturing Move – boost connections and highlight issues important to the manufacturing community. These sessions and programs exemplify the attention Eelman and his team pay to the details, as well as how they focus on creating a memorable IMTS experience for manufacturers of all backgrounds. Why It Lasts Eelman acknowledges there is a recognition that shows – especially megashows like IMTS – are fading away. He suggests that a lot of that has to do with the fact that there is a predictability to attending them: If you’ve seen one, you’ve pretty much seen them all. “We want to do something that is unique and bold – for every show,” he says. So, what does the tremendous size of the McCormick Place complex mean to IMTS? For one thing, breadth of coverage. “As things come and go in manufacturing, we don’t have to say no,” Eelman explains. “We cover the wide face of manufacturing, essentially all of the major disciplines.” While there are shows that focus on particular processes, Eelman says the footprint of McCormick Place allows the inclusion of an array of manufacturing processes. What’s more, as various technologies wax and wane (e.g., additive grows; EDM shrinks), IMTS has the wherewithal to accommodate all of them. It could be an exaggeration to say that IMTS has something for everyone. But if it is, it is an infinitesimal exaggeration.

one-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as people were still highly sensitive. Later, as the financial crisis of 2008 unfolded during the move-out of IMTS 2008, the team pivoted once again to weather economic turbulence for a successful execution of IMTS 2010. Then there was the challenge of 2020, when restrictions against gatherings of more than a few people – to say nothing of 100,000 – forced the cancellation of an in-person IMTS. AMT, which owns and produces IMTS, created the IMTS+ digital platform in response. And there are all the small things that could go wrong that do go wrong when putting on an event, thanks to the seemingly inevitable Murphy’s Law. Thinking back to some of the things that would make most people’s hair suddenly turn gray, Eelman recalls an exceedingly tricky situation during the setup of one show. Consider that there are hundreds of exhibitors, many of whom have large pieces of equipment that are located, plumbed, and wired on the floor of one of the exhibit halls. When the Chicago Auto Show occurs at McCormick Place, if a company needs to bring in a new car after all the other vehicles are in place, doing so is not particularly challenging, as it is a machine on wheels. That’s far from the situation at IMTS. Setting up the floor at IMTS is something like a reverse game of Jenga: Things must be carefully organized and added until everything is appropriately in place. And those things typically weigh tons. One year, Eelman says, an exhibitor located in the front corner of a hall – and keep in mind that the loading docks are in the rear – had a machine that was coming to the show. But it was late in arriving. Eelman and team were told the machine was coming. Eventually it did – two days before the show was to open. By then, almost all the other exhibits in the hall were positioned. The machine was too wide to fit down the aisles. That’s McCormick Square during IMTS 2022. Yes, that man is flying. You’ll never know what you’ll find at the premier manufacturing technology show.

Facing Challenges When you’ve been putting on massive events every two years since 1996, you certainly have had lots of things to deal with, both internal to the show and in the world outside the venue. Eelman remembers such challenges, like the dot-com boom of 1998. That year, a surge of startups flooded IMTS but disappeared by IMTS 2000, forcing a massive reshaping of the floor plan. On Sept. 11, 2002, Eelman and his team worked to be respectful of the

FEATURE STORY

THE IMTS ISSUE

16

Disassembling the existing exhibits wasn’t an option. Eelman recalls his team, the exhibitor, contractors, safety personnel, and others scrambling to figure out how to get it where it needed to be. “We finally came up with a plan to put it on a big lift truck and to elevate it so we could move it through the hall.” At one point in the middle of the night, Eelman looked out his office window overlooking the floor of the hall and saw the massive machine seemingly floating down the aisles above the other machines and exhibits. It was slow moving. It took all night to get in position. When neighboring exhibitors arrived the next morning, they were astonished at the sight of the massive machine having apparently teleported in their midst overnight by magic. Organized Magic “Astonished” is a good word for what Eelman hopes people will feel at IMTS 2024, which will be his last. Eelman is retiring.

EELMAN'S FAVORITE SHOW

With 13 IMTS shows behind him, people often ask Peter Eelman, chief experience officer for AMT, the owner and producer of IMTS, which one is his most memorable. After some considered hesitation, he responds, “I think the 2014 show with the Strati is my favorite because everything culminated there.” While Eelman and his team had established the Emerging Technology Center a decade before, and the show floor had long been organized into a collection of pavilions (now sectors), they wanted to do something different for 2014. Enter: The Strati The concept was simple enough. They would 3D print a car on the floor of IMTS. No one had seen anything like that – anywhere. AMT worked with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Local Motors, and a crew of dedicated people. They not only planned to have it printed on the floor of IMTS 2014, but they would drive it out of McCormick Place. “It could have been a disaster,” Eelman admits. It had never been done before. Not at ORNL. Not at Local Motors. Nowhere. They couldn’t even do a practice run. Whether it could be done in time was a big unknown. They weren’t even 100% confident they could print the structure without some snafu. But they started the process. It drew interest from attendees. It drew interest from exhibitors. It drew interest from people outside the manufacturing community as news outlets came to McCormick Place and covered it – it was even featured on the “Today” show. The Strati was printed. Fitted with a powertrain and suspension and driven out of McCormick Place as planned. IMTS 2024 will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Strati with a special exhibit with the car and an IMTS+ Main Stage conversation with the participants of the remarkable undertaking that made IMTS 2014 so special.

Peter Eelman attended IMTS in 1980 as an exhibitor. In 1996 he joined AMT and has been running the biennial show ever since. 2024 will be his last show as chief experience officer for AMT, as he is retiring. Odds are that this show will be extraordinary.

He considered retiring after IMTS 2018, which would have been an absolute mic-drop moment, as it was a record breaker by all metrics: 129,415 people registered. There were 2,123 booths and 2,563 exhibitors covering 1.4 million square feet. But he stayed on. And then 2020 happened. And IMTS didn’t. Eelman decided to make sure IMTS got back on a typical schedule. He’d spent most of his career making sure that the show went off without a hitch, and he wanted to leave that as his legacy. IMTS 2022 was a success. And when we spoke with Eelman at the start of this summer, he and his team were hard at work organizing September’s event. “We’re now back on a normal show cycle,” he says. “The routine is back.” Eelman recalls that early in his position, after an IMTS was completed and his team had some time to decompress, he would call them into a meeting. “I would have a stack of floor plans from the show and then rip them up in front of them. I wanted to make it clear that in two years we would do a different show.” He admits that was a bit dramatic. But it worked. Although he says the routine is back, there is nothing routine about the experience of IMTS – regardless of the year.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Gary at vasilash@gmail.com.

ATLANTA

THE WORLD’S PREMIER INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION TRADE SHOW BRAND IS COMING TO THE U.S.A.

Transforming Industrial Manufacturing Through Automation Explore innovation at SPS Atlanta for smart production solutions

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

September 16 – 18, 2025 Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, Georgia USA

THE BIG PICTURE

Discover IMTS technology sectors, attractions, and highlights. EXPLORE THE SHOW FLOOR AT IMTS 2024 We can't wait to see you in September!

WEST BUILDING

Tooling & Workholding Systems

SOUTH BUILDING

WEST BUILDING

Metal Removal

19

NORTH BUILDING

Abrasive Machining / Sawing / Finishing Gear Generation

EAST BUILDING

EAST BUILDING

NORTH BUILDING

Fabricating & Lasers Machine Components / Cleaning / Environmental Quality Assurance Software

SOUTH BUILDING

GRAND CONCOURSE

MAIN STAGE

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS BRIEFING BREAKFAST

HOSTED BY:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 7:30 - 9:30 a.m., McCormick Place West Building - Room W470

Stay ahead of what’s happening in international markets at IMTS 2024.

Learn about the latest international market conditions and opportunities.

Meet AMT staŠ from Mexico, India, Thailand, Europe, China, and Brazil.

Network with other AMT members active in international business.

An AMT Members-Only Event

Develop and implement a successful international growth strategy.

SIGN UP NOW!

For any questions, contact Achilles Arbex at aarbex@AMTonline.org

IMTS

JULY/AUGUST 2024

21

IMTS 2024: Your Essential Guide BY MICHELLE EDMONSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXHIBITIONS

IMTS has more to offer than you can imagine. Discovering new technology and meeting new people is part of its magic. With 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, not to mention

at McCormick Place.com/Parking. You can also take our free shuttle from one of our hotels, a taxi or Uber, or Metra. You can even ride a Divvy bike!

4. Engage With the Next Generation.

conferences, attractions, and networking events, creating an efficient plan for your visit to the largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere is essential. Explore the advice and links provided in this article to ensure a hiccup won’t cut into your valuable show time.

IMTS hosts upwards of 20,000 students and educators at the Smartforce Student Summit, located in its new location in the East Building,

Level 2. The Summit provides fun and engaging experiences centered on the manufacturing technology classroom of the future and encourages students to pursue career pathways to manufacturing. Learn more at IMTS.com/Student.

1. Meet With Your Team. No matter your role at IMTS, before you head to Chicago, you need to meet with your team to determine your company’s IMTS goals. What solutions do you need? Are you shopping for a

5. Save Time for Networking. IMTS is the biggest manufacturing party in the Western Hemisphere. You, along with more than 100,000 of your colleagues, can enjoy networking receptions through

new machine, looking for a faster process on your shop floor, or coming to make new contacts? No matter the reason, you want to set your goals and establish ways to measure your ROO now.

one of the ELEVATE programs (Job Shops, Women Make Manufacturing Move, and LATAM) or other conference events. Browse the conferences at IMTS.com/Conferences.

2. Know the IMTS Fundamentals. You can find loads of information at IMTS.com/About. Here are the basics:

Bonus: For AMT Members Only. If you are an AMT member, there are some perks for you: • The AMT Member Lounge, located in the South Building (S103), is an exclusive space

• Show Dates: Sept. 9-14, 2024 • Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois • Show Hours by Building:

0 East and West buildings: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 0 North and South buildings: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

for members to meet, connect, and finish the business started on the show floor. Please join us for AMT members only Power Hour happy hour and networking events on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30-6:30 p.m. • International Briefing Breakfast. On Wednesday, AMT’s Global Services team will present the opportunities available for your company to break into key regions around the world and expand your brand abroad. Registration is required. To register, see the QR code on Page 21 or visit Showpro.cdsreg.com/IIBB0924. We look forward to seeing you at IMTS 2024! Register now at IMTS.com/Register.

0 Smartforce Student Summit (East Building, Level 2): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Mon.-Fri) and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Saturday) • Register at IMTS.com/Register. Teams of five or more receive a discount of $15 off per individual. 3. Determine Transportation. If you’re flying – make your flight. Chicago O’Hare International Airport has more airline options but is 20 miles away. Midway is smaller but closer at 10 miles away. Both offer “L” stations to downtown Chicago. If you are driving, make sure you know where to park (McCormickPlace.com/Parking). Hint: Parking usually fills up early at IMTS – so be early. You may purchase parking passes in advance to reserve your spot

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

IMTS+

THE IMTS ISSUE

22

The ETC Tackles Automation, Efficiency, Agility, and Productivity at IMTS 2024 The Strati 3D printed car returns for its 10-year anniversary. BY BONNIE GURNEY VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & CONTENT, AMT

• A machining center from Okuma (IMTS booth #338500) and cutting tools supplied by Kennametal (IMTS booth #432324). • A Fastems (IMTS booth #338966) pallet tower for extended periods of unattended operation. • A heat-treating system for microstructure enhancement from Ajax Tocco. • A 3D laser scanning metrology station from Zeiss (IMTS booth #134302). The goal of the project is to develop a system that can cut long lead times, lower costs, and replace castings and forgings to reshore production for such parts as turbine blades, valve bodies, conformal heat exchangers, and propellers. Defense-Based Conversations BlueForge Alliance (BFA) will be a key exhibit within the ETC, where it will highlight collaborative efforts with the U.S. Navy and industry leaders such as Newport News Shipbuilding, Electric Boat, and Austal. The exhibit will feature engaging digital content, interviews, and interactive experiences that underscore the collective advancements in naval capabilities. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in innovative technologies and gain insights into how BFA and partners are pushing the boundaries of submarine construction. The exhibit will also showcase the importance of partnerships in sustaining and enhancing the submarine industrial base. By bringing together cutting-edge developments and collaborative efforts, BFA aims to inspire and engage attendees, demonstrating the future of naval manufacturing and the power of partnership in achieving the Navy’s mission. Join BFA at the ETC to witness the forefront of innovation and collaboration in maritime manufacturing technology.

While visitors come to IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show to solve today’s production issues, often the most memorable portion of their trip is the cutting-edge, forward-looking (and even futuristic) solutions featured in AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC). The ETC (IMTS booth #236700) at IMTS 2024, which runs Sept. 9-14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will be located at the entrance of the North Building. Visitors will experience a showcase of technologies aimed at addressing today’s most pressing manufacturing issues, including automation, additive manufacturing, reshoring, the surge in aerospace and defense investment, and raising productivity per worker.

Next-Generation Hybrid System The ETC will feature an integrated multi-process convergent manufacturing cell developed by a cross-disciplinary team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The cell integrates existing technologies in an innovative configuration: • A robotic, wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) system using metal AM technology from Lincoln Electric, Arc Specialties, Open Mind (IMTS booth #133351), Yaskawa (IMTS booth #236601), Roboris (Eureka Robot, IMTS booth #135534).

JULY/AUGUST 2024

23

CHECK OUT THE STRATI There are many famous cars, but there is only one famous 3D printed car: the Strati. Printed and assembled in under six days in the AMT ETC at IMTS 2014, it returns to McCormick Place for its 10th anniversary. IMTS 2024 will feature an exhibit about this historical event and display the vehicle. As the world’s first 3D printed car, the Strati and IMTS 2014 made broadcast news (including the "Today" show) by showcasing its production. The technology breakthroughs that occurred live on the show floor — crazy-high material deposition rates, wide-area additive manufacturing, and achieving structural integrity — became the stuff of legend.

Scan the QR code above to read the full story on AMTonline.org.

Additions and updates to AMT’s Emerging Technology Center continue to develop. For the latest, visit IMTS.com/ETC and remember to register at IMTS.com/Register.

Film on Creating a Model-Based Engineering Environment The ETC will also showcase an exclusive video documentary featuring OEMs, suppliers, and SMEs creating a model-based engineering environment (MBEE). In tandem with the film, live presentations, Q&A sessions, and interviews will take place to be used for future documentaries on MBEEs. This project, produced by William Sobel, co-founder of Metalogi and renowned for his role as the chief architect of the MTConnect standard, an international model-based semantic standard for manufacturing equipment, promises to be a highlight. Sobel explains: “MBEE provides a single source of truth and bi-directional flow of information, resolving the current tension and disconnect between defense contractors, OEMs, and contract manufacturers. We need open, standardized information from the top suppliers that is agnostic to the software platform and within the financial means of smaller participating shops.” Apollo, unveiled by Apptronik in August 2023, is the first commercial humanoid robot designed for user-friendly operation, mass manufacturability, performance, and safety. Powered by AI, Apollo addresses labor challenges, preventing injuries, improving productivity, and allowing humans to focus on higher-value tasks. Its humanoid form allows easy deployment in existing spaces. Key innovations include Apptronik's patented actuator technology. In the AMT ETC, you'll discover more about Apollo's advances and future applications. Meet Apollo, Apptronik's AI-Powered General Purpose Humanoid Robot

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

Meet Apollo, Apptronik's AI-powered, general-purpose humanoid robot at AMT's Emerging Technology Center at IMTS 2024.