MT Magazine July/August 2024

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).