How Does Manufacturing Technology Spell Success? IMTS 2012

Sep 19, 2012

IMTS 2012

Thanks for coming!

The 29th edition of the just-completed IMTS proved the continuing leadership of manufacturing in the overall economy as the show enjoyed the strongest results in more than a decade.

Hosting exhibitors and visitors from 119 countries, IMTS 2012, which ran Sept. 10-15 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, covered 1.248 million net square feet of exhibit space with 1,909 exhibiting companies. Total registration for the six-day event was 100,200, which is a 21.6% increase over 2010, marking the largest show-to-show increase ever for IMTS.

Additive manufacturing, collaborative manufacturing, multi-spindle machines and multi-tasking machines were stars on the show floor.

Featured both in the IMTS Emerging Technology Center (ETC) and in several exhibitor booths, additive manufacturing continued to gain traction as a production process. Recognized as the next major manufacturing breakthrough, this technology can reduce the time necessary for prototype and part development as well as eliminate waste.

Also showcased in the ETC was the application of collaborative manufacturing as a Local Motors Rally Fighter car, designed by the company’s community, was built live right on the show floor. Five weeks of work was compressed into just five days to accomplish the build.

The innovative solutions shown by dozens of exhibitors with new offerings in the multi-spindle and multi-tasking arenas enjoyed continual crowds and will populate manufacturing floors to increase productivity and decrease cycle times as shops and OEMs strive for a competitive advantage.

“The energy level among visitors and exhibitors was at an all-time high,” said Peter Eelman, Vice President-Exhibitions and Communications for AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “The most exciting take-away from IMTS 2012 is what it says about the prospects for manufacturing over the next year. The overall activity and buzz indicates that we are entering a period of sustained growth that will fuel economic prosperity and job creation.

“Visitors came to find solutions and innovative approaches to their manufacturing challenges. They found immediate answers throughout the four halls and long-term possibilities in the ETC.”

Significant Orders Booked During IMTS
“Sold” signs on machines could be seen throughout the show halls. Exhibitors were eager to tell the stories of orders booked during the show.

As did others, MAG enjoyed tremendous success at IMTS 2012. To support its Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 programs, Aerospace Dynamics International launched a major capacity increase in titanium machining with order for eight MAG five-spindle, five-axis XTi profilers – 40 spindles total on a new machine platform that will increase ADI’s Ti machining capacity almost 40 percent, as part of $90 million expansion that includes new facility. MAG’s breakthrough multi-spindle gantry design is an industry first with independently controlled rotary axes on each spindle. According to MAG, ADI’s $36 million machinery purchase is one of the largest single aerospace orders in the history of the company in terms of total value and number of spindles.

Royal Master Grinders John Memmelaar Jr. President said, “Customers came with very specific objectives and were looking for solutions right on the show floor. With our full complement of mechanical, electrical, applications and sales engineers on site, we were able to do projects at IMTS.” Royal Master Grinders booked three orders at the show and expects to book an additional four in the next 30 days.

IMTS – Industrial Automation North America Partnership a Resounding Success
For the 2012 show, IMTS s teamed up with Deutsche Messe to co-locate the first-ever Industrial Automation North America with IMTS. Industrial Automation North America showcased products and solutions for production automation, complementing IMTS’ focus on manufacturing technology, metalworking and precision manufacturing. Exhibit space sales exceeded expectations and as part of the agreement to extend the partnership to IMTS 2014, Industrial Automation North America will occupy additional space.

We’re already busy making plans for an exciting IMTS 2014. Make sure you are part of the IMTS community. Keep up on all the exciting developments through Facebook, YouTube, IMTSTV, Twitter, LinkedIn and the IMTS Insider.