This is part of our series covering automation technologies you can find at IMTS 2026. Check out our other articles: Robotic Solutions, Material Handling & Unattended Operation Systems, Tool Change and Management Automation Solutions, Workholding Automation Innovations, Quality Control and Inspection Automation Solutions, Automated Scrap and Coolant Solutions, Digital Solutions that Improve Shopfloor Productivity, and Advanced Machine Tool Automation Features.After primary machining, parts often require secondary processes such as deburring, cleaning, polishing, or marking. These processes are essential for delivering finished parts to customers, and many companies have developed automation systems tailored to their specific needs. IMTS 2026 showcases not only machining centers but also automation for post-machining work. Let's look at key technologies that can help: 1. Cleaning Systems Automated parts washers can clean oil, chips, and coolant off finished parts with minimal operator input. Exhibiting companies, such as ALMCO (IMTS booth 338009), provide industrial parts washers that range from small cabinet washers designed to wash baskets of parts to conveyor systems that directly transfer parts from machine tools to washing stations. Companies like Cleaning Technologies Group (IMTS booth 338774), Miraclean Ultrasonics (IMTS booth 135680), and Jayco Cleaning Technologies (IMTS booth 338874) provide ultrasonic cleaning systems, in which the operator loads parts into a machine that uses robotic arms to move batches through a series of rinses. In each “bath,” the machine uses vibrations to loosen materials that are removed from water. These solutions save labor hours and ensure consistent cleanliness. Everyone needs to find a way to ensure parts are clean and free of debris before shipping. In addition to the many solutions attendees will find in the exhibitors’ halls, IMTS hosts the Parts Cleaning Conference where experts and shop owners discuss how their companies tackle the challenges faced when cleaning parts for delivery. 2. Deburring and Polishing Manual deburring is tedious, prone to variation, and can pose safety risks, but automation systems provide consistency without monopolizing worker time. Some approaches can even polish and deburr features that are inaccessible to manual workers. Vibration finishing, for example, automates deburring by agitating parts in containers filled with abrasive media. Companies like Mass Finishing Inc. and ALMCO (both in IMTS booth 338009) feature vibration solutions. Additionally, integration specialists like Acme Manufacturing (IMTS booth 237030) can design deburring cells based around client needs, and other companies like Abtex (IMTS booth 237536), ATI Industrial Automation (IMTS booth 236144), and Norton/Saint-Gobain (IMTS booth 237042) make abrasive end effectors that can be attached to a variety of robots. By removing the hands-on deburring step, shops not only save time but also avoid the risk of missing a sharp edge, improving both quality and safety. 3. Laser Marking and Engraving Systems Many shops need to mark parts with tracking information to meet industry-specific standards for traceability or else to maintain transparency internally. IMTS exhibitors like Monode Marking Products (IMTS booth 135434), FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving (IMTS booth 135436), and Laser Marking Technologies (IMTS booth 135402) all provide machines that can automatically etch serial numbers or QR codes onto a part in seconds. When tended by robotic automation, they can accomplish this with minimal operator oversight, and some laser markers can even do this as parts pass on a conveyor. Automated part identification ensures that every piece is labeled for full traceability. Companies like Monode manufacture laser marking systems that enable users to maintain traceability standards for those industries that require them. Just as necessary, barcode scanners offer internal traceability, making it easier to identify issues in the production process. 4. Assembly For manufacturers delivering assemblies or kits, automation adds efficiency. Robotic arms, such as those provided by FANUC (IMTS booth 338900) and Kawasaki (IMTS booth 236520), can be programmed to perform repetitive assembly tasks more efficiently than human workers. Even small shops can benefit without adopting a complete assembly line. Cobots, such as those from Universal Robots (IMTS booth 236744), can perform multiple steps to produce a finished assembly with minimal human assistance. Many IMTS exhibitors, such as Augmentus (IMTS booth 236426), provide robotic accessories, including vision systems, that assist in this process. By automating these tasks, a job shop can increase its capabilities for delivering assemblies. Shops cannot overlook the value that robots bring to secondary operations. Whether it is deburring, assembling fixtures, or just moving parts through other secondary processes, robots have consistently shown their value. Shops cannot overlook the value that robots bring to secondary operations. Whether it is deburring, assembling fixtures, or just moving parts through other secondary processes, robots have consistently shown their value. While not as flashy as the technologies of tending machines, the automation systems that assist shops in performing the secondary tasks necessary to deliver parts on time are vital for production. Saving time and labor, not to mention improving consistency, these solutions can help develop a profitable production flow and address bottlenecks that are often overlooked when considering only the part itself. At IMTS 2026, you can explore these technologies, connect with experts, and discover the ideal solutions for your manufacturing needs. Start now: Use the IMTS Search function to explore dozens of technologies by keyword and the IMTS Show Planner to make your itinerary. Register today for IMTS 2026, Sept. 14-19, 2026, in Chicago, at IMTS.com/Register! Do you have input about this article? Tell us about it.Interested in more automation technologies you can find at IMTS? Check out our other guides below:10 Robotic Solutions You Can Find at IMTS 202610 Material Handling & Unattended Operation Systems you can find at IMTS 202610 Tool Change and Management Automation Solutions at IMTS 202610 Workholding Automation Innovations to See at IMTS 202610 Quality Control and Inspection Automation Solutions at IMTS 2026From Waste to Workflow: 9 Automated Scrap and Coolant Solutions at IMTS 20269 Digital Solutions that Improve Shopfloor Productivity at IMTS 20267 Advanced Machine Tool Automation Features to See at IMTS 2026

{{postDate}}{{author}},

Automation / Robotics

{{stripHTML(title)}}

Featured Companies

Exhibitors & Products

Related Articles