The annual International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) will be taking place today through Friday at Chicago’s McCormick Place convention facility. The 32nd edition of North America’s premier manufacturing technology conference will bring together many of today’s top industry players.
America’s largest collection of manufacturing technology will be on display, with talks and live demos showcasing the latest technological innovations and advancements. Attendees will have the chance to network with other professionals, speak directly with machine builders, see new equipment in action, and attend various events and educational exhibitions.
IMTS By the Numbers
Here’s what to expect:
- The total weight of all the equipment and technology on display will add up to over 77 million pounds. This will include 142 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. 7,700 MRI machines, 35,000 pontoon boats, and 2,200 tractor trailers.
- This year’s show will include 1.3 million square feet of manufacturing technology.
- The first IMTS, then called National Machine Tool Builders’ Exhibition, took place in Cleveland in 1927, occupying 63,000 square feet, with 12,000 people in attendance. This year, more than 115,000 industrial decision-makers will be in attendance, providing the chance to network with peers and discuss new ideas with today’s top companies and thought leaders.
Highlights of This Year’s Show
Below are a few of this year’s most anticipated exhibitions and offerings.
- AMT Emerging Technology Center – Digital Transformation — Sponsored by the owner and operator of IMTS, the Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT), this exhibit will highlight the many exciting advances in digital manufacturing, exploring how the digital revolution and Industry 4.0 are changing the way we do business. The aerospace, medical, energy, and automotive sectors will be highlighted.
- IMTS Ride Experience — Conference attendees will have the chance to take a ride on Olli, a 3D-printed, digitally manufactured, self-driving electric vehicle.
- AMT Additive Manufacturing ETC — Live demos of the latest technological advancements will be taking place, and attendees will have the chance to take part in the Die-in-a-Day Scavenger Hunt led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This will guide attendees through the entire process involved in creating an additively manufactured tool.
Connecting with Thomas Insights at IMTS 2018
Can’t make it the show? The Thomas Insights team will be covering the highlights, so stay tuned in the days ahead. And if you’re interested in learning more about Thomas Insights, or curious about how you can contribute to our ever-growing platform for daily U.S. manufacturing and industrial news updates, meet with Mikaela Tierney, senior manager of Insights content, at IMTS for information on how to become a Market Expert for Insights. Connect with here her to set up a time to meet!