See the Future of Manufacturing at IMTS 2022

With AMT’s Emerging Technology Center and Annex, Live Lab, and AM4U displays, you can see a world of practical digital applications and get a glimpse of the future.

There is so much to learn at IMTS 2022 it’s hard to know where to begin. There is an extensive conference program that addresses almost any topic you can think of relevant to today’s manufacturing processes. But for some wow factor, we suggest that you start with AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at the entrance of the North Building, Level 3.

AMT ETC
Sponsored by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and operates IMTS, the ETC showcases new technologies that are likely to have a big impact on the future of manufacturing. This year’s theme of the ETC is “Outer Space” and there are two terrific displays to carry that message. First, there is the Giant Magellan TelescopeIngersoll Machine Tools (Rockford, Illinois) won the contract to build the telescope’s support structure that will be six stories high and weigh 1,800 tons without mirrors or instruments. Ingersoll is displaying state-of-the-art machining technologies involved in the project.

Second, the ETC includes a portion of a 3D-printed space habitat consisting of two-and-a-half floors for a crew of two people. Designed by Denmark-based SAGA Space Architects in partnership with the Swiss Institut auf dem Rosenberg, the unit is intended to be carried into space and then attached to other similar modules with an on-site carbon polymer 3D printing process.

Also in the ETC, Ingersoll (IMTS booths: 338004 and 431522) has a robotic cell with both additive manufacturing (AM) and milling capabilities making high-precision sealing doors for the habitat in a single continuous process.

AMT ETC Annex
Across the Grand Concourse and in the South building, the AMT ETC Annex (IMTS booth 338021) features a vertical machining center built from a 3D printing process and concrete rather than cast iron. Developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) and the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program for America’s Cutting Edge, this process is part of a national initiative for machine tool technology advancement and workforce development.

Live Lab
Another key attraction, Live Lab (next to ETC at the entrance of the North building), delivers expert knowledge, hands-on experiences, and interactive technology on the connected factory, digital twin, big data, AI, machine learning, and more. A collaboration between AMT and ASME, Live Lab features twice daily presentations from leading minds in digital manufacturing with practical solutions and a view to the future. Genius Bar walkup stations provide individual and small group learning in a hands-on setting that only happens in-person. Key topics of the Bar include the next generation MTConnect 2.0, Digital Twin, and Big Data. Also, displays feature an interactive station that helps demystify digital technologies and video mini-case studies demonstrating measurable results of digital transformation.

AM4U
For those interested in AM, the AM4U area will be featured in the AM Pavilion (West Building, Level 3). This multi-use zone represents the first presence of a new partnership by AMT, Gardner Business Media (GBM), Mesago Messe Frankfurt (organizers of Formnext, Europe’s largest AM show), and Messe Frankfurt North America. Highlights of the AM4U zone include:

“Discover 3D Printing Seminars” by Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing (ACAM)

“3D Technologies: The Good, the Not So Good, and the Stuff You Need to Know” by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

“The Cool Parts Show” hosted by the editors of AM Magazine

The AM4U stage features a presentation program the runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day of the show covering a wide range of topics. Please go to IMTS.com and search “AM4U Stage” for a complete listing of the schedule.

Need to digitize your shop floor? Find metal removal, software, automation, and other machining solutions at IMTS 2022. Register for IMTS 2022 and book your hotel now.

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