This week 3DPI will be reporting from Chicago’s International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS). IMTS takes place only once every two years and is the one of the largest trade shows in the world. The show’s previous edition in 2014 attracted over 114,000 visitors and saw more than 2,000 companies exhibit.
In 2016, leading enterprises from the 3D printing industry will join industrial giants such as KUKA Robotics, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and others.
Many of the major names in 3D printing can be found in the B hall of the North Building, and other companies involved with the technology are spread throughout the exhibition. For example, Autodesk will be demonstrating software for 2017 in the East Building at booth E-3222. Hybrid additive machine builders, DMG MORI, will be in the South Building at S-8900.
Hybrid 3D Printing
Hybrid AM features heavily at IMTS this year, and we’ll be speaking to experts in the traditional and additive industries to understand how this combination is evolving.
Spanning six days, September 12th – 17th, IMTS also features five co-located shows focusing on specific areas of manufacturing. These include industrial automation, surface technology and industrial supply. Furthermore, IMTS will host 9 conferences focusing on different elements of the wide range of technologies on display.
As 3D printing becomes ever more integrated with traditional manufacturing, many of these conferences will include speakers from the 3D printing industry. However, the Laser Institute of America’s Industrial Laser Conference (Tuesday), the Additive Manufacturing Conference (Tuesday & Wednesday) and the EOS North American User Day (Wednesday) will be the events most heavily geared towards 3D printing.
On the expo floor, Stratasys can expect a busy conference, with visitors keen to see more of their new Infinite Build and Robotic Composite technology. EnvisionTEC will be demonstrating three new 3D printers and have made IMTS the first stop on their “#madetomatter” tour. HP’s forthcoming Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing technology will also be on display.
New 3D Printing Announcements
Announcements, demonstrations and new products from 3D printing enterprises including Carbon, 3D Systems, Voxeljet, Optomec, SLM Solutions, Protolabs, ExOne and others are expected.
IMTS will be open to the public from Monday when the U.S. Commerce Secretary, Penny Pritzker, cuts the ribbon and delivers a keynote address.
Make sure to check 3DPI for news on product releases, interviews with industry leaders and experts and photos from IMTS 2016. You can also follow us on Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all 3D printing related news and the latest from IMTS.
And, if you’re in the Windy City this week, be sure to say hello!
