IMTS 2018 was largest show ever

Historically, years between IMTS lead to incremental machine improvements, which are now reaching physical limits. “The velocity of change has become different,” observed Tim Shinbara – AMT vice president – manufacturing technology. “Analog technology yields linear improvements. Digital technology creates exponential growth and transforms how manufacturers and job shops operate.”

Notable growth areas at IMTS 2018 included an expanded Additive Manufacturing Pavilion that featured 51 exhibitors and covered 31,550 sq. ft., the partnership with Hannover Messe USA and its four co-located shows and 510 exhibitors, and the expanded Smartforce Student Summit that drew 6,000 more visitors than in 2016.

With digital technology, the pace of change makes it difficult to fully grasp the possibilities. IMTS 2018 directly addressed that issue with AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) on digital transformation, which featured demonstrations of how new science affects manufacturing. It also included a “Knowledge Bar” hosted by America Makes, where visitors learned about the development of education roadmaps, an online platform for members to exchange information, and establishment of industrywide AM standards and specifications.