Digital Transformation at IMTS 2024

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 in Chicago in September was big, buzzing, and full to the brim with the latest manufacturing hardware and software – and a show floor full of attendees ready to open their wallets. With improvements in the manufacturing market, lower inflation, and a announcement by the Federal Reserve that they were cutting interest rates, the mood on the show floor was optimistic and booths saw a steady stream of potential buyers kicking the tires on the latest CAD and CAM software, 3D printing hardware, robotics, metrology, and machining equipment.

According to event organizers, there were more than 1,600 exhibitors spread throughout McCormick Place and nearly 90,000 registrants.

“IMTS 2024 exceeded expectations once again, despite some economic headwinds,” said Daniel Janka, president of Mazak and chairman of the board of directors of the Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT), which operates the conference. “Manufacturers of all sizes, representing all vertical industries, came to Chicago looking for new technology and manufacturing solutions enabling greater productivity, automation, and profitability. IMTS 2024 did not disappoint. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) was an important topic with many of the software vendors and attendees. Taiwan’s International Trade Administration, for example, focused on integrating AI with machining processes in its “Integrate to Innovate: Smart Machinery Application Forum” at the event.

Autodesk, which focused heavily on AI at its Autodesk University (AU) event last year (and is expected to do the same this October). According to Luke Mihelcic, senior manager of product marketing Autodesk, the company is focused on its Fusion cloud platform to help improve collaboration and reduce friction between siloed engineering tools. 

“This is not a point solution anymore, that is just CAD/CAM,” he said. “Users need PLM, PDM, MES for manufacturing – really everything from the product concept through pushing the finished product out the door, and making sure you can track it all the way through that process with the right data.”

As Mihelcic put it, “Digital transformation is happening, whether people like it or not,” and integrated cloud platforms and AI are going to be essential for engineering workflows.

Autodesk was an early proponent of algorithm-based generative design technology, and he said customers can expect more Autodesk AI announcements at its AU conference in October. 

CAM solution providers and CNC programming solutions are also embracing both AI and GPU acceleration, even as vendors in the CAD and simulation space continue to adopt both technologies. Both ModuleWorks and MachineWorks displayed GPU acceleration features at the conference, offering speedups between 10x and 20x compared to CPU-based simulations. CloudNC announced its CAM Assist Cycle Time Estimator, which uses AI to accelerate the estimating process for machinists.

CloudNC also announced that its CAM Assist solution was also available for the Siemens NX CAM solution as an add-on.

“Enabling our customers to use CloudNC technology to automate CNC programming in NX CAM exemplifies our dedication to continuous advancements,” said Armin Grunewald, vice president at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “The openness of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software enables our ecosystem of technology partners to rapidly integrate their specialized solutions, which in return helps us to expand a comprehensive digital manufacturing software portfolio.”

CAD/CAM metrology software vendor Verisurf showed off its new Machine Tool Probing (MTP) solution to support integrated inspection directly on machine tools. Hexagon also showed off new metrology hardware at the show, enabling faster and more accurate measurements, even at a distance. Artec 3D also announced two new high-resolution scanners, the Space Spider and Artec Point.

Ulendo’s laser path optimization software is now available as an add-in to the Dyndrite Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Pro platform for additive manufacturing. Stratasys announced a new solution for short production runs, while Caracol was on hand with a new robotic large-format additive manufacturing solution. Desktop Metal showed off its Figur G15 Digital Sheet Forming solution, along with its metal 3D printing systems.

3D Systems demonstrated its new QuickCast Air investment casting solution, which helps companies reduce the cost and time required to create a mold, compared to wax casting. 

Markforged displayed its FX10 composite and metal 3D printer (announced last year), which the company says allows customers to print plastics and carbon-fiber reinforcement as well as metal, with a 15-minute hardware swap.

According to AMT, while the manufacturing space is sending mixed signals when it comes to orders and cancellations, the number of units ordered in July increased by 1.9% over June 2024, and July was also 3.8% above the pre-2020 average for the month.

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