TECHNOLOGY
IMTS: A Roadmap to Better Business Through Better Tech
All roads connect in the physical world. In manufacturing, the latest technological advancements end up in the physical space, but what separates technology stagnation and adoption are relatable use cases.
End-use demonstrations show an enabling technology's power and value, which is growing increasingly important as the tech becomes more complex. For instance, dashboards with real-time business metrics showcase the importance and difficulty of data collection. Standalone vision systems are valuable, but their value becomes obvious through high changeover for bin picking. In-situ metrology produces higher throughput. Data-enabled workholding creates a faster time to part.
In the end, exhibition events like IMTS are a means to connect the dots for end users. Let’s help them connect the dots to further technology adoption for growing a business.
INTELLIGENCE
Technology Adoption Meets Changing Market Needs at IMTS 2024
IMTS 2024 showcases a broad spectrum of manufacturing technologies across 10 product sectors, including the Automation, Metal Removal, and Tooling & Workholding sectors. These specific sectors punctuate IMTS’ diverse technological landscape, the markets of which are closely tracked by AMT surveys and research.
Over the past four years, the demand for manufacturing technology has recovered as U.S. manufacturers responded to evolving customer needs. Since January 2020, machine tool orders significantly grew by 40%, cutting tool shipments were up 36%, and workholding technology shipments increased by 27%. Additionally, manufacturers are embracing new technologies that enhance productivity through automation. For example, capital intensity – a measure published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that can be used to track the adoption of automation in manufacturing – has increased by 10% in the three years after 2020 compared to the preceding three-year period.
See how IMTS affected the trajectory of 2024 and 2025 orders on Oct. 9-11 at MTForecast at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Illinois. Visit MTForecast.com for more information.
SMARTFORCE
Expanding Additive Manufacturing Education and Apprenticeship Initiatives
Join us at IMTS and be part of a movement that values education, empowerment, and wellness – essential pillars for our industry's vibrant future.
Support future generations and increase your market share in education at the Smartforce Student Summit (IMTS.com/smartforce) in the East Building, Level 2.
Empower and celebrate the remarkable women shaping our field at IMTS ELEVATE Women Make Manufacturing Move (IMTS.com/wmmm), a Monday-night networking reception and Wednesday breakfast featuring a keynote from Dr. Sharon Cobb, associate program manager of the NASA Space Launch System program at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
Get active with the Miles for Manufacturing 5K Run/Walk fundraiser (IMTS.com/show/M4M), where 100% of the proceeds goes to supporting STEM education.
Join us at the show or highlight your brand to make a lasting impact by sponsoring an ELEVATE program or the Miles for Manufacturing 5K. Contact Catherine “Cat” Ross at cross@AMTonline.org for more information.
ADVOCACY
Biden Administration Announces Major Tariff Increases on Chinese Imports
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its four-year review of the Sec. 301 tariffs imposed in 2018 by former President Donald Trump on $250 billion of imported goods from China. The USTR report found China continues to use unfair trade practices to gain world market share. In response, USTR is adding or increasing tariffs on several imports from China, amounting to $18 billion, including steel and aluminum (25% in 2024), critical minerals (25% in 2024), electric vehicles (100% in 2024), semiconductors (50% by 2025), and medical products (25%-50% in 2024). In addition, the 2018 tariffs will remain in place. President Joe Biden has also directed U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to establish an exclusion process for machinery used in domestic manufacturing. As part of his presidential candidacy platform, Trump is proposing a 60% tariff on $427 billion in goods from China. China immediately vowed to retaliate.
INTERNATIONAL
The 'I' in IMTS Is International
IMTS is upon us, and your months of preparation for a successful show are about to bear fruit. With visitors from more than 110 countries, IMTS is truly an international show. These foreign visitors are motivated and here on a mission to do business! You can be prepared as well by being up to date on the latest global trends and opportunities in the manufacturing space.
Our free AMT members-only International Markets Briefing Breakfast on Wednesday morning on Sept. 11 is just the ticket to be in the know. This long-standing tradition allows you to stay abreast of the rapidly changing business environment in key international markets as presented by AMT’s international directors and general managers from China, India, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and Europe. With more than 100 years of combined industry experience, you don’t want to miss them.
This event always fills up fast, so please reserve your place by visiting Showpro.cdsreg.com/IIBB0924.
To read the rest of the IMTS Issue of MT Magazine, click here.
