IMTS 2016 Snags Highest Number of Exhibiting Companies in Show’s History
September 26, 2016
The 31st edition of the IMTS 2016 (International Manufacturing Technology Show), which was held Sept. 12-17 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, drew the highest number of exhibiting companies in the show’s history, with 2,407.
The number of attendees was the 3rd highest ever, with 115,612, and the size of the showfloor, 1,370,256 net square feet, also was the third largest ever. In addition, there was 76 million pounds more weight brought into this year’s show at McCormick.
“IMTS has grown not only in size, but in the overall scope of manufacturing,” saidPeter R. Eelman, vice president – Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and manages IMTS.
He added, “There are more compelling reasons for people to attend. Whether they come to research new technology, evaluate vendors before purchasing, find solutions or connect with the leaders in the manufacturing industry, there is simply no substitute for attending IMTS.”
Eelman made a point to say that IMTS is about more than sheer numbers; “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the visitors, exhibitors, and vendors who contributed to the success and quality of IMTS, and made this event safe, productive and forward-thinking.”
During the show, a record number of more than 17,000 students, parents and educators visited the Smartforce Student Summit, which offered nine challenges, each designed for students to discover and use technologies utilized in advanced manufacturing, including CAD/CAM software, robotics, 3D printing, machining, tooling, metrology, automation and welding.
“Students were able to do so much more than observe and interact. They could actually use the technology in a way that gave them a real-world preview of the industry and various manufacturing careers,” said Greg Jones, vice president, Smartforce Development, AMT.
In the “Build It!” area, experienced teams of mechatronics students (those with mechanical and electronic skills) worked with waterjet experts from WARDJet to plan and assemble a high-end waterjet system.
WARDJet donated two waterjets valued at more than $200,000 to contest winners including the Missouri University of Science and Technology machining lab.
IMTS 2018 will be held Sept. 10-15 at McCormick Place.
Check out video clips from IMTS 2016 HERE.
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