Machining Takeaways from IMTS

Last week the world and his cobot descended on McCormick Place in Chicago for the industry’s biggest trade show. Innovation, information and influencers were in abundance. If, like us, you’re feeling the lack of IMTS or if you’ve missed the content that came out - fear not. Here we outline the major machining moments and announcements from the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024.

DN Solutions Multitasking Machines

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Image courtesy of DN Solutions

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Here at AMFG, we’re always excited when a high-performing machine comes along whether that’s a hyperfast 3D printer or a hybrid vertical work centre. Global manufacturer of CNC turning and milling machines DN Solutions used IMTS 2024 to announce the launch of its groundbreaking multitasking DNX series. The Multitasking Machines do exactly what they say on the tin, being able to perform multiple types of machining functions from a single lathe.

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According to DN Solutions, “The DNX series (DNX 2100SB, DNX 2100S) aims to make multitasking machines more accessible. These machines combine complex turning and milling operations into one setup, eliminating the need to transfer workpieces between machines, which leads to simplified and more stable processes. This reduces downtime from setup changes and machine transfers, and also makes it easier to integrate automation, significantly improving productivity.”

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In fact, multitasking machining has big potential to give manufacturers huge productivity gains. As DN Solutions points out, “a DN Solutions customer in the Netherlands manufacturing motorcycle parts saw a 12-fold increase in annual production after adopting a multitasking machine.”

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We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled to see if multitasking machining really is the next step for CNC.

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FANUC Stuns with Robotic Solutions

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Image courtesy of IMTS

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This year CNC equipment manufacturer FANUC made a splash with its exhibition stand as one of its robot arms hoisted a sleek red sedan into the air. The display certainly turned heads (and cars) while demonstrating the impressive payload of its arms.

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As Modern Machine Shop reports, FANUC’s stand was designed to emphasize, “the automation side of its business, with a wide variety of robots across inspection, guidance and paint use cases. The robot in question was the M-2000iA/1700L which FANUC claims is the “strongest long reach robot in the world.”

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As FANUC points out, “[w]ith its 1.7 t payload capacity and 6.2 m stroke, it provides maximum flexibility on operations involving large and heavy objects. Capable of effortlessly lifting and positioning an entire car body within its generous work envelope, this robot has been designed to improve workflow, increase efficiency and to reduce your costs.”

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Haas Automation Debuts Its First CMM HMM430 at IMTS

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Image courtesy of Haas Automation

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Sticking with machinery releases, IMTS 2024 saw a first for global machine manufacturer Haas Automation. The company unveiled its first-ever coordinate measuring machine the HMM430. As any job shop owner will tell you when it comes to precision machining, there’s very little margin for error with an ultra-fine line that separates parts from scrap. CMM machines ensure that parts meet tight tolerances and specifications. Despite this service that CMM machines can provide, their high costs can be a high barrier for entry for job shops. However, Haas has designed this machine with accessibility in mind with the machine described as “perfect for small- to medium-sized shops looking for their first entry into the world of CMM inspections and ownership.”

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Haas goes on to claim that, “Compared to similarly sized options from the big names in the CMM world, you’ll find the HMM430 offers competitive accuracy at an unbeatable Haas price.”

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Here at AMFG we’re keen to see whether this first foray into CMM machines leads to more from Haas.

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Manufacturing and Big Tech

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Image courtesy of IMTS

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Big Tech and manufacturing often go hand in hand, whether that’s LG and Honda teaming up for their join EV battery plant or Intel investment in two new chip building facilities in Ohio. As Robert Schoenberger reports for Industry Week, Google, Microsoft and Amazon were keen to emphasize this special relationship at this year’s IMTS. At the crux of their message was how manufacturers can use data. As Schoenberger highlights, “While each booth is different, the messages are remarkably similar. Collect all of the data that you can from manufacturing systems. Send those data to the cloud. Get incredible insights from data analytics to make your business even better.”

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However, while this message sounds ideal, it can only be achieved with harmony between operational technology (OT) and IT convergence.

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A People-Powered Industry

Image courtesy of Connected World

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As well software and hardware, there was also an emphasis on the importance of people. As Peggy Smedley, President/Editorial Director of Specialty Publishing Media, points out the need for connectivity and collaboration was a theme of many of the talks delivered by speakers. According to Smedley, “We need all people to come together for the good of all innovation. If we want to make great things happen, then we must do it together, and we must have all hands-on deck. This was perhaps one of the big themes I saw as I attended IMTS last week. Collaboration is key to making industries tick today.”

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As well as this, IMTS also saw the return of the Smartforce Student Summit. The Summit, “puts the latest in manufacturing technology from the highest profile industry exhibit partners on display to provide educators and students with fun and engaging learning experiences centered around our industry's vision of the manufacturing technology classroom of the future.”

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Initiatives like these are essential to ensure that manufacturing attracts the next generation of talented young professionals.

Final Thoughts

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Image courtesy of IMTS

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IMTS 2024 delivered a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge technology, automation, and collaborative spirit. From groundbreaking multitasking machines like DN Solutions' DNX series to FANUC’s impressive robotic displays and Haas Automation's accessible CMM debut, this year’s event highlighted the innovation shaping the future of job shops. The presence of Big Tech underscored the importance of data and digital integration in modern manufacturing, while the focus on people—through collaboration and education initiatives like the Smartforce Student Summit—emphasized that the industry’s success depends not just on machines, but also on the talented individuals driving them forward.

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It will be a long wait until IMTS 2026 but we're sure that there will be even more innovation on display when it comes around.