IMTS 2018 Showtime: Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives

IMTS 2018 is the 32nd edition of the premier manufacturing technology show in North America. More than 2,400 exhibiting companies are expected to occupy 1.37 million net sq ft of exhibit space at the McCormick Place complex in Chicago, IL. This event is held every even-numbered year in Chicago and attracts more than 115,000 buyers and sellers from over 117 countries. This year’s show runs from September 10-15. On-site registration opens Monday, September 10 through Saturday, September 15, in all four buildings of McCormick Place:

• East Building Level 2 & West Building, Level 3 Annex 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• East Building Level 3 & West Building, Level 3 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• North Building Level 3 & South Building, Level 3 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

To help you plan your trip to the show, here are technical reviews of some of the machine controls, networks, systems and accessories that will be exhibited in the Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives Pavilion to help you navigate the show floor and manage your time while you’re there:

Visual Indicator Delivers Operator Guidance at Most Critical Point
SmartLight indicators from Balluff can direct, instruct and guide operators in nearly any manufacturing task to increase productivity and minimize workforce errors.

Plug-and-Play Vacuum End-Of-Arm Tooling for Collaborative Robots
The Collaborative Robot Vacuum Tool from Bimba is a plug-and-play end effector option for collaborative robots that requires no additional software or controls.

New ERP Applications Improve Visual Tools, User Efficiency, Billing Functions
Shop Floor Dispatch, Enterprise Search, and Contract Agreements add functionality to GLOVIA G2 V3.5.0 ERP from Fujitsu Glovia that was not previously available.

Next Generation CNC and Integrated Factory Automation
The MELSEC iQ-R automation platform on the new C80 Series CNC from Mitsubishi Electric Automation increases productivity, lowers cycle times and integrates with their IoT systems, FR series robots, 5-axis machining, fully automated manufacturing cell and more.