Looking Back at IMTS 2024: A Vision for Manufacturing Innovation in 2025
Companies rely on historical data and trends to inform decision making. By analyzing past production processes and outcomes, they can optimize practices, reduce waste and bump up efficiency. This retrospective analysis helps identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Let’s take a look back at September 2024, when the International Manufacturing Show (IMTS) was at McCormick Place in Chicago. Attendees were treated to a showcase of cutting-edge technology from a range of innovative exhibitors, featuring everything from state-of-the-art CNC machines and robotics to sophisticated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and additive manufacturing solutions.
Machine Design had the privilege to speak with several visionaries at IMTS about what they have coming down the pipe in the next year. Here’s a closer look at the key insights they shared.
Heavy-Part Production on SPEE3D’s Horizon
A front runner in additive manufacturing, SPEE3D is set to launch its Titan Speed platform in 2025. Mark Menninger, vice president of defense at the company, says this next-generation system will dramatically expand their capabilities, allowing for the production of parts that weigh up to 4,000 lb.—a significant leap from their current 90-lb. limit. The U.S. Army Research Lab is validating the technology at a Massachusetts site, Menninger said, and the company expects a full market release in 2025.
Zimmermann to Streamline U.S. Service
CNC machining solutions provider Zimmermann is preparing for a busy 2025 with multiple installations scheduled, said the company president, Cornelius Kiesel.
From a service perspective, he said Zimmermann is establishing a milling head operation in Michigan, which will streamline service operations such as realignment and calibration, directly in the United States. Kiesel says this localized service capability will help increase reliability and quality for their U.S. customers, marking a significant operational advancement for the company. “For the end-user it is a huge benefit,” he said, “because he has a partner that can provide the full all-in service solution.”
6K Additive to Double Production, Enter Ingot Space
Sustainable powder maker 6K Additive is on the brink of a transformation aimed at doubling their production capacity following a $23 million grant from the Department of Defense, Bruce Bradshaw, chief marketing officer, told Machine Design. He also said they plan to diversify their offerings in 2025 by entering the ingot marketplace while continuing to innovate in powder production for military and commercial applications.
Brian Morrison, vice president of sales, powder, added that the increased capacity will help to better serve their expanding customer base, which is aligning with current industry trends. “We see a continued growth anatomy, factoring with the scale, the equipment, the new materials, with further qualification of application,” he said, adding that “expansion really helps us to support our customer base and be responsive.”
Hexagon to Elevate UX and Amplify AI
Looking to elevate the user experience (UX) in 2025, Hexagon plans to augment current offerings and amplify the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across its portfolio, according to Jason Walker, vice president of manufacturing. The company aims to reduce the operational burden on skilled workers by making their technologies more user-friendly and intuitive. This shift is coming at a time when the manufacturing sector faces a skills gap, and increased adoption could streamline operations and drive sustainability.
“I feel like the industry is at a tipping point at the moment, where there’s a lot more pressure from the OEMs on the supply chain to digitize,” Walker said. “I think there’s going to be a lot more opportunity that will come from that for the supply chain manufacturers as well. So it really seems like we are at the point now where we’re on the cusp of seeing many more manufacturers adopt more digital technologies.”
Epicor to Expand Its ERP Portfolio
With a focus on growth through innovation and integration, Kerrie Jordan, group vice president, product management at Epicor, told Machine Design that the company is enthusiastic about expanding its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) portfolio. They are integrating their systems with generative AI to improve data-driven decision-making and changing traditional ERP systems into proactive tools for business strategy. Jordan says Epicor has made several acquisitions and is expecting to further bolster capabilities, preparing them for a robust year ahead.
She says the company is going to build those integrations and bring that data and then apply generative AI and other forms of AI to make informed decisions, “ultimately enabling cognitive ERP, transforming ERP from a system of record to a system of action, so we’re really excited for the future,” she said.
Kawasaki Collaborating for Simplified Integration
Spotlighting ease of use in industrial automation, Kawasaki’s Gilles Renard, robotics engineer, says they are continuing to work on simplifying robot integration as we move into 2025. By collaborating with Hurco CNC machining, they are developing systems that allow operators to program robots using familiar interfaces, thereby eliminating the need for specialized programming knowledge.
“[CNC machine operators] don’t need to learn robot programming to get the system going. All they need to know is the…machine interface, and they can get going that way,” Renard said, adding that this user-friendly approach aims to improve efficiency and accessibility in robot operations.
Platinum Is Ready to Deploy New Supplier Technologies
Optimism prevails at Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc., an exclusive North American importer of standard and custom live tools, angle heads and multiple spindle tools manufactured by Heimatec GmbH, Tecnicrafts Swiss collets and guide bushings, and Henninger Speed Increasers. The company also offers part marking tools, cleaners and radio sensors from AMF. “I think it’s going to be a good year for business,” owner Preben Hansen told Machine Design. As the company prepares to harness and deploy new technologies provided by their suppliers, Hansen’s outlook for business growth in 2025 reflects a positive industry sentiment, indicating a readiness to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Stratasys Expects Surge in High-End Manufacturing
Encouraged by a high utilization rate among customers, additive manufacturing solutions provider Stratasys is witnessing a growing demand for high-end materials, according to Rich Garrity, chief industrial business officer. With expected improvements in capital availability as interest rates decrease, Garrity says the company foresees a renewed investment in equipment as companies look to advance stalled projects.
“No question 2024 has been a challenging year from a capital equipment standpoint, but we believe as interest rates start to come down, that will start another cycle of companies that know they need to get going on certain projects that maybe they’ve held off on,” he told Machine Design. “We’re encouraged that the capex will return, and that will be fueled really by the fact that the customers are using our equipment.”
Check out more coverage from Machine Design’s IMTS 2024 content hub.