IMTS 2024 Conference Brings Industry 4.0, IIoT to Life

Central to the show is the IMTS 2024 Conference, a series of 70 different information sessions selected by a review board. Spanning topics like enhancing productivity and part quality to navigating the complexities of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the conference is tailored to deliver solutions that can be implemented immediately upon return to the workplace.

The conference takes place Monday, Sept. 9 through Thursday, Sept. 12 in rooms W192-A, W192-B & W192-C, W193-A, W193-B in the West Building. 

Some conference topics include:

• Process innovations
• Quality/metrology 
• Automation
• Additive manufacturing/3D printing
• Plant operations
• Artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)
• Training/workforce
• And many more.

To give a small taste for some of the various sessions being offered, see below:

Monday, September 9: 11:00 a.m. | W193-B

Quality Control of Surfaces in the Digital Age

Speaker: Kaitlin Carroll, senior materials scientist at Brighton Science

This session covers the topic of bonding, coating, sealing and painting operations, which are generally sensitive to the state of the substrate surface prior to establishing the interface. Water contact angle is a technique that can be used for surface preparation, process improvement and quality control monitoring. The latest technological advances of water contact angle devices include a web-connected platform for facilitating issue resolution across multiple facilities, creating a common language regarding surface preparedness for bonding and remote monitoring of bond processes.

2:15 p.m. | W194-A

3D Waterjet Cutting: The Next Dimension

Speaker: Evan Washington, senior applications specialist at Flow Waterjet

This session discusses the evolution of three-dimensional waterjet cutting, and how the advancements in technology can take manufacturing and fabrication processes to another level.

Tuesday, September 10: 11:00 a.m. | W192-A

Frequently Asked Questions About AM Post Processing

Speaker: Bill Barker, product manager at Rosler Metal Finishing USA LLC

This session will address the question of what the post processing of 3D printed components is and why it is an essential part of the additive manufacturing process.

2:15 p.m. | W192-B

The Benefits of Using 3D-Printing-designed Metal Alloys for Your Parts

Speaker: Zach Detweiler, vice president of rechnology at Velo3D

When companies look to acquire a metal 3D printer, they often have a specific part or metal alloy in mind. Usually, they have already designed a product, or may even be producing that product through conventional means like casting or CNC milling.

This session will look at some specific alloys that were designed for metal additive manufacturing (AM) and compare them to other alloys that are also available for use in 3D printers. It will highlight how those AM-designed alloys are optimized for the 3D printing process and why similar, but different, alloys may complicate their adoption of AM. 

Specific alloys to be looked at are NASA-designed GRCop-42, a copper alloy that is optimized for the 3D printing process, and Aheadd CP1, an aluminum alloy that minimizes postprocessing when used in AM.

Wednesday, September 11: 1:15 p.m. | W193-A

Accelerating Digital Transformation ROI with Agile Mobile Robots

Speaker: Bob Ochiai, product manager at Boston Dynamics

This session dives into how an end-to-end industrial inspection solution can improve manufacturing operations to be optimally efficient in as little as two years with automated robotic inspection. It discusses the transformational capabilities of mobile robots and showcase how Nestle Purina has successfully leveraged the technology to give their technicians time back and improve processes at their factories. It also discusses how mobile robots do dull, repetitive, ergonomically challenging and predictive tasks to reduce strain on human workforces; enable the upskilling of workers/free up workers to correct and repair abnormalities found through inspections; and how they are just one part of the digital transformation journey, but when engaged effectively, help companies reach ROI in less than two years.

2:15 p.m. | W192-C

Multisensor Metrology Systems: Quality’s Swiss Army Knife

Speaker: Jason Grein, program manager, strategic marketing at Quality Vision International Inc.

This session focuses on multisensor metrology systems. Modern manufacturers are consistently creating parts that are more complex than ever. Intricate, three-dimensional parts with a multitude of features – all with their own critical dimensions – are the norm.

In the past, manufacturers would measure their parts using traditional coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) outfitted with touch probes. While traditional CMMs do provide accurate measurements, modern precision manufacturing requires a variety of precision inspection solutions. Today’s leading manufacturers rely on multisensor metrology systems to deliver accuracy for process monitoring and control.

Multisensor metrology systems provide the advantage of complete 3D measurement data from a single measuring machine. A modern multisensor system combines optics, contact probes (touch trigger and scanning), laser and micro-probes, along with advanced lighting and motion control, for total part characterization. These systems offer highly accurate measurement results in a fraction of the time and cost it would take to do on separate measuring systems, and in a fraction of the space required for multiple measuring systems. 

Thursday, September 12: 10:00 a.m. | W193-A

How Industry 5.0 Unites Automation and Experts for Next-Level Manufacturing

Speaker: Brian Peters, chief marketing officer at Protolabs

This session is analyzing Industry 5.0, including how the latest industrial revolution in manufacturing will shape the industry moving forward. Industry 5.0 challenges the assumption that automation replaces human expertise in manufacturing. Instead, it explores how automation can support experienced workers who are vital to manufacturing. By working together, humans and automation now collaborate seamlessly and knowledgeably to
produce high-quality parts and excellent customer experiences. Adapting to these advanced technologies has required manufacturers, designers and engineers to pivot their approach.

1:15 p.m. | W193-B

Innovative Fluid Technology for Optimal Results in Grinding Operations

Speaker: Christopher Fletcher, metalworking fluids specialist at Oelheld U.S. Inc.

Gaining an understanding of grinding fluid compositions and their uses are key to operational success. This session discusses how to select the best fluid for your grinding operations — utilizing process optimization inputs to achieve the highest levels of performance. Proper care and maintenance can extend fluid life, reduce your environmental impact and ensure that your metalworking fluids are positively affecting your company's sustainability efforts.

Explore all 70 sessions at the IMTS 2024 Conference at https://directory.imts.com/8_0/sessions/#/searchtype/conferences/search/IMTS24/show/all, or by scanning the QR code below.