IMTS 2022: Showcasing the Future of Manufacturing and Additive Technologies

This week, the global manufacturing community converged in Chicago for the 33rd edition of the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), the largest and longest-running industry trade show in the Western Hemisphere. IMTS 2022, which ran from Monday, September 12th through Saturday, September 17th at the expansive McCormick Place convention center, marked a highly anticipated return. As a biennial event, its 2020 iteration was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this year’s show the first in four years. The palpable excitement was evident in the impressive attendance figures, with over 75,425 registered participants eager to explore the latest advancements shaping the industry.

A significant highlight of IMTS 2022 was the pronounced spotlight on additive manufacturing. Companies across the board were keen to demonstrate how 3D printing has evolved from a niche technology into a mature, industrialized tool, poised to complement and enhance traditional manufacturing processes. This growing integration was reflected in the exhibit halls, where, according to Forbes, twice as many 3D printer manufacturers showcased their innovations compared to the last pre-pandemic event, with 83 companies represented. This surge underscores the industry’s recognition of 3D printing’s potential to revolutionize design, production, and supply chains. For attendees, this meant an unparalleled opportunity to witness groundbreaking advancements firsthand and gain insights into the future direction of industrial production. This report offers a curated look at some of the most exciting 3D printing news and developments unveiled at IMTS 2022, providing a glimpse into what visitors experienced at this landmark event.

SolidCAM Forges Ahead with Additive Manufacturing Integration

For decades, SolidCAM has been a recognized leader in CAM software, offering robust solutions for CNC machining across various industries. However, IMTS 2022 served as a pivotal platform for the company to announce its strategic expansion into the additive manufacturing sector. This significant move is underpinned by a global partnership with Desktop Metal, a prominent player in metal additive manufacturing. The collaboration aims to showcase how Desktop Metal’s advanced AM 2.0 technology seamlessly integrates with SolidCAM’s established software and machining solutions, creating a powerful synergy that addresses the evolving needs of modern manufacturing.

Through this partnership, SolidCAM has become an authorized sales partner for Desktop Metal, distributing their metal AM systems across key markets including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and India. This expanded reach signifies a commitment to providing comprehensive manufacturing solutions globally. The core vision behind this collaboration is to offer a full end-to-end solution that effectively combines the advantages of 3D printing with the precision of CNC machining. This hybrid approach enables the creation of complex metal components for a diverse range of applications, from rapid prototyping and small-series production to highly efficient large-batch manufacturing. Visitors to SolidCAM’s booth at IMTS were treated to live demonstrations of CNC machining, alongside close-up views of Desktop Metal’s innovative Studio System and Shop System. These systems are renowned for their ability to produce high-quality metal parts with ease, making metal additive manufacturing more accessible and cost-effective for a broader industrial base. For those interested in exploring the future of hybrid manufacturing, booth 134502 at IMTS was a must-visit destination.

HP Unleashes Its Groundbreaking Metal 3D Printer

One of the most anticipated announcements at IMTS 2022 came from HP, which finally launched its much-awaited metal 3D printer, the HP Metal Jet S100. This official commercial availability marked a significant milestone, as the industry has been following the development of this machine since its initial reveal in 2018. While HP is widely recognized for its pioneering Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, which has revolutionized polymer 3D printing, the journey into metal additive manufacturing has been a meticulous one, experiencing production delays due to the global pandemic. The Metal Jet S100 system leverages HP’s proprietary Metal Jet technology, an advanced form of binder jetting. This innovative approach is set to transform the production of high-quality metal parts, enabling users like Schneider Electric to achieve true mass production capabilities.

Binder jetting technology works by selectively jetting a liquid binding agent onto a bed of powdered metal, layer by layer, to build a green part. This part then undergoes a curing and sintering process, resulting in a dense, high-performance metal component. The advantages of HP’s Metal Jet system include its ability to produce complex geometries, high resolution, and excellent surface finish, making it ideal for various industrial applications. Moreover, binder jetting often boasts faster production speeds and lower per-part costs compared to other metal AM methods, making it highly attractive for large-volume manufacturing. Attendees at IMTS had the exclusive opportunity to see the HP Metal Jet S100 in action at HP’s booth, along with compelling examples of production-ready applications. Further insights into this groundbreaking technology were provided during a keynote address at IMTS’ Additive Manufacturing Conference on September 15th, delivered by HP’s Global Head of 3D Metals Go-to-Market. This presentation delved into the strategic vision for HP’s metal AM portfolio and its potential impact on industrial workflows and supply chains, marking a new era for metal additive manufacturing.

Formnext USA 2025 Announced: Expanding the AM Horizon

While IMTS 2022 was in full swing, another significant announcement on the additive manufacturing calendar captured the attention of attendees. It might seem unconventional to discuss a future trade show while one is actively happening, but the news of Formnext USA 2025 generated considerable buzz. Formnext, renowned as one of the premier additive manufacturing trade shows globally, primarily held in Frankfurt, Germany, announced last year its ambitious plans to launch a dedicated Formnext USA event in April 2025. This strategic expansion aims to bring Formnext’s globally recognized platform for industrial 3D printing and intelligent manufacturing solutions directly to the North American market.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving key industry players: AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology, the esteemed producer of IMTS 2022, and Gardner Business Media Inc (GBM). This powerful alliance combines Formnext’s international leadership in additive manufacturing events with AMT’s deep roots in the North American manufacturing sector and GBM’s extensive reach in industrial media. The partnership promises to create a robust platform that will foster innovation, facilitate networking, and drive the adoption of additive manufacturing across the continent. For many attendees at IMTS, the announcement of Formnext USA 2025 signified a promising future for the additive manufacturing industry, indicating continued growth and a dedicated forum for showcasing cutting-edge technologies. A special press conference held on September 15th at IMTS offered interested attendees the chance to learn more about the vision, scope, and specific plans for this highly anticipated new event, outlining its potential to become a cornerstone for AM advancements in the Americas.

Xact Metal Unveils the Advanced XM300G Series Printer

Adding to the array of exciting product launches at IMTS 2022, Xact Metal introduced its newest addition to its portfolio: the XM300G series 3D printer. This launch was perfectly timed for Xact Metal’s return to IMTS, marking their first appearance at the show since 2018. The XM300G series represents a significant step forward for the company, targeting customers who require larger parts or wish to print in higher quantities without compromising on affordability. Designed as a mid-size metal 3D printer, it boasts an impressive build volume of 300 x 300 x 250mm, providing ample space for diverse manufacturing needs.

Xact Metal’s core philosophy revolves around making metal 3D printing accessible and cost-effective, and the XM300G series is a testament to this commitment, with prices starting at an attractive $200,000. This pricing strategy aims to democratize access to advanced metal additive manufacturing, enabling more businesses, from SMEs to larger enterprises, to integrate this technology into their production workflows. The XM300G is particularly well-suited for industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and general manufacturing, where demand for robust, high-performance metal components is high. Its capabilities extend to printing with various metal alloys, offering flexibility for different application requirements. At their booth, Xact Metal provided attendees with the unique opportunity for a hands-on experience with the new machine. Industry experts were readily available to answer any questions, offering in-depth insights into the printer’s features, material compatibility, and potential applications. This direct engagement allowed prospective customers to fully understand the value proposition and operational benefits of the XM300G series, reinforcing Xact Metal’s position as a leader in affordable, high-quality metal additive manufacturing solutions.

Exploring the Frontier: 3D Printing in Space at IMTS 2022

Over the past few years, the potential of additive manufacturing in the exploration and colonization of space has become increasingly evident. Recognizing this burgeoning field, IMTS 2022 dedicated significant attention to showcasing the role of 3D printing in extraterrestrial endeavors. The AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at IMTS featured a compelling exhibition that captivated attendees. A centerpiece of this display was a scaled section of the 23-foot-tall Rosenberg Space Habitat, proudly touted by IMTS as the world’s tallest 3D printed polymer structure. This impressive exhibit provided a tangible vision of future lunar or Martian dwellings, demonstrating the scale and capability of additive manufacturing in creating habitable structures beyond Earth.

Beyond static displays, the ETC offered live demonstrations of the advanced robotic 3D printing technology employed in the creation of the Rosenberg Space Habitat. These demonstrations illustrated the intricate processes involved in large-scale additive construction, highlighting how autonomous systems can operate in challenging environments, a crucial aspect for space missions. The exhibition was meticulously designed to explore how cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, with a particular focus on 3D printing, can facilitate sustainable lunar lodging. This aligns perfectly with ongoing international plans to colonize the moon and establish permanent human presence in space. The ability to print structures and components in situ, using local resources or materials brought from Earth, dramatically reduces the logistical and cost burdens associated with space missions. Additive manufacturing offers advantages such as lightweighting parts, on-demand production of tools and spare parts, and the creation of complex geometries optimized for the unique demands of space. The IMTS exhibition therefore served as a powerful testament to 3D printing’s critical role in unlocking the next frontier of human exploration and expansion.

Were you among the thousands of attendees at IMTS 2022? What were your most exciting discoveries or takeaways from the event? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in a comment below or join the conversation on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t miss out on the latest advancements and insights in the world of 3D printing – be sure to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, delivering the freshest news straight to your inbox. You can also explore our extensive library of videos and interviews on our dedicated YouTube channel for more in-depth content.

*Cover Photo Credits: IMTS