FABTECH 2019: Taking smart manufacturing to the next level

FABTECH 2019

From virtual reality glasses that place you inside a machine to examine it in detail to purchasing a press brake directly on the Internet, FABTECH 2019 in Chicago, IL, took attendees on a journey into the future of metal fabricating and welding.

Thousands of North American manufacturers explored the emerging technologies that were on display and that are shaping metal fabricating, forming and welding.

While much of the equipment on display featured “smarter manufacturing” technologies and concepts such as machine-guided press brakes and cutting machines, “merged” virtual reality interactive software and innovative flexible and mobile automated systems, what was of particular note is the increasing role of digital technologies in linking entire processes together on one platform to increase control, transparency and efficiencies.

At the same time that digital technologies gain a foothold in the metal fabricating, forming and welding industry, suppliers are working at making these technologies more accessible and more user friendly to help overcome the stigma associated with them among many small and medium sized manufacturers.

There is no doubt that digital technologies will evolve even further and will be evident at future FABTECH shows. FABTECH 2020 takes place November 18-20, in Las Vegas, NV.

Beginning in 2021, FABTECH Chicago will shift its dates to September. FABTECH 2021 will take place September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago and will remain in September in future odd years that FABTECH runs.

Amada's robotic bending Amada’s robotic bending Arc Specialties' SnapCut and Universal Robots' easy automation plasma cutting and welding solution Arc Specialties’ SnapCut and Universal Robots’ easy automation plasma cutting and welding solution.

Attendees at Amada's booth to hear about debut fiber laser cutting and bending. Attendees at Amada’s booth to hear about debut fiber laser cutting and bending.