Learning labs to showcase technical knowledge

New event features an industry summit to set the course for the domestic manufacturing industry

August 7, 2011

Manufacturers from across the country will participate in a series of "Learning Labs" this fall as part of the Interactive Manufacturing Experience (imX). The event features an industry summit to chart a new course for the domestic manufacturing industry. These Learning Labs will showcase industry expertise and foster collaborative learning to propel the U.S. manufacturing industry forward.

Learning Labs will demonstrate technical knowledge from each of the eight imX eXperience partners leading the charge to create this industry-defining event, Sept. 12-14 in Las Vegas.

Presenting Learning Labs at imX will be eXperience partners DMG/Mori Seiki U.S.A., FANUC, Kennametal, MAG IAS LLC, Makino, Methods Machine Tools, Okuma America and Sandvik Coromant.

Important manufacturing industry trends and topics addressed in the imX Learning Labs will include:

  • cost minimization,
  • cryogenic super cooling technology applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors,
  • fully integrated automation solutions,
  • green manufacturing techniques,
  • information flow and shop floor networking,
  • machine investment planning,
  • the manufacturing ecosystem,
  • material evolution toward exotic alloys,
  • metal cutting,
  • micromachining technologies,
  • new technology in titanium milling,
  • process and production planning,
  • production on demand (LEAN technology "pull systems"),
  • productivity and quality enhancements in mining and construction machinery components,
  • retaining a skilled workforce,
  • robotics,
  • tooling trends and tooling technology.

”The imX Learning Labs will showcase our eXperience partners’ manufacturing innovations and allow for the open flow of information, even among competitors, that will be crucial to the future of manufacturing," said Steve Prahalis, experience manager, imX. "Industry response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. To date, more than 1,000 high-level executives from 40 states have applied to take part in imX."

Learning Labs will allow attendees to increase their knowledge of new manufacturing technologies and processes through practical, hands-on demonstrations. From a collaborative standpoint, competing suppliers with similar product lines will be located near each other, so attendees can compare all the options available to meet their needs.

imX is jointly presented by leading industry associations the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (AMTDA) and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).

"These Learning Labs are a significant step toward the future of manufacturing, a future that will feature increased collaboration among players large and small." said Mark Tomlinson, SME executive director/CEO.

"Sharing technology, processes and ideas is vital to the sustainability of manufacturing," said Peter Borden, AMTDA president. "imX will be a catalyst in opening the eyes of our nation to the innovation and economic driver that is American manufacturing."

www.imxevent.com

Interactive Manufacturing Experience (imX)