Machine builders, system integrators and component suppliers showcase innovations at IMTS in Chicago

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, with emphasis on innovations inrnapplying automation to manufacturing and assembly.rnDesign/methodology/approach - In-depth interviews with exhibitors of automated assembly and manufacturing technology.rnFindings - Building of production machinery is moving toward offering automated assembly or production cells and away from building single purposerneguipment. Robots are married to machine tools for much more than just tending.rnOriginality/value - The paper shows how users in almost any manufacturing realm will find that automated assembly technologies are nowrnaddressing all types of production requirements. No longer is it necessary to think that only million off part runs can be produced in an automatedrnmanner. Machine tool builders are including testing, finishing, marking, assembly and other secondary operations within the basic machining unit for arnwide range of production volumes. Automation can even be applied to "made to order" type production.