FABTECH 2015 promotes automation, Industry 4.0 and the latest technology

FABTECH 2015 has officially come and gone. North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event kicked off on November 9 and ended November 12 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

This year's event was one of the largest in the show's history and it was evident walking through the aisles, that it was a great show.

One of the clear messages from the show was the importance of automation and the push towards the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). Companies large and small demonstrated how important automation, real-time data monitoring, and advanced technologies are to staying competitive in this global economy.

There were many innovative features highlighted at FABTECH 2015. If you didn't get a chance to visit the show, here are some booth highlights:

TRUMPF showed off it's launch into the panel bending market with the TruBend Center 5030. This was not the only new area TRUMPF is entering into, the machine manufacturer presented its digital business platform AXOOM. The open, vendor-neutral platform enables data transportation as well as data storage and analysis. The company also announced it's plans to expand in North America with a new Technology Center, located in the Chicago area.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CndA4_06sjg]

Amada made automation accessible at FABTECH 2015. This was the first time in the show's history that the company had automation on all the equipment being showcased. The company's integration of varied levels of automation demonstrates a key shift in the manufacturing environment, where Amada listened to its customers and found innovated solutions.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3tCL-oFaPQ]

Mazak brought its newest machine to the show floor. The VCL-T100 offers a smaller footprint and an economical solution for the tube laser market with direct diode laser technology, which Mazak believes is the next generation of laser cutting technology.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW7O2q172hc&w=725&h=408]

Prima Power showed off its new models and features, highlighting its ShearBrilliance sheet metal processing centre. The philosophy behind the machine is not new, it's been something that has been highly successful for the company for the past 27 years. However, the added features and technology allow Prima Power to meet its customer's needs.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2V22Rjxuro]

Hypertherm launched its new abrasive management product. The company has found an economical solution for waterjet customers by recycling up to 60 per cent of the abrasives found in waterjet tables. There is no difference in quality of cut between new and used abrasives, however customers will notice a significant cost savings.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7p30tLLbjg]

Gullco showed off the versatility and ease of use of its KBM-18 Portable Plate Beveling Machine. Check out how easy it is to bevel with this machine.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwUa7gRndxc]

FABTECH 2015 offered a wide range of products and services for the forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries. Each booth offered a unique look into the company's vision for the manufacturing industry going forward. The importance placed on automation, digital integration and productivity enhancing features was clearly demonstrated.

Don't mix the 2016 FABTECH event located in Las Vegas, NV.

For more information, visit www.fabtechexpo.com.