AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014 is on track to “wow” show visitors.

“At IMTS 2004 we created the Emerging Technology Center to present manufacturing "technologies of the future" from leading universities and government research labs,” notes Peter Eelman, vice president – exhibitions and communications, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “This feature returned IMTS to its roots as a forum where the latest technologies are first seen. This year is no exception, and we are confident that this will be the most exciting ETC effort yet.”

The number one "wow" factor in the ETC is sure to be the complete construction of a 3-D-printed electric car by IMTS partner Local Motors. Local Motors will build and deliver the first direct digital manufactured vehicle at IMTS 2014.

Designed by the company's global community, and built using the material science and advanced manufacturing techniques available at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Local Motors will produce an electric vehicle purpose-built for the urban transportation needs of Chicago.

The team will start from scratch employing direct digital manufacturing techniques and technology integration to make the parts and assemble the vehicle. This is a real-world demonstration of achieving sustainable manufacturing by using emerging technologies, such as additive manufacturing, all integrated in a digital environment.

Making certain that U.S. manufacturers can compete globally remains a hot topic. Also part of the ETC will be the Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation that make up the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. They will show how regional hubs leverage public-private partnerships to strengthen the position of U.S. manufacturers. The community can expect to see examples of innovations from:

America Makes, focused on growing capabilities, collaboration and strength in additive manufacturing technologies; Power America, revolutionizing energy efficiency for everything from electronic devices to electric vehicles; Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute, which will be located on Chicago’s Goose Island, will work toward the application of digital technologies to reduce the time and cost of manufacturing; and American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, concentrating on both the development of lightweight alloys as well as developing automated manufacturing processes to promote energy efficiency.