The story of finding—and keeping—skilled workers in manufacturing has been told for decades. It’s always the “next-generation,” that’s going to swoop-in and create a manufacturing renaissance both here and abroad. Yet, the conversation remains largely unchanged since as far back as the 1980s.

Training and employee development can seem daunting to manufacturers still playing catch-up post-COVID and trying to move product out the door. Management wants to implement new IIoT and smart manufacturing strategies to increase manufacturing productivity, but a lack of time, money and available resources can complicate these goals.

Here's a close look at some of the exhibits that will be of interest to gear manufacturers at the upcoming IMTS 2022 at McCormick Place, Chicago.

The metalworking community comes together during IMTS to celebrate and promote manufacturing technology. Pavilions include Abrasive Machining, 3D-Printing, Controls, Fabrication, Gear Generation, Machine Components, Metal Removal, Quality Assurance, and Tooling and Workholding.  The show is co-located with Hannover Messe USA. The following article looks at a few of the products and technologies offered this September at McCormick Place in Chicago from September 12–17, 2022:             

Different component characteristics in electric vehicles lead to higher noise and load requirements in the automotive industry. E-mobility—to a certain degree—is changing how gear analysis and inspection is carried out. Dissecting noise issues in gears and gearboxes requires an analytical approach like a detective. The problem could stem from the design itself, tolerancing or tip/root relief issues, tooth flank form deviations like waviness or perhaps crowning issues that directly impact noise. Every aspect of gear production needs to be examined to provide the most accurate results.

Kadia has been designing deburring robot cells based on 6-axis industrial robots for many years. In the meantime, a new trend is now emerging, solutions with an even higher value-added component, i.e., with general machining processes such as milling, drilling or thread cutting. The robot is thus no longer just part of a deburring machine.

Tool-X is a nanofluid that changes the characteristics of existing metalworking fluids by ‘manipulating’ speeds, feeds and metal removal rates using nanotechnology. The science behind Tool-X can potentially change metal cutting dynamics, improve surface finishes and extend tool life. The backstory of this technology is just as fascinating as its production results.

The Art of the Brick (AOTB) is a LEGO exhibition combining art, science and innovation to inspire visitors of all ages currently on display at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago.