The first Machine Tool Show, now known as the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), was held in September of 1927 at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, OH where it ran for five days. At the time, some 12,000 visitors and 184 exhibitors participated in the event.

Now, 73 years later, more than 120,000 visitors and 1,400 exhibitors are expected for IMTS 2000. The biennial show will fill all five levels and three exhibit halls at Chicago's McCormick Place and last for eight days.

Exhibits at IMTS are arranged in product pavilions that cluster similar products, processes, and services together, helping visitors to make the best use of their time. This year's pavilion lineup includes:

Abrasive machining/sawing/finishing

Metal cutting

Quality Assurance

EDM

Controls & CAD/CAM

Machine components/cleaning/environmental

Gear generation

Lasers & laser systems

Metal forming & fabricating

Tooling & workholding systems

The show is complemented by the IMTS 2000 Manufacturing Conference and Student Summit. Co-sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), it features hundreds of industry experts from both corporate and academic circles who will lead more than 60 half- and full-day concurrent sessions on all aspects of manufacturing.

The Student Summit joins teachers and school administrators with their junior high through graduate college level students to witness the exhibition of machine tools and related manufacturing technology. The program affords students the opportunity to get a hands-on look at a wide variety of rewarding career options. The conference and Summit are both held in McCormick Place.

IMTS is owned and managed by AMT, the Association for Manufacturing Technology, an organization that supports and enhances the activities of U.S. builders of manufacturing technology equipment. For more information on the show, call 800-322-4687 or visit www.imts.org .

Here are a few products you'll see at the show.

Motors and drives

This company's industrial electric motor line comprises ac and dc motors from 1/50 through 1,500 hp. They include SUPER-E(R), Inverter Drive(R)and Vector Drive(R), pump, explosion-proof, and hostile environment motors. Drives include ac inverter and vector controls from 1 through 500 hp, mini ac inverters from 1/3 through 5 hp, series 5 micro inverters, and single and multi-axis ac and dc brushless servos.

Baldor Electric Co.

Booth D-4340

Box 2400

Fort Smith, AK 72902-2400

www.baldor.com

For Information, circle 562

Pumps

The high-pressure D04 Series positive-displacement pumps have hydraulically-balanced diaphragms for quiet, smooth operation. Pressure is 2,500 psi max; variable flows are up to 3 gpm. The units measure 9.9x10.2x7.5 inches and have no cups, packings, or seals. A self-priming feature lets the pumps run dry without damage.

Wanner Engineering

Booth C-5655

1204 Chestnut Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55403

FAX (612) 332-6937

www.wannereng.com

For Information, circle 563

Pivot system

The Power Pivot Unit provides precise positioning on the production floor. Three imperial and two hard metric sizes offer strokes that are variable in 15-inch increments up to 90 degrees. The cylinder and housing are both stationary, and the housing can be mounted on any of its four sides. Standard features include shock absorbers, quick-disconnect clevis pins, and safety lockouts.

De-Sta-Co Industries

Booth E-2076

31791 Sherman Dr.

Madison Heights, MI 49071

FAX (248) 397-6734

www.destaco.com

For Information, circle 564

Indexing tables

These Fibrotakt, Fibroplan, and Fibrotor indexing tables are made to offer any option for rationalizing and automating production processes and enhancing production quality. The tables are used as central units in rotary special-purpose machines for transporting workpieces and positioning them accurately in each machining station. They are available in any format or size from 100 to 3,000 mm and above. Available specialty tables include tables with pallet receivers, tilt combination, planetary systems, and custom designs.

Fibro Inc.

Booth D-4171

Box 5924

Rockford, IL 61125

FAX (815) 229-1303

www.fibroinc.com

For Information, circle 565

Spindles

Technology to suppress harmonic vibrations and control chatter is a key feature of the GHS line of integrally motorized spindles. Dynamic Preload Control with fluid dampening lets users vary spindle stiffness to eliminate natural frequency harmonics. The line includes four industry-standard sizes that cover a range of machine functions. Totally enclosed, liquid-cooled motors are 3-phase, 4-pole induction units rated for 380V.

Russell T. Gilman Inc.

Booth D-4168

Box 5

Grafton, WI 53024

FAX (262) 377-9438

www.rtgilman.com

For Information, circle 566

Gearbox

Hypoid gearing lets the Dyna Series servo gearbox deliver high torque throughput and positioning accuracy. Precision-ground gears allow efficiencies up to 96% and low backlash and noise. The single-stage gearbox withstands high input speeds and offers eight ratios from 3:1 to 15:1 with one or two output shafts or with a hollow-bore configuration. Features include taper roller bearings and lifetime lubrication.

Gam

Booth D4361

7333 W Wilson Ave.

Chicago, IL 60656

FAX (708) 867-2822

www.gamweb.com

For Information, circle 567

Toolholding system

A modular, quick-change system, the Capto(R)toolholder minimizes tool-change dead time during machining. Reductions in setup time reportedly add 50 hours per station per year. Developed for both milling and turning applications, the system reportedly features 30-second STOP to START changeout with fifty-millionths repeatability.

Sandvik Coromant

Booth E-2604

1702 Nevins Rd.

Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

FAX (201) 794-5217

www.sandvik.com

For Information, circle 568

Ball screw

Traverse speeds up to 200M/min are possible with the Rotating Nut (RN) line of ball screws. A flange-type housing contains the preloaded rotating ball nut assembly and enables a timing belt to drive the nut. Bearings are grease-packed and sealed for life. The devices are available in ISO precision classes 3 and 5 in both medium-duty (single-track) and high-duty (twin-track) configurations.

Thomson Industries

Booth D-4345

2 Channel Dr.

Port Washington, NY 11050

FAX (516) 944-1892

www.thomsonindustries.com

For Information, circle 569

Machine head

The Z3 Head transfers motion of three linear and parallel axes into Z-axis and two rotary axis motions. Each of the three linear axes is powered by an independent ball screw and drive unit connected to the spindle housing by universal joints. When all three axes are moved at the same time, the tool moves in the traditional Z-axis plane. When programmed to move independently, they create the A- and C-axes of motion when mounted into a horizontal profiler-type machine tool.

Cincinnati Machine

Booth 8101

4701 Marburg Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45209-1025

FAX (513) 841-8991

www.cinmach.com

For Information, circle 570

Near-net extrusions

Compared with alternative metal forming methods-machining, welding, and fabrication and assembly-near-net extrusion makes it possible to achieve the near-final profile of a complex shape with fewer steps and less labor, according to the company. Additionally, another reported benefit is tighter dimensional tolerances-yielding higher quality. Typical commercial applications include agricultural components and commercial equipment.

Plymouth Extruded Shapes

Booth B-6402

201 Commerce Ct.

Hopkinsville, KY 42240

FAX (270) 886-6662

www.plymouth.com/extrusions

For Information, circle 571

Measuring system

The YP20 3D coordinate measuring machine (CMM) uses a semiconductor laser and reflective-activated focusing to measure a surface. A CCD camera with 50xlens provides measured-point image feedback to a color monitor via a video-capture board within the machine's 450-MHz Pentium II PC. A 230x230-mm part stage moves a workpiece within a 110x110-mm range; Z-axis measurement range is 20 mm. Applications include inspection, measurement, and analysis of microscopic surface features on integrated circuits, pc boards, hard disks, and machined materials.

Sony Precision Technology America Inc.

Booth D-4603

20381 Hermana Circle

Lake Forest, CA 92630

FAX (949) 770-8408

www.sonypt.com

For Information, circle 572

Lift magnet

The Safehold(R)APL Series permanent lift magnet turns on and off automatically by lifting or lowering it with a crane, eliminating manual activation. The magnet lifts and transfers steel and iron sheets without slings, hooks, or cables.

Eriez Magnetics

Booth B-6138

Box 10608

Erie, PA 16514

FAX (814) 833-3348

www.eriez.com

For Information, circle 573

Forming, fastening, and riveting

The Model B-310 pneumatic bench riveter is rated to a capacity of 0.312 inch diameter in mild steel or an equivalent area in tubing, square, or other form. Maximum downward force is 2,120 lbs at 100 psi, pneumatic. Tool stroke is adjustable from 0.06 to 1.75 inches in 0.001-inch increments. Standard throat depth is 6.00 inches. Custom/special throat depths are available. Vertical head height adjustment is 6.5 inches.

Orbitform

Booth B-6044

1600 Executive Dr. Box 1469

Jackson, MI 49204

FAX (517) 787-6609

www.orbitform.com

For Information, circle 574

CAD

More than 150 major enhancements and additions are part of SolidWorks 2000, the newest release of the company's Windows-native, 3D mechanical design software. The package offers a comprehensive migration path from 2D to 3D design. New features include a file-management system, faster opening of large assembly drawings, cropped views, annotation alignment tools, and surfacing capabilities that simplify using imported models and creating ergonomic shapes.

SolidWorks

Booth D-3203

300 Baker Ave.

Concord, MA 01742

FAX (978) 371-7303

www.solidworks.com

For Information, circle 575

Dies

These lines of modular hard dies consist of standardized punches and punch holders, dies and die holders, strippers, and gauges that users can arrange and rearrange to suit various part sizes or hole patterns. XimmiX(R)features a template and post bump-die design for short to medium runs. The Adjustable Die uses a T-slotted master die set for prototyping. Magna Die(R)2000 is a master die set and template system for medium and long runs. All three systems handle square sheared blanks, strip, and coil-fed stock. Additionally, the templates are setup outside the press, minimizing downtime.

S.B. Whistler & Sons

Booth B-6305

Box 207

Akron, NY 14001

FAX (716) 542-4226

www.sbwhistler.com

For Information, circle 576

Wireways

A line of industrial wireway products offers NEMA Type 12 or 4X protection for electrical wiring and sizes from 2.5x2.5 to 12x12 inches. Products range from lay-in and feed-through troughs to hinged- and screw-cover models; accessories include end plates, bracket and drop hangers, gasket flanges, and box connectors.

Rittal Electromate

Booth D-4165

1 Rittal Pl.

Springfield, OH 45504

FAX (937) 390-5599

www.rittal-corp.com

For Information, circle 577

Measurement system

DataStar Series video metrology systems provide critical measurement and high-precision positioning during manufacturing and quality control inspection. The systems incorporate an ergonomically designed workstation and the company's Galaxy(TM)metrology software for Windows NT.

Newport Corp.

Booth D-4415

1791 Deere Ave.

Irvine, CA 92606

FAX (949) 863-0221

For Information, circle 578

Pneumatic fieldbus manifold system

The F-Design pneumatic fieldbus manifold system reportedly allows direct control of valve solenoid coils, sensor inputs, and other generic I/O field devices through a serial communications link such as DeviceNet. The manifold has also been designed with an added capability that allows it to be split into segments without incurring any additional cost associated with multiple communication nodes. One communication node can accommodate 64 inputs and 64 outputs in two branches.

Mannesman Rexroth Corp.

Booth D-4210

1953 Mercer Rd.

Lexington, KY 40511

FAX (800) 489-4188

www.rexrothmecman.com

For Information, circle 579

Machining system

The Superabrasive Machining System is a 5-axis rotary trunion machine that can operate at 20,000 sfm. An automatic tool changer holds a magazine of assorted CBN wheels and milling cutting tools. Z-axis stroke is up to 16 inches.

Edgetek Machine Corp.

Booth B-6917

450 Murdock Ave.

Meriden, CT 06450

For Information, circle 580

Machining center

A 2-pallet changer eliminates part-loading time from the FH-4000's machining cycle and helps maximize spindle uptime. The general-purpose horizontal cutting machine features a maximum cutting feed rate of 1,418 inches/minute, 0.5G acceleration, and a 1-degree indexing table. The direct-drive ac spindle requires no gears or belts, and provides 12,000 rpm, 30 hp, and 123 ft-lbs of torque. An automatic tool changer stores 40 tools and has a chip-to-chip change time of 3.5 seconds.

Mazak Corp.

Booth A-8200

8025 Production Dr.

Florence, KY 41042

www.mazakusa.com

For Information, circle 581

Cutting system

The Domino Laser Cutting System offers 2D and 3D cutting via a 2,200W CO 2laser. The machine cuts sheet and plate up to 98.5x49 inches and up to 1/2-inch thick. Within its 360 degrees A-axis and 120-degree B-axis rotations, it can also handle workpieces up to 6.25 inches high with any tool attitude. An integrated safety cabin fully encloses the work area, trapping fumes in the machine and providing a CDRH Class I operating environment.

Prima U.S. Inc.

Booth B-6530

23399 Commerce Dr. Suite B-10

Farmington Hills, MI 48335

FAX (248) 442-7088

www.primalaser.com

For Information, circle 582

Snap rings

A new series of snap rings has no protruding ears or burrs. The carbon steel components come in diameters of 1/2 to 11 inches; special designs are available in stainless steel with diameters ranging from 1/2 to 84 inches.

Smalley Steel Ring Co.

Booth B-7234

385 Gilman Ave.

Wheeling, IL 60090

FAX (847) 537-7698

www.smalley.com

For Information, circle 583