AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) is on track to “wow” IMTS 2014 visitors.
“At IMTS 2004, we created the Emerging Technology Center to present manufacturing ‘technologies of the future’ from leading universities and government research labs,” said Peter Eelman, vice president — exhibitions and communications, AMT. “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 3D-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.
For a look at emerging technology in action, UPS, the global logistics provider to IMTS and AMT, will showcase the latest in logistics technology and how it supports manufacturing.
