At IMTS 2018 in Chicago, GF Machining Solutions showcased new technologies that will shape the future of the manufacturing industry. Unprecedented numbers of visitors saw demonstrations of a wide range of innovative milling, EDM, laser texturing, additive manufacturing and micromachining technologies, along with automation, tooling and connectivity solutions that address many of today’s toughest manufacturing challenges.

The thousands of people who experienced GF Machining Solutions’ product lineup at the event represented industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, mold and die, general machining and job shops. Demonstrations included blisk and impeller manufacturing, steering wheel molds, watch parts and laser texturing of bone-replacement implants.

Among the products that attracted the most attention at the GF Machining Solutions booth were the DMP Factory 500, a new-generation additive machine co-developed through the company’s partnership with 3D Systems; the North American debut of the Mikron MILL P 500 U; a Mikron MILL E 500 U featuring a System 3R tooling and automation cell with FANUC robot; the Laser P Series, including the LASER P 400 U 5-axis machine; and the CUT P 350 wire EDM machine with Smart Wire technology.

The customizable DMP Factory 500 consists of five modules, each function specific. This modular design enables all modules to function continuously for maximum efficiency and customizability. The Mikron MILL P 500 U features powerful, dynamic material removal and high stiffness for continuous machining of complex shapes and tough materials with shortened process time. Options include two spindle choices with varying speeds and power-to-weight ratios, and several rotary tilting tables to accommodate payloads of up to 1,322 lbs. (600 kg).

In addition to new technologies from GF Machining Solutions itself, the company’s IMTS booth also displayed TRD USA’s 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion race car and a cutaway power train that was produced using a fully automated Mikron MILL machining cell with System 3R tooling and automation. GF Machining Solutions’ ongoing partnership as an Official Technical Partner of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) reflects the company’s role in providing high-performance manufacturing and automation technology for use in producing key parts for TRD’s race cars.

About GF Machining Solutions

GF Machining Solutions is the world’s leading provider of machines, diverse technical solutions and services not only to the tool and mold making industry but also to manufacturers of precision components. The portfolio ranges from electrical discharge machines, high-speed and high-performance Milling machines—including clamping and palletization systems, 3D Laser surface texturing machines and Spindles—to solutions for Tooling and Automation, services, spare parts, expendable parts, consumables and Digitalization solutions. GF Machining Solutions is a globally acting Division of the Georg Fischer Group (Switzerland) and maintains a presence on 50 sites worldwide within its own organization. Its 3’255 employees generated sales of CHF 992 million in 2017.