Approach PMTS 2025 With a ‘Process’ Mindset

The Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) is unique in North America as it is the only trade show that focuses exclusively on the challenges and opportunities for precision, high-volume machine shops.

Founded in 2001, the biennial PMTS reconvenes this April 1-3 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, to celebrate the people and technology that serve as the foundation of our precision machining industry.

Show exhibitors have increasingly put an emphasis on presenting solutions more so than products. Yes, “solutions” sounds like marketing-speak. But, if you’ve attended recent PMTS events, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s true, especially if your company machines high volumes of parts instead of one-offs or prototypes.

One way this will be represented at the show is in the multiple examples of ways that automation is more than robots. Certainly, robots are shedding the bad reputation of many years ago as they are now more flexible, easier to program and, in some cases, re-deployable to various machines. However, shops are also looking at more equip­ment such as tool presetters, on-machine part and tool probing and automatic toolchangers for B-axis Swiss-type lathes as a way to eliminate manual tasks (and the risk of error) from the machining process. CAD/CAM software also continues to integrate more automated part programming functionality.

It’s about establishing an effective overall machining process.

At PMTS 2025, you’ll find approximately 320 exhibitors displaying the machinery, tools, materials and software you’re looking for to help boost your efficiency, capabilities, profitability and global competitiveness.

And the timing is right. Per Gardner Intelligence, which has been developing and delivering market intelligence to industrial manufacturing for nearly 50 years, contract manufacturers and machine shops are investing in machine tool technology with an expected overall increase of nearly 20% in 2025.

Plus, we recognize no one knows better than you the challenges you face, such as the ongoing skilled labor shortage, supply chain issues and more. Therein lies the value of the educational, networking and technical discoveries waiting for you at PMTS — all to help you better meet those challenges. And, to do that while finding solutions which can open other production bottlenecks on your shop floor.

Visit pmts.com to find the latest show information.

Also, make time to attend the various in-booth demonstrations to see live machines and other equipment in-action also directly on the show floor. A hallmark of PMTS, these demonstrations enable you to view machines and equipment in action and ask questions of the presenters and other available experts on the spot.

PMTS Remains a Vehicle for Discovery

This issue of Production Machining offers glimpses at a handful of new products and services that will be presented at the show. That’s one way to start planning your visit. Another is to use the PMTS 2025 app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app enables you to search exhibitors, floor plans and free show floor educational lineups; build your own personalized event agenda; connect with other attendees and set up appointments; and get the most up-to-date event information. Find the app by searching “PMTS 2025” in the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

Of course, the big draw at PMTS is the ability to check out equipment in person. As part of that, the show offers in-booth demonstrations offered by a variety of exhibitors in their booths. The demonstrations enable you to see machines and equipment in action and ask questions of the presenter and other available experts. Exhibitors offering in-booth demos for this show include Gosiger, Grob Systems, Haas Factory Outlet, JBM Technologies, Mazak, Murata Machinery USA, Marubeni Citizen-Cincom and Tajmac-USA.

In addition, don’t forget about other show attractions such as Tech Talks. These interactive, classroom-style presentations held in a dedicated area on the show floor are intimate and limited in size. They are led by industry experts and leading equipment suppliers and offer opportunities for deeper learning about specific products and technology. This show includes sessions from CJWinter, Kennametal, MachineMetrics and Tsugami America (although more are likely to be added).

The co-located Parts Cleaning workshop is offered on Wednesday, April 2, too, which takes the place of the Parts Cleaning conference which debuted in 2010. The one-day workshop hosted by industry experts teaches how cleaning and cleanliness testing work. By participating in hands-on techniques for cleaning and cleanliness verification, attendees gain the understanding and knowledge to make practical, effective and sustainable manufacturing decisions. (See the sidebar for more information.)

Get to Know the PMPA

PMTS also offers the opportunity to mingle with our own industry association, the Precision Machined Products Assocation (PMPA), and its experts who make it one of the most respected associations in manufacturing. 

The PMPA is here for you — precision machining manufacturers. You represent the heartbeat of America and the foundation of advanced manufacturing. If you haven’t looked into how the association can help you, stop by Booth 7030 and see what PMPA membership can do for your manufacturing business.

Plus, before the show starts on Tuesday, April 1, it will host free educational sessions as part of its National Technical Conference. The conference includes technical sessions on a variety of topics, and show attendees who are not PMPA members can attend any of the sessions held on Tuesday morning at no cost. Led by those at the PMPA and other industry experts, these popular sessions offer a glimpse at what PMPA membership has to offer.

For example, David Wynn, PMPA’s director of technical services, is hosting a session titled “I Have a Problem.” Several shop problems will get this session started, but any technical question or problem attendees would like to address is open for discussion. Also, industry veteran Miles Free III, PMPA’s director of industry affairs, will host “Miles’ Key Lifetime Industry Takeaways.”

Free has spent 50 years in the industry and nearly 22 years serving PMPA members. He began his career working as a laborer in the Mahoning Valley, Ohio, steel mills after graduating from high school. Over the next three decades, he maneuvered his way through several steel mill mergers and acquisitions while successfully climbing his way up the career ladder, eventually becoming responsible for all quality and product development for the cold finished division at Republic Technologies.

Free, who is retiring in July, has been a vital part of the PMPA team over the years and has contributed significantly to its successes. He has authored hundreds of articles, thousands of blog posts, responded to tens of thousands of member queries, personal assists and ListServe Community posts.

In addition, the PMPA Educational Foundation invites all students in grades 8-12 to a dedicated, one-day program to explore a career path in industrial manufacturing on Thursday, April 3. The PMPA will introduce young people to industry professionals, show them the latest technology displayed on the PMTS exhibit hall floor and provide an up-close view of the machines and materials they could work with in a successful, rewarding career in manufacturing. (Email info@pmpafoundation.org to register or learn more.)

Finally, the show offers various outlets for networking with industry peers. For example, at the PMTS opening night party at the BrewDog Cleveland Outpost on April 1 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It has 28 taps featuring BrewDog and local brews, a range of food options and a beautiful patio with river views, fire pits and games. The price is $85, and free transportation is provided to get you there and back from the show. Visit pmts.com/network to register.  

Hope to See You There

PMTS is a manageable show to navigate and see those exhibitors you’d hope to visit while possibly affording you to build in a good amount of roaming time to discover helpful new technologies or ideas that maybe you didn’t even think to consider for your shop. Strolling is strongly recommended. You never know what new product you might encounter. And, if you and your team can only break away from your shop for a day, you’ll still be able to see much of the technology offerings so long as you maintain a good pace.

Be sure to visit pmts.com to register as well as find the latest show information. There, you can also learn more about host hotels, parking, restaurants and other info about downtown Cleveland to help get the most out of your trip to Northern Ohio.