SHOW NEWS: Fabtech Features Emerging Technology

John Wolz

Emerging technologies, accelerated product development and methods for implementing these new technologies on the shop floor are on the agenda at Fabtech International 2004.
The trade show featuring suppliers for the metal forming and fabricating industry will be October 26-28, 2004, in Cleveland. The event is co-sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International.
Promoters predict the show will draw 13,000 buyers from 50 countries to see 450 exhibiting companies, including automation/robotics, bending/folding, coil processing, contract manufacturing, controls, cutting, finishing, hydroforming, lasers, material handling, punching, roll forming, safety equipment, software, stamping and tooling.
Grant Aldonas, undersecretary for international trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce will speak on “Keeping American Manufacturing Competitive in a Global Economy,”
The conference program totals 30 sessions including seven new sessions reflecting innovative technologies. Topics include profit growth management, understanding lubricants, roll forming, hot metal gas forming, tooling, preventive maintenance and safety issues. There will be free sessions led by industry experts on how to expand business, compete for government contracts and develop new products. There will be a small business lending center on the show floor.
For Fabtech information contact SME. Tel: 800 733-4763 Web: sme.org/fabtech
Founded in 1970, FMAI is a non-profit educational association. Web: fmanet.org
SME supports manufacturing engineering education through member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources. SME has members in 70 countries. Web: sme.org \ �2004 FastenerNews.com