Imts 2022

[Andy Friar]

I am hitting the IMTS (International Machine Tool Show) In Chicago for work, Mon & Tues of next week. Any engine machining mfg’s or race car parts making related vendors anyone on here can recommend? Gonna hit all the whiz bang 5axis CNC players, 4th axis and sheet laser nitrogen capable cutters, metal capable additive mfg’s and more for work. 2400 vendors so either way it should be a good time.

[Andy Friar]

Lots of cool manufacturing methods, machines, demo parts an technology on display at IMTS. I was only there 2 days and didn't see half of the stuff on display. Thought I would share some of the cool pics of the parts and cars I saw there. 3D printed stainless jet thruster cone (looks like a 6 into 1 collector) was neat. So was the 3D printed stainless header. The wall thickness was a lot, but as a demo part, it was pretty neat and flow could be fully controlled by CFD generated shapes. The HAAS F1 car was so much more advanced in person than I thought it would, knowing already that they are pinnacle of motorsports and technology. The sprint car was mostly carbon fiber which was a surprised as well. 900hp and 1400# would make for fun ride on dirt.

[Andy Friar]

The rest of the pics I took that people on here might enjoy...

[Mike Schwartz]

Originally Posted by Andy Friar

... The HAAS F1 car was so much more advanced in person than I thought it would, knowing already that they are pinnacle of motorsports and technology ...

The F1 car looks positively organic. It's hard to believe that every 2"x2" protrusion in that air passage has been tested and tweaked to the exact best location.

[Andy Friar]

Originally Posted by Mike Schwartz

The F1 car looks positively organic. It's hard to believe that every 2"x2" protrusion in that air passage has been tested and tweaked to the exact best location.

Exactly. Mind blowing to say the least. I remember a few years that Lewis Hamilton was asked in an interview how many people it takes to support all of the design, mfg, racing and logistics for a F1 car. He said that Mercedes F1 at the time had 1300 employees for 2 cars. Holy **** that is a lot of people. Like running a stocker, just different...