Today’s Technology Center: IMTS 2018

Aerospace

ONE Aviation’s Eclipse 550 Very Light Jet boasts best-in-class performance, economics, and safety. Flying at up to 41,000ft at a max. cruise of 430mph, all while consuming only 59 gallons of fuel per hour, the Eclipse 550 is the most efficient twin-engine jet available today.

Planes are assembled using friction stir-welding, a green manufacturing process that uses a spinning tool to push two sheets of metal into each other, stirring the metals together without melting either base metal plate. ONE Aviation officials call the process faster and more rigid than heat-based welding.

The IMTS exhibit shows the aircraft’s delivery paint scheme on its left side and a revealing “X-ray view” of systems below the skin on the right. Visitors may sit in the aircraft’s cockpit and experience the cabin found on production models of this 5-passenger, twin-engine personal jet. www.oneaviation.aero

Medical

Pushing the medical industry toward growth, to support an aging population, are the latest medical tools and devices. Today’s Technical Center will display the industry’s most advanced precision instruments that underpin technology innovation in this sector. Explore the materials and tools used to optimally manufacture these medical devices and learn what elements are shifting in the medical industry to adapt to a world of connected devices. Knee, hip, and shoulder implants will be featured in addition to stents, pacemakers, defibrillators, bone screws, plates, and other durable equipment.

Miles 4 Manufacturing

Returning to IMTS for its third time is GIE Media’s Miles for Manufacturing (M4M) 5K Run/Walk, taking place on Wed., Sept. 12, 2018 at 6:30 a.m. M4M, which debuted at IMTS 2014, is an excellent opportunity to get moving while benefiting manufacturing education! The recipient schools prepare young men and women for success in life-long learning and work by providing customized programs in selected career pathways based on their interests, offering programs in CNC machining, CAD, and welding, along with courses in automotive repair and computer design.

Motor Vehicle

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is radically reshaping two of its best-selling vehicles to meet new lightweight standards. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler updates the iconic SUV, using ultra-high-strength steel alloys for the frame and aluminum doors, rear gates, and hoods – improving fuel economy without sacrificing the Wrangler’s off-road dominance.

The 2019 Ram 1500 pickup goes down the same path – heavy use of the toughest-to-process steel on the market, coupled with some aluminum exterior components. The truck can tow and haul more while improving fuel economy. The vehicle also integrates safety systems into its design, hiding camera, Lidar, laser, and other systems, keeping sensors safe from road conditions. www.jeep.com; www.ramtrucks.com