FABTECH Canada 2018 — Today’s most advanced welding robots

FABTECH Canada was my first international trade show and my first time visiting Canada, not to mention meeting Canadian experts in the industries of metalforming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. Visiting the Toronto Congress Centre, attendees sought opportunities to think, learn, and network, especially international growth strategy for manufacturers.

About the Show

As a member of Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), the professional organization serving the metal processing, forming and fabricating industry, I have a better understanding of the manufacturing challenges of a large segment of our customers. FMA is a co-sponsor of FABTECH, a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the tools to improve productivity, increase profits and discover new solutions for metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing needs. There were also thought-provoking keynotes, panels sessions, and information-packed breakout sessions focused on addressing the opportunities and challenges that exist in their industries.

In all, 7,600+ attendees toured across over 98,000 square feet full of today’s most innovative products in the world of manufacturing.

FABTECH Canada also gave me the chance to explore Toronto, Canada's largest city and North America's fourth largest!

Innovations in manufacturing: Robotics

At FABTECH Canada, automation and robotics stole the show. Manufacturers are using automation and robots to overcome inefficiencies, lower costs, increase productivity, and gain market share. The most impressive robot on display was the FANUC seven-axis R-1000iA/120F-7B, which has a payload of 120kg and a maximum reach of 2,230mm. The seventh axis allows the robot’s J2 arm to fold into itself, making it shorter and able to operate in very tight workspaces.

FANUC 7-Axis Spot Welding R-1000iA/120F-7B 7-Axis Robot Spot Welding

The YuMi - 14000 by ABB Robotics serving coffee to attendees

KUKA displaying a couple of their welding robots

Manufacturing business software

The expo hall stayed busy. We talked to several business owners and employees about the the manufacturing challenges they face, their technology strategies (or the lack thereof) and the need for an integrated software solution. Whether weakness lives in poor accounting practices, distribution channels, plant floor operations and/or sales management, small and large businesses alike experience the same difficulties: much needed improvements in their workflow processes.

Canadian consultants Kathy Michienzi of KMichienzi Consulting (Toronto) and Bernard Le Jour of AS Plus Informatique Inc. (Montreal) joined us for the entire three-day show. Both were huge helps when the booth was buzzing with lines of people waiting for help with their enterprise resource planning / ERP selection process. Bernard was especially helpful with our French-speaking visitors.

Bernard, Wally, me (Matt), and Kathy

Demonstration time

The iconic CN Tower

Check out more pictures and videos of the robots at FABTECH (annually in U.S., biannually in Canada) or on our Facebook or Flickr.

Top Five Reasons to attend (and justify the cost of) FABTECH 

1. It is BIG — you can't possibly see everything in just one day, and trust me, you want to see everything.
2. It is LIVE — product demonstrations deliver not only a broad perspective of modern manufacturing but also tools and solutions you might not even know you need.
3. It is EDUCATIONAL — with over 100 sessions targeted to technical, operational, financial and managerial professionals, you'll gain valuable career-advancing knowledge.
4. It is INSPIRATIONAL — with well over 1,000 exhibitors, you get to chat with the people who work behind the scenes and see their perspective of the manufacturing world. You'll get your questions answered and walk away with a new and improved vision for your business. And demos, don't forget to ask for demos!
5. It is INTERACTIVE — networking with peers in your industry is one thing, finding similarities across the manufacturing spectrum is even better. You'll want to spend time socializing with suppliers, customers and colleagues in an awesome atmosphere. And check out a great city while you're there!