Fabtech 2025 Opens in Chicago with Automation & Digital Transformation in Metalworking
Fabtech, a North American event for metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing technologies opened its doors on Monday, Sept. 8, encompassing three halls at Chicago’s McCormick Place. With event partners Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), American Welding Society (AWS) and Chemical Coaters Association Intl. (CCAI), the event offers attendees the opportunity to learn about and see in action precision metalforming, stamping, tool and die, and press automation technologies.
From robotic tube forming and autonomous material handling to cloud-native quoting platforms and collaborative welding systems, the event is looking to the future of industrial manufacturing. Exhibitors are unveiling cutting-edge technologies designed to streamline production, boost precision and address workforce challenges. With more than 40 technology categories and a robust conference program, Fabtech 2025 offers attendees a hands-on look at the tools driving Industry 4.0 transformation across metal forming, stamping and welding.
READ MORE: Fabtech 2025 Heads to The Second City Sept. 8-11 with Expanded Exhibits and Sessions
At booth 15001, Wauseon Machine is collaborating with Kawasaki Robotics to demonstrate integrated robotic tube forming solutions tailored for flexible, high-mix manufacturing. This integration aims to improve production precision and changeover times, supporting a range of fabrication applications.
NestSoft US debuts as the exclusive U.S. partner for Libellula SRL, showcasing modular CAD/CAM software built for sheet metal fabrication. Exhibited at Glorystar’s booth (A5785), the software includes laser/plasma cutting modules, offline bend programming and cloud-based quoting, helping manufacturers improve setup efficiency, quoting accuracy and advanced Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Trumpf, in booth A2104, launched its Material Flow Starter Kit, introducing its autonomous mobile robot system controlled via web app. The system autonomously moves material pallets among up to nine stations, including bending and cutting, relieving operators from manual transport and optimizing material flow.
In booth A5455, Hexagon’s Paperless Traveller platform offers a cloud-native solution that connects shop floor operators and planners through mobile and web apps. It enables real-time defect tracking, instant recut lists and access to work instructions, helping to improve accuracy and production speed in sheet metal operations.
Universal Robots was seen in booth B13045 with a new collaborative robot designed for welding tasks alongside partner demos that highlight plasma cutting, laser welding and finishing automation. These technologies aim to augment operator capabilities and automate repetitive fabrication processes.
In other UR news, Teradyne Robotics Group, which just appointed Jean-Pierre Hathout as president, unifying UR and MiR, should further drive innovation and growth in collaborative and autonomous robotics solutions for manufacturing. Be on the lookout for Machine Design’s exclusive interview with Hathout in an upcoming edition of Machine Design Today.
Celebrating 10 Years of Women of Fabtech
Fabtech 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of its Women of Fabtech program, an initiative focused on advancing women in industrial manufacturing through networking, mentorship and education. This program highlights the role of diversity and inclusions in workforce challenges and building a more resilient manufacturing sector.
On Tuesday morning, from 7:30 to 9:30 am, Dr. Amber Selking, a performance consultant, leadership coach and founder of the Selking Performance Group, will lead a session title “Winning the Mental Game as a Woman in Manufacturing.” The presentation focuses on strategies for mental resilience, leadership, effectiveness and overcoming common barriers faced by women in manufacturing roles. The session aligned with the overall event’s ongoing emphasis on workforce inclusion and development. Attendees must register and pay for the event.
Technologies, Education to Address Workforce Challenges
Workforce development is a priority at the event, and as manufacturers face recruitment and retention pressures, there are technology pavilions dedicated to automation, form and fabricating, tube and pipe, stamping and press automation, welding, finishing and job shop that will feature more than 40 technology categories, including:
- Additive Manufacturing / 3‑D Printing
- Arc Welding
- Assembly
- Automation
- Bending & Forming
- Brazing & Soldering
- Business Services
- Coil Processing
- Cutting
- Fastening & Joining
- Finishing/Paint & Powder Coating
- Finishing/Plating
- Gases & Gas Equipment
- Hydroforming
- Inspection & Testing
- Job Shop/Contract Mfg.
- Lasers
- Lubrication
- Maintenance & Repair
- Material Handling
- Metal Suppliers
- Plate & Structural Fabricating
- Press Brakes
- Punching
- Resistance Welding
- Robotics
- Roll Forming
- Safety & Environmental
- Saws
- Software, Machine Controls
- Stamping
- Thermal Spraying
- Tool & Die
- Tooling
- Tube & Pipe Fabricating or Welding
- Tube & Pipe Producing
- Waterjet
- Welding Consumables
- Welding Machines
Additionally, the comprehensive conference program includes more than 200 expert-led sessions and half-day workshops across 13 educational tracks, offering attendees practical tools and strategies to solves today’s manufacturing challenges.
