IMTS 2026 is set to bring together the biggest names in manufacturing technology under one roof. For companies across the United States that depend on precision parts, automation, and advanced machining, this show is one of the most important events on the calendar. The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2026 will showcase everything from CNC machining to robotics, and manufacturers from every corner of the industry are already planning their trip.
For Mentco, a manufacturer of high-precision CNC machined components, IMTS 2026 is an opportunity to connect with customers, engineers, procurement teams, and sourcing professionals looking for reliable partners for high-precision CNC machined components.) This blog covers what to expect from IMTS 2026 Chicago, which exhibitors are worth watching, and how CNC machining companies at IMTS 2026 are shaping the future of American manufacturing.
What Is IMTS 2026?
IMTS, or the International Manufacturing Technology Show, is held every two years and is widely known as the largest manufacturing technology event in the Western Hemisphere. The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2026 will bring together thousands of exhibitors, tens of thousands of attendees, and representatives from nearly every segment of the manufacturing supply chain.
Every edition of the international manufacturing technology show 2026 draws attention from procurement teams, engineers, and shop owners planning capital investments for the coming year. For manufacturers in the United States, IMTS 2026 is more than a trade show. It is a place to see new machine tools in action, compare suppliers side by side, and build relationships with vendors who can support long-term production needs. Companies attending range from small job shops to large aerospace and automotive suppliers, all looking for the latest in CNC machining, automation, and precision manufacturing technology.
IMTS 2026 Dates and Location
IMTS 2026 will run from September 14 through September 19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. McCormick Place is one of the largest convention centers in North America, and the venue size reflects the scale of the show itself. Attendees can expect over a million square feet of exhibit space spread across multiple buildings.
IMTS 2026 Exhibitors Worth Watching
The list of IMTS 2026 exhibitors covers nearly every category of manufacturing technology, including machine tools, cutting tools, automation, metrology, and software. Large equipment manufacturers will be showing off new CNC machines, while smaller specialty vendors will highlight tooling, workholding, and inspection systems. Robotics and automation companies are also expected to have a strong presence, given how much interest there is in reducing labor bottlenecks on the shop floor.
Among the exhibitors at IMTS 2026, companies specializing in precision CNC machining and manufacturing will have a significant presence, making it an important platform for Mentco to showcase its high-precision CNC machined components and capabilities. These companies range from equipment builders to contract manufacturers offering machining services directly to buyers. For procurement teams and engineers, this is a rare opportunity to meet several CNC machining companies at IMTS 2026 in a single trip, compare capabilities, and start conversations that can lead to new supplier relationships.
CNC Machining Innovations on Display
Precision CNC milling & Turning continues to be one of the most closely watched categories at IMTS. Visitors can expect to see faster spindle speeds, tighter tolerances, and smarter software controls built into new milling platforms. Precision CNC milling has become the backbone of industries like aerospace, medical devices, and automotive, where even small tolerance errors can cause major downstream problems.
A CNC turning & milling machine manufacturer at the show will typically demonstrate live cutting on the floor, giving buyers a direct look at cycle times and part finish quality. Many attendees use these demonstrations to evaluate whether a CNC turning & milling machine manufacturer can meet the volume and tolerance requirements of their own production lines. At the same time, a CNC machining parts manufacturer will often bring finished sample parts to show real world results rather than just machine specifications on paper.
Software is another area to watch. CAM programming tools, simulation software, and shop floor connectivity solutions are increasingly tied into CNC machining workflows. These tools help reduce setup time and catch errors before a part ever reaches the ]machine, which matters for any CNC machining parts manufacturer trying to hold tight tolerances at scale.
Why CNC Machining Companies at IMTS 2026 Matter for US Manufacturers
American manufacturers are under pressure to shorten lead times, reduce costs, and keep production closer to home. This is why CNC machining companies at IMTS 2026 draw so much attention from buyers. Meeting a potential supplier in person, seeing their equipment, and asking direct questions about capacity and quality control carries far more weight than a website or a catalog.
For companies searching for a dependable CNC machining parts manufacturer, IMTS 2026 offers a chance to shortlist vendors quickly. Buyers can walk the floor, review sample parts, and get a feel for a company’s engineering depth before ever requesting a quote. This kind of in person evaluation is one of the main reasons IMTS 2026 remains such a valuable stop for sourcing teams across the country.
Meet Mentco at IMTS 2026
Mentco will be exhibiting at IMTS 2026 in Chicago, and we invite OEMs, engineers, procurement teams, and sourcing professionals to visit our booth and explore our manufacturing capabilities. As a manufacturer of high-precision CNC machined components, Mentco brings extensive experience in CNC turning, CNC milling, tight-tolerance machining, and complex component manufacturing for a wide range of industrial applications.
Meeting face-to-face at IMTS 2026 gives us an opportunity to discuss your specific component requirements, review drawings and applications, and explore requirements related to tolerances, materials, quality, production volumes, lead times, and supply-chain needs.
If your team is attending IMTS 2026 in Chicago this September, we would welcome the opportunity to connect and discuss how Mentco can support your requirements for high-precision CNC machined components and long-term manufacturing programs.
Preparing for the International Manufacturing Tech Show
Getting the most out of the international manufacturing tech show takes some planning. Attendees should map out which exhibitor halls match their priorities, whether that means CNC machines, automation, tooling, or software. Since the show floor covers such a large area, having a rough plan for each day helps avoid wasted time walking between buildings.
It also helps to bring specific part drawings or project details when meeting potential suppliers. A CNC machining parts manufacturer can give a much more useful answer when shown an actual part or drawing rather than a general description. The international manufacturing tech show works best for buyers who arrive prepared with clear questions and real project needs, rather than browsing without a plan.
Looking Ahead to IMTS 2026
IMTS 2026 Chicago is shaping up to be one of the most significant manufacturing events in recent years, with a strong lineup of IMTS 2026 exhibitors covering every corner of the industry. From precision CNC milling & Turning to full scale automation systems, the show gives American manufacturers a firsthand look at where the industry is headed.
For anyone evaluating a new CNC turning & milling machine manufacturer or looking to meet CNC machining companies at IMTS 2026 in person, this show is worth the trip. Mentco looks forward to being part of IMTS 2026 and meeting customers who are ready to talk about their next precision machining project.
