Fabulous Tech

The world's largest fabrication show is set to take place in Chicago in September

As manufacturers seek new opportunities to enhance productivity and drive the industry forward, FABTECH 2025 is set to showcase the tangible solutions and technology leading the way. North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event returns to McCormick Place in Chicago from Sept. 8–11, bringing the entire industry under one roof.

The event comes at a pivotal time, offering a firsthand look at the automation, high-precision machinery and smart fabrication technology needed to address key industry challenges, including the ongoing skilled labor shortage. More than 45,000 manufacturing professionals from around the world are expected to attend to explore solutions across 850,000+ square feet of exhibits, where over 1,500 world-class suppliers—including Platinum Sponsors AMADA America, BLM Group, MC Machinery Systems, and TRUMPF Inc.—will display the latest innovations shaping the future of manufacturing.

“Manufacturers today are tasked with meeting higher production demands amid a shifting labor landscape,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH group director at SME. “FABTECH is where real-world answers are found. This is the place to see the technology that can immediately boost efficiency, hear what’s coming next from industry leaders, and leave with concrete solutions that can be implemented as soon as you return to your shop.”

What’s Driving Demand: Industry Priorities on the Show Floor

FABTECH 2025 will reflect the industry’s most pressing needs by showcasing the technology and equipment designed to solve them. Attendees can explore these key trends across the show floor:

• Automation & Smart Manufacturing: As automation adoption accelerates, attendees will see live demonstrations of advanced robotics, cobots and AI-powered systems that detect part defects in real time, reshaping the approach to quality and speed. These solutions can be found throughout all three halls, with leaders like FANUC, KUKA, Fronius, CLOOS North America, Lincoln Electric, and Beckhoff Automation showcasing robotics and automated welding solutions in the North Building.

• The Connected Smart Shop: The latest in smart factory solutions will be on display, showcasing how AR/VR, Internet of Things (IoT) and next-gen software are powering flexible, on-demand manufacturing with fewer risks and faster results. Attendees can explore these innovations from exhibitors like Bystronic, Prima Power, Mazak Optonics, and Muratec in the South Building.

• High-Precision Technology: Live demonstrations of the newest high-speed fiber lasers, press brakes, and cutting-edge fabrication machinery will offer a look at unmatched precision for cutting and welding applications. This technology, critical for industries like automotive, heavy equipment, and aerospace & defense, will be a key feature in the South Building (forming & fabricating), North Building (welding) and Lakeside Center (stamping and press automation).

• Sustainable Manufacturing: Attendees can explore a range of sustainable solutions, from eco-friendly coating systems to energy-efficient machinery. This trend will be prominent in the Lakeside Center, with finishing exhibitors like Gema USA, IFS Coatings, Therma-Tron-X, Nordson, and Global Finishing Solutions.