FABTECH 2025 to Spotlight Real-World Innovation in AI, Automation, and Sustainability

Chicago, US – 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 September 8-11, bringing the entire industry under one roof. It is made possible by its five event partners, which include American Welding Society, Chemical Coaters Association International, Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, Precision Metalforming Association, and SME—a nonprofit organization representing the entire North American manufacturing industry.

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+ sq ft 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 - Group Director, 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 most advanced technology and equipment designed to solve them. Attendees can explore these key trends across the show floor:

Automation & Smart Manufacturing Solutions: 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 Fabrication and Cutting 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 stamping, cutting, and welding applications. This technology, critical for demanding industries like automotive, heavy equipment, and aerospace & defence, will be a key feature in the South Building (forming & fabricating), North Building (welding), and Lakeside Center (stamping and press automation).
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Attendees can explore a range of sustainable solutions, from eco-friendly finishing and coating systems to energy-efficient equipment. 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.

Technology-Focused Pavilions Streamline the Attendee Experience

To help attendees navigate the vast show floor, the event is organized into seven specialized technology pavilions: Automation, Forming & Fabricating, Tube & Pipe, Stamping & Press Automation, Welding, Finishing, and the new Job Shop Pavilion.

“The show floor is a preview of where the industry is heading next,” said Mark Hoper, Senior Vice President - Expositions and Media, Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA). “The combination of established industry leaders and hundreds of new exhibiting companies creates an unmatched environment for discovery. Attendees will leave with a clear vision of the innovations that will boost their productivity and competitiveness long after the show ends.”

Learning Beyond the Action on the Show Floor

Complementing the live demonstrations and solutions attendees can experience on the show floor, FABTECH’s comprehensive education program offers more than 200 sessions and workshops across 13 tracks. The program is designed to expand on key themes attendees encounter in exhibitor booths, providing deeper insight into new processes, materials, and performance strategies. Top industry experts and thought leaders will lead collaborative sessions sharing best practices and industry trends and focusing on the latest technological advancements attendees can see in real time across the exhibit halls.

Image Source: FABTECH