We are going to the show

Nine is my favorite number. The largest of the single digits has unique properties that other numbers don’t.

For one, multiply any integer by nine and the resulting product equals nine when the individual numbers are added together. For example, 9 × 8 = 72 and 7 + 2 = 9. Also, any multiple of nine times another number, even one that’s not evenly divisible by nine, equals nine when the individual numbers are added together. 72 × 683 = 49,176 and 4 + 9 + 1 + 7 + 6 = 27 and 2 + 7 = 9.

For a fascinating tale about this special number, read the book “Number 9: The Search for the Sigma Code” by Cecil Balmond.

I bring this up because IMTS 2016 will mark my ninth International Manufacturing Technology Show, so I expect it will be the best to date.

This issue of CTE includes our IMTS 2016 Show Preview, featuring show highlights, information about the various pavilions, a guide to Chicago attractions and an extensive array of announcements about what exhibitors plan to showcase. The latter includes machine tools, software, workholders, automation equipment and cutting tools.

One new and beneficial tool that caught my attention—even though it isn’t able to remove metal from a workpiece—is the Career Pathway Tool from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. According to NIMS, the institute will participate in the IMTS 2016 Smartforce Student Summit and present how its tool helps employers, educators and job seekers understand the numerous career avenues in the metalworking industry, how NIMS credentials help validate skills at a variety of levels, and how those credentials can be earned to help students enter the industry and advance their careers.