American Machinist called Tormach's 1500MX CNC mill "The Machine of the Moment" and said,
"There will be lots of new manufacturing technologies unveiled this year, particularly at IMTS 2024 in September. But the machine-tool enthusiasts at Tormach Inc. are well ahead of the crowd..."
Tormach made its IMTS debut in 2024, and it was a fantastic week in Chicago. The 1500MX CNC mill and ZA6 industrial robot were on display, showing off automation capabilities that can save a business time and money. Attendees flocked to the booth to watch the automation demo in action. Showgoers were also intrigued by Tormach's pricing, which offers a lower barrier of entry for machinists than other companies. It was a full week of action at IMTS. Check out some of the show highlights below:
new 1500MX accessories launched at IMTS
On the first day of IMTS 2024, we launched brand new accessories for the 1500MX. Our Through-Spindle Coolant Kit and Mist Collector will significantly enhance your machining capabilities on the 1500MX. See below for more details:
Through-Spindle Coolant Kit - $6,995
Enhance tool life and machining performance with our new Through-Spindle Coolant Kit, designed to deliver coolant directly through the 1500MX’s spindle.
“The Through-Spindle Coolant Kit allows our customers to produce higher-quality parts at a faster rate than ever before. This is an invaluable addition for machine shops looking to push their production capabilities to new heights.”
—Tom Zelickman, Tormach Product Manager
Key Benefits:
- Improved Tool Life: Direct coolant delivery reduces heat buildup, prolonging tool life.
- Enhanced Precision: Keeps tools clear of chips and debris, ensuring cleaner cuts and reduced chip buildup.
- Increased Efficiency: Supports deeper drilling and milling operations, enabling faster production rates.
- Seamless Integration: Easily installs on your existing 1500MX with all necessary components included.
Technical Specifications:
- 3 HP, 220V single-phase motor
- Maximum outlet pressure: 435 PSI (30 BAR)
- Flow rate: 7.9 GPM (20 L/Min)
- Requires Flood Coolant Kit (PN 51567) for operation
Mist Collector - $1,995
Maintain a cleaner and safer workspace with the Tormach Mist Collector, designed to capture and filter out vaporized coolant and airborne particles.
Key Benefits:
- Cleaner Air Quality: Effectively captures vaporized coolant, reducing airborne particles and potential health risks.
- Two-Stage Filtration: Maximizes oil and mist particle filtration while recycling lubricants to reduce waste.
- Quiet and Efficient: Operates at just 65 dB with minimal vibration and long operational life.
- User-Friendly: Easy push-button control and tool-less filter access, with washable stainless-steel filters.
Technical Specifications:
- 1/2 HP motor with 420 cfm airflow
- Compact dimensions: 395mm x 400mm x 650mm
- Requires 220V at 2.5A with a recommended 10A breaker
'Taps & Patience' Podcast happy hour
AJ Huff of the 'Taps & Patience' podcast hosted a happy hour event in the Tormach booth, which was very lively and well attended. Fans of 'Taps & Patience' were able to interact and ask questions of AJ and Tormach employees. Attendees of the happy hour enjoyed free drinks and snack while watching the 1500MX and ZA6 robot demo take place in the Tormach booth. This was a great way to cap of Day 1 of IMTS 2024.
'Taps & Patience' podcast host AJ Huff speaks with happy hour attendees.
CEO Daniel Rogge speaks with practical machinist
On the first day of IMTS 2024, Ian Sandusky of Practical Machinist stopped by the booth to speak with Tormach CEO Daniel Rogge. They discussed Tormach’s latest machine, the 1500MX CNC mill, launched earlier this year. The 1500MX is a significant advancement for Tormach, featuring an epoxy granite frame, a 6-horsepower motor, and 12,200 inches-per-minute rapid speed. Rogge highlighted the company's shift toward North American manufacturing, using domestic suppliers for components like the machine's frame, and emphasized Tormach's employee ownership model (ESOP), which includes employees in both the U.S. and Mexico.
Rogge also discussed the affordability and accessibility of Tormach machines, emphasizing our mission to help people make things. He highlighted features like free lifetime software updates through the PathPilot® control system, which adds value without additional costs for features like rigid tapping or high-speed machining. The conversation concluded with a demonstration of Tormach’s robotic systems, designed to make industrial automation as approachable and user-friendly as our CNC machines, continuing Tormach's tradition of empowering users to learn and innovate independently. You can watch the full video below.
1500MX CNC mill and za6 industrial robot IMTS demo
Visitors to the Tormach booth at IMTS were able to watch a full demo of the 1500MX and ZA6 robot as they machined motor brackets for the MicroArc 6 Rotary Axis.
MicroArc 6 motor brackets.
Automating your workshop with the 1500MX and ZA6 robot can boost productivity and efficiency. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Increased Efficiency: Automate repetitive tending processes, freeing up time for other tasks
- Cost-Effective: An inexpensive alternative to hiring additional labor
- Ease of Use: Setup process is straightforward, with intuitive conversational programming
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of machining tasks, from simple tending to complex operations
- Reduced Downtime: Consistent and reliable automation minimizes the need for constant supervision
- Enhanced Production Capacity: Handle higher volumes with reduced manual intervention, improving overall output
- User-Friendly Integration: Compatible with Tormach’s PathPilot® software (with free updates for life), ensuring seamless operation within your existing setup
mHUB 'industry disruptors' event
On the evening of the third day of IMTS, mHUB hosted their 'Industry Disruptors' event at their headquarters in Chicago. mHUB is an innovation center that supports HardTech startups by providing access to resources like state-of-the-art prototyping labs, industry mentors, and a robust manufacturing network. Since 2017, it has helped launch over 1,600 products and generated more than $1.57 billion in revenue while fostering diversity and equitable access for underrepresented founders.
A crowd gathers around Tormach's 1100MX CNC mill to watch a machining demo.
mHUB's 'Industry Disruptors' event, co-sponsored by Tormach and OnShape, featured a fireside chat with Jon Hirschtick, a technology pioneer and leading entrepreneur in the CAD industry. Jon discussed his career at Solidworks and OnShape and took questions from the audience. After the chat, attendees were able to watch a demo on Tormach's 1100MX CNC mill. The demo showed off the capabilities of the 1100MX, of which mHUB owns three, in addition to a 15L Lathe. Tormach is a proud partner of mHUB and shares its mission of providing access to resources to help entrepreneurs start their business, like the startup story of Skate Kastle.
If you would like to learn more about Tormach's automation solutions, which were on display at IMTS 2024, you can schedule a consultation with a member of our pre-sales team or click the button below.
