Kennametal will showcase the future of connected manufacturing at IMTS 2026 with its ‘Next-Level Shop’, an immersive exhibition experience that combines live machining, digital manufacturing technologies and industry collaboration. Located at Booth 431800 in the West Building, Level 3, the exhibit will also feature the first public appearance of WIDIA brand ambassador Carey Hart.
Building on the success of the company’s ‘Metal Mania’ experience at the previous IMTS, the Next-Level Shop recreates the environment of a modern machine shop, bringing together tooling, software, machine tool builders and manufacturing specialists to demonstrate integrated solutions for real-world production challenges.
According to Dave Bersaglini, vice president and president of metal cutting at Kennametal, today’s manufacturers increasingly require complete manufacturing solutions that combine advanced tooling with digital technologies to improve productivity and tackle complex machining applications.
A major attraction throughout the exhibition will be the live customisation of an Indian Sport Chief motorcycle. Hart will work alongside Satya Kraus, CEO of Kraus Moto, machining custom components on a five-axis CNC machine using Kennametal and WIDIA tooling, while Taylor Schultz of Schultz Designz completes the project with a bespoke paint finish. One IMTS visitor will ultimately win the completed motorcycle.
Visitors will also be able to watch continuous live machining demonstrations, explore the latest tooling developments in milling, turning, hole making and Swiss machining, and discover Kennametal’s expanding digital manufacturing ecosystem.
Designed in partnership with EWI Worldwide, the Next-Level Shop encourages hands-on interaction with manufacturing experts while showcasing technologies and services for sectors including aerospace, defence, medical, transportation and power generation. Kennametal says the experience highlights how collaboration, digital connectivity and advanced machining technologies can help manufacturers achieve higher levels of productivity and performance.
More information www.kennametal.com
