SME's HOUSTEX 2002 APEX Brings the Latest Machine Tools and Metalworking Technologies to Texas
DEARBORN, Mich. – The latest machine tools and metalworking technologies will be showcased at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers' (SME) HOUSTEX 2002 Advanced Productivity Exposition (APEX), April 9-11, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTEX is Houston's longest-running machine tool and metalworking exposition and is the only such event for Texas manufacturers in the Houston area since the biennial event's last edition in 2000. HOUSTEX provides manufacturing professionals with a one-stop opportunity to find state-of-the-art manufacturing solutions and leading-edge technical knowledge. More than 160 exhibitors will display and demonstrate equipment and services from leading companies worldwide.
HOUSTEX technology categories include: machining centers; milling machines; drilling and tapping machines; EDM; flexible manufacturing systems; machine controls (CNC/NC/DNC); assembly and automation equipment; material handling; cutting tools; chucks, collets and fixtures; grinding and deburring; metal saws; punches and dies; screw machines; turning machines; CAD/CAM systems; cleaning systems; finishing; lasers; measurement; press brakes and shears; waterjet cutting; and more.
"Texas manufacturers need the best equipment and technologies in order to maintain competitive production in this key manufacturing state," said Gary Mikola, SME director of expositions. "HOUSTEX has the resources companies need to improve productivity and product quality and reduce costs and time-to-market."
HOUSTEX 2002 show hours are: Tuesday, April 9, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Thursday, April 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Accompanying the exposition, exhibitor-led technical sessions (free to show attendees) will highlight many of the products seen on the show floor. In cooperation with SME, the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center presents Lego Lean 101, from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 10. This course utilizes a mix of lecture and live simulation exercises to demonstrate the principles of lean manufacturing. Participants will manufacture modular Lego airplanes in a traditional manufacturing setting. The results of this simulation will provide the setting for continuous improvement in applying lean manufacturing principles.
For more information, visit the event web site at www.sme.org/houstex; call the SME Customer Service Department at (800) 733-4763, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET, M-F; or fax inquiries to (313) 271-2861.
The HOUSTEX 2002 APEX is co-sponsored by SME, the American Machine Tool Distributors Association (AMTDA), and AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology. HOUSTEX is also endorsed by the Houston Chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA).
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions, and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing engineers and executives annually. The Society has members in 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of chapters worldwide. Visit us at www.sme.org.
The American Machine Tool Distributors' Association, founded in 1925, represents more than 500 companies dedicated to strengthening the machine tool distributor's position as a vital link between the builder and end-user of machine tools and related products. Visit www.amtda.org for further information on the association's programs, informative industry articles, and listing of Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineers. The web site also features a machine tool database where customers can research products and contact local distributors through a "Request for Quotation". AMTDA is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.
AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology is the manufacturing technology industry leader in economic planning, domestic and international marketing, government liaison, trade show sponsorship, export assistance, standards development, and other key areas. With headquarters in McLean, Virginia, AMT plays an active role in major overseas expositions and works as a spokesman on trade matters to governments and foreign associations. Founded in 1902, the association (with 370 member companies) produces the biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS). The next show is September 4-11, 2002, in Chicago. Visit www.mfgtech.org for more information.
The National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) works to assist its members to achieve maximum business success and to provide leadership and coordination for the industry. NTMA fulfills its mission by collaborating with chapters and affiliated tool centers for organized cooperation. NTMA activities aim to: represent its membership and the industry in government relationships; assist members in developing, improving and expanding domestic and foreign markets; promote the association's and industry's services; foster continuing education in applications and management principles; and develop a comprehensive structure for training at all levels.