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New Industrial Laser Technology - October 21, 2010 [2010-10-26] |
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I’m regularly asked what will be the next important industrial laser application. After attending a major technical conference such as ICALEO, where advanced laser applications is the theme, I try to rate those that show the most promise as near term, in the next three years. One that seems to have the potential is laser fine blanking, a term not too familiar in the US, but one that is regularly used in Europe and Asia. The possibility of a laser replacing a conventional punch press in a fine blanking operation is gaining more adherents especially as the quality of fiber laser beams improves and the cost associated with the process become more favorable. It’s a very large market, and one in which lasers may have an opportunity for success.
— David A. Belforte
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INDUSTRY NEWS
:: Fine laser cutting: Technology offers the surgical precision needed for medical tools
Fine laser cutting is a good choice for specialized cutting requirements found in the manufacturing of medical tube tools and components. Here, the term "surgical precision" aptly applies to the need for sharp edges, contours, and patterns within edges found in tools and devices in this burgeoning field.
:: The 10X fiber laser
Santa Clara, Calif. – Dr. Tony Hoult, an editorial advisor to Industrial Laser Solutions on industrial fiber laser applications, recently had the opportunity to test the latest fiber laser technology in IPG Photonics' laser micro-processing laboratory in Santa Clara, Calif. At the recent ICALEO conference, Editor-in-Chief David Belforte asked him to report on his findings.
:: Laser micromachining in photovoltaic processing
St. Charles, Mo. – Driven by ecological awareness and short-running fossil combustibles, photovoltaics is gaining ever-increasing importance for the production of energy. Moreover, extensive government aid formidably assists the solar industry both on the national and the international level.
:: Laser welding speeds up manufacturing
Rugby, UK – Industrial automation specialist, Orwin International, has integrated a JK Lasers' laser into a twin station laser welding system, which has been designed to assemble and weld elements within a multi-cell battery.
:: Laser technology improves gas metal-arc welding
Hannover, Germany – At the upcoming EuroBlech (October 26-30 in Hannover), Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. will show how laser technology can be used to improve gas metal-arc welding.
:: Wohlers Associates adds industry veteran
Fort Collins, Colo. – Wohlers Associates Inc. announces that Tim Caffrey, who has worked with the company on projects for more than 10 years, will expand his role, including development of a national additive manufacturing roadmap for a country in the Asia/Pacific region.
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