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Laser technology improves solar collectors [2009-11-09] |
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INDUSTRY NEWS
:: Everything old is new again
It's October 1800 and they've called a special meeting of the Town Council. The subject--what happened to the Town Crier? Because the Council comprises merchants, a banker, and a farmer, the concern for the missing Crier is mostly expressed by the general store proprietor. "Who is going to be spreading the noon news that I used to sponsor," he asked. "I just got a shipment of China tea from that latest clipper ship arrival and it's going to be clogging up my stockroom if I don't let the housewives know it is here."
:: Laser technology improves solar collectors
A new project between the Laser Zentrum Hannover and several industrial partners aims at proving that laser joining of glass tubes has many advantages over the conventional flame method, and that it is more cost-efficient for the glass industry.
:: High-speed laser soldering
Manufacturing highly integrated, electro-engineering components in Europe primarily demands high quality and a high amount of flexibility to remain competitive against the cost advantages found in low-wage countries. Manufacturing facilities have to be transferable to a wide variety of products, preferably without retooling. In addition, quick, highly automated manufacturing procedures are necessary for largely unmanned manufacturing. Exposed to these requirements are small and medium-sized enterprises who occupy market segments for highly integrated electrical engineering components in small and medium quantities.
:: Basic laser information first-hand
A short course entitled "Basics on Lasers and Laser Material Processing" will take place in line with LASYS 2010 from 8 to 10 June 2010 in Stuttgart. It will be organised by the German Scientific Laser Society (WLT) under the guidance of Prof. Dr.-Ing Andreas Ostendorf. The event will primarily address visitors who have little experience with lasers and laser technology.
:: MD&M a success
Ron Schaeffer reports that at the MDM show in Minneapolis, the general impression was very positive. All of the vendors I talked to were quite happy with the turnout as the show was very well attended both days with aisles full and most vendors smiling. There were approximately 600 vendors this year, up from last year. Show attendance at about 8400 was up about 4% from last year. Representing the laser community were laser manufacturers, system integrators, and several laser job shops.
:: Research center highlights laser welding
KUKA North America is investing in growth by opening the KUKA Development Center (KDC) at its headquarters in Sterling Heights near Detroit. Specializing in joining technologies like laser welding, the KDC becomes the second dedicated research center within the KUKA Systems Group, along with the KUKA TechCenter located at global headquarters in Augsburg.
:: Laser cutting lightens load at ACS Precision
ACS Precision cut the ribbon to a new laser Monday morning at its Mercersburg, PA, shop. The 4000-watt Mitsubishi laser was installed in July and is the largest piece of a $500,000 capital improvement project at the company. "This piece of equipment is a big deal for a company our size," said General Manager Charles Daniels. "We'll be able to compete with everybody else because of the technology."
:: Athermal laser machining
Noble UltraLight is an athermal laser machining process developed by Norman Noble Inc. (Highland Heights, OH) to create highly precise features in any material, such as bioabsorbable polymers, shape memory metals, and other exotic alloys without producing any heat affected zone (HAZ). The new process supports the Norman Noble's customers' technically advancing manufacturing requirements in the medical and aerospace industries.
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