Learn, Network & Explore the Possibilities
By Betsy Marone
In its fifth year, Laser Institute of America’s Lasers for Manufacturing Event® (LME®) will continue its tradition of offering attendees a unique and comprehensive two-day look into the laser industry. Taking place at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA, April 26-27, LME will serve as a one-stop shop for companies looking to integrate laser technology into their production. Since its inception, LME has filled a void in the laser industry by providing one event where attendees can see the latest advances in laser technology, network with elite members of the laser industry, discover solutions to both current and future manufacturing needs, and gain a better understanding of laser basics in free education sessions.
“It is hard to imagine that anyone involved in manufacturing is unaware that to be competitive we must use technology,” says LIA Executive Director, Peter Baker. “One shining example is laser technology, and LME 2016 offers everything the beginner and early adopter needs to know.”
From the Laser Technology Showcase and ‘Ask the Expert’ Booth to the keynote addresses, free educational courses and tutorials, LME was designed to meet the needs of individuals interested in utilizing laser technology within their companies. Not only can attendees learn about automation equipment, laser choices, beam delivery, safety considerations and applications development, but they can also meet attending suppliers who can teach these companies to integrate technology into their production. By connecting interested companies with the most helpful suppliers for their business, LME sets its attendees up for success.
“LIA’s LME is recognized as the premier event for those interested in industrial lasers and peripheral equipment,” states David Havrilla, Manager of Products and Applications for TRUMPF Inc., a loyal sponsor of LME. “Whether you are new to the industry or a veteran, LME gathers all the relevant suppliers and key technical spokespersons to present and advise you during this two-day exhibition and conference.”
Over the years, LIA has strived to build upon its revolutionary premise in order to continuously meet the needs of its attendees. The organization proved this with the introduction of a one-day Lasers for Manufacturing Summit in 2014.
Connected to the Cobb Galleria Centre at the Renaissance® Atlanta Waverly Hotel on April 25, one day prior to LME, the Summit will provide a unique experience for those interested in expanding their understanding of lasers in the manufacturing marketplace.
Summit presenters will cover the economic outlook of the laser industry, the evolution and applications of laser welding, success stories, and more. Editor-in-Chief of Industrial Laser Solutions and LIA Past President, David Belforte, will moderate the Laser Manufacturing Forum, which features panelists from high-profile companies that manufacture with lasers. The Summit concludes with a VIP reception where attendees can meet and network with high-level executives and the Summit speakers.
“For manufacturing executives, the LME Summit provides business overviews of the technology, applications and market supplemented by a panel of industry experts who can guide you to profits,” declares Baker.
After gaining this background from the Summit’s events, attendees can then make effective use of their two days at LME, learning more about the industry and networking with suppliers who can help get them started.
Each day of LME 2016 will begin with courses that introduce attendees to the world of manufacturing with lasers. These educational courses will outline the basics of laser applications and the benefits of integrating lasers into their production.
“The free courses, taught by industry experts, cover the main types of lasers used in manufacturing, and the techniques for cutting, welding, marking, micromachining, additive manufacturing and 3D printing,” states Baker. “These applications are reviewed in key industries.”
On April 26, attendees can begin their two days of educational sessions with Thomas Kugler, the Fiber Systems Manager at Laser Mechanisms, Inc., as he presents Main Laser Types Used for Manufacturing: Key Properties and Key Applications or Gravotech’s Frederic Lallemand and his presentation, State of the Art in Laser Marking. Following these, Tracey Ryba, the Product Manager of Lasers at TRUMPF Inc. will share Advances in Laser Cutting, while Michael Scaggs from Haas Laser Technologies, Inc. presents Beam Delivery: M2, BPP, Spot Size, and Why You Should Care.
The educational sessions on April 27 begin with Laser Safety for Industrial Laser Systems by LIA Education Director, Gus Anibarro, and Applications of Laser Micro-Machining by Henrikki Pantsar, Chief Technology Officer at Valoe Corporation. To conclude the day’s sessions, Robert Mueller from Massiv Automated Systems will present Economic Justification for Laser Applications: Choosing the Low-Cost Method of Manufacturing and Geoff Shannon of Amada Miyachi America, will discuss the Fundamentals of Laser Welding.
LME also features 90-minute tutorials that offer a thorough overview of topics. On the first day, Paul Webster will present Process Monitoring and Quality Control for Laser Applications. On the second day, Alabama Laser’s Wayne Penn will cover Laser Additive Manufacturing. An in-depth look at additive manufacturing in 3D printing, his presentation will discuss the endeavors and achievements in the 3D printing field, the challenges facing 3D manufacturing, future initiatives and more.
One of the most popular events at LME is the Laser Technology Showcase, where industry leaders give 30-minute keynote addresses that share the advantages of using laser technology. On the first day, LIA Past President, David Belforte, will present the Industrial Laser Market Overview, breaking down industrial laser revenues, discussing the state of market shares and the growth expected in the laser manufacturing marketplace. That afternoon, Shawn Kelly of EWI will discuss 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing of Metals.
On the second day of LME, Ralf Kimmel of TRUMPF Laser and Systems GmbH will cover Laser Applications in Automotive Manufacturing. With a discussion on lightweight technologies, production processes, and materials used in car design, Mr. Kimmel will show numerous application examples, from new laser brazing technology to the welding of copper with new lasers at green wavelengths. GE Global Research’s Marshall Jones will close the day with his keynote presentation on Aerospace Applications.
In addition to educational opportunities, LME allots time for networking on the exhibit floor. Here, attendees can glimpse the latest laser equipment while gaining valuable ideas from the field’s leading producers. While the event’s tutorials focus on improving quality, flexibility and efficiency, attending suppliers help make those qualities a reality in people’s businesses.
For additional questions and insights, attendees can stop by the ‘Ask the Expert’ booth throughout the two-day conference. Headed by Neil Ball of Directed Light Inc., 20 industry leaders will rotate through the booth, providing constant assistance for anyone interested in gaining specific advice.
Through the guidance offered both in the educational sessions and on the exhibit floor, LME helps attendees not only learn crucial information on incorporating lasers into their production, but it helps them get started with instant access to top suppliers.
If you have never attended LME before, 2016 is the perfect time to register and take advantage of a brand new way to experience LME. This year, LIA presents the Laser Technology Tour — an easy way to explore the Event. Let one of our industry experts personally guide you through the exhibit floor and introduce you to different companies, all while discussing the latest technology and products showcased. To sign up, you must be registered for LME and then email a request to lme@lia.org.
“LIA’s Lasers for Manufacturing Event is the premier exhibition in the United States where Engineers can attend and find out firsthand about laser materials processing applications and what equipment and companies are available to meet their production needs,” says Bill Shiner, Vice President of Industrial Products at IPG Photonics Corporation. “Due to the high concentration of companies involved with laser technology, at a single location, there is no other event where an attendee can gain a comparable insight in the use of laser technology in manufacturing.”
To learn more or to register for LME 2016 or its Lasers for Manufacturing Summit, visit www.laserevent.org.