Monthly Archives: September 2017

LIA Announces Conference Program Highlights for ICALEO 2017

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Orlando, FL – September 28, 2017 – The Laser Institute of America (LIA) announces the technical program and conference highlights for the 36th annual International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO®). Industry visionaries, technical specialists, researchers, end users, and equipment manufacturers will convene at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, to explore advances in laser applications happening today in a wide variety of industries October 22-26.

“I am honored to have worked with the most innovative minds in laser applications to bring ICALEO’s program to life,” said congress general chair, Christoph Leyens, of TU Dresden and the Fraunhofer IWS in Dresden, Germany.

The opening plenary session explores medical and climate applications while giving a glimpse at new laser tools. The session will surely push the limits regarding traditional views of laser applications:

  • Mark Schnitzer, an associate professor at Stanford University, and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, works in neural circuit dynamics and optical imaging. His optical innovations are used to further neuroscience studies worldwide.
  • University of Colorado department of physics professor, Dr. Henry C. Kapteyn, builds new tabletop “x-ray laser” light sources and helps develop corresponding applications.
  • Jeff Deems is a researcher at CIRES, the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado where he also serves as the liaison for the NASA Airborne Snow Observatory. Deems specializes in laser mapping snow packs and developing lidar applications for avalanche forecasting and climate applications.

To close ICALEO, Dr. Leyens has invited plenary speakers from two groups that are spearheading adoption of additive manufacturing.

  • The accelerated certification of additively manufactured metals initiative director at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is Dr. Wayne King. He will discuss how his team is leading the transition from conventional manufacturing methods to metal additive manufacturing.
  • Florian Bechmann, head of Engineering & Technology (Concept Laser brand) at GE Aviation will explore technologies that advance manufacturing of jet engines and other airplane components using new tools such as additive manufacturing.

ICALEO has a strong emphasis on Laser Materials Processing and in recent years technical presentations have integrated additive manufacturing, often known as 3D Printing, with traditional subtractive technologies like cutting, drilling, and marking, as well as with welding, inspection and optical analysis. Sessions delving into the specifics of laser applications were organized by:

  • Laser Materials Processing Conference Co-Chairs: Klaus Kleine, Coherent Inc. and Friedhelm Dorsch, TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH
  • Laser Microprocessing Conference Co-Chairs: Michelle Stock, mlstock consulting and Cather Simpson, University of Auckland
  • Nanomanufacturing Conference Chair: Yongfeng Lu, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Additionally, the conference offers a number of casual opportunities to meet new colleagues, connect with old friends, and share knowledge. From the opening music-filled Welcome Celebration, to the President’s Reception, and the Vendor Reception, ICALEO offers a wealth of fun networking events.

“ICALEO serves as a great platform for learning and networking,” said Gus Anibarro, LIA Education director. “You don’t get this kind of crowd anywhere else in the world. The attendees are made up of top-tier laser scientists and educators.”

The LIA Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, October 25, will be a highlight of the community. This year the prestigious Arthur L. Schawlow Award will be presented to Dr. Paul Seiler, former managing director of TRUMPF Laser GmbH. The recognition is in honor of his pioneering work utilizing lasers in machine tools for industrial applications. Dr. Seiler joins luminaries in the field of lasers including Milton Chang, Reinhart Poprawe, and Steven Chu, who were past recipients.

No conference in this day and age can be successful without sponsorships. IPG Photonics Corporation; EdgeWave GmbH; Innovative Laser Solutions; SPI Lasers; TRUMPF Inc.; Laserline Inc.; Light Conversion Ltd.; Lumentum; and Spectra-Physics, A Newport Company, have all demonstrated a commitment to furthering laser utilization in real-world applications by supporting ICALEO.

To register for ICALEO 2017, visit www.icaleo.org.

About LIA

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Suite 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.

Approaching Photonic Serial Production: Laser-remote-processing of Automotive CFRP Components

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By: Dr.-Ing. Peter Jaeschke, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

The efficient use of limited resources is one of the greatest challenges of our times. To address this, lightweight solutions and concepts are already being adapted for the transportation industry, in particular within the automotive and aerospace sectors. However, in order to broaden the use of lightweight materials, there needs to be suitable processing, testing and measuring techniques in place for a variety of materials, constituting a prerequisite for economic, flexible and automated high volume production. In this context, photonic technologies can provide solutions. Since the operating mode of the laser is both highly flexible as well as no-contact, and thus wear-free, it offers numerous benefits for the machining materials, especially as an alternative to conventional processing methods encumbered by high tool wear. Furthermore, the energy input, tailored to the respective manufacturing requirements, offers new possibilities for the processing of temperature-sensitive materials.

In the supporting measures “Photonic Processes and Tools for Resource-Efficient Lightweight Construction” within the framework of the program “Photonics Research Germany“, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is aiming at overcoming existing constraints regarding the wide use of lightweight materials in serial production. For the corresponding R&D activities, the BMBF is providing a total amount of approx. 30 Mio. €. The initiative “Photonic Processes and Tools for Resource-Efficient Lightweight Construction“ is coordinated by Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hannover, Germany (Figure 1).

Figure 1. The German initiative “Photonic Processes and Tools for Resource-Efficient Lightweight Construction“ is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and co-ordinated by Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (Source: LZH)

Within this research initiative, nine co-operative projects under industrial leadership are working on the development of laser sources and optical components as well as system technology and applications. In addition to welding and the surface preparation for both metallic parts and hybrid materials, the laser based processing of composites, particularly continuous carbon and glass fiber reinforced plastics forms the core issues of the BMBF initiative.

In this context, the main R&D activities focus on composite processing. This is comprised of cutting and drilling RTM parts, robotically-guided 3-D scanning optics and CFRP reparation preparation using short pulsed laser radiation. Other examples include composite surface preparation for adhesive applications, direct bonding, and joining of metal-metal interfaces as well as composite-metal hybrids. In the field of laser material processing, continuous carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) based parts and components represent a relatively new material class, exhibiting outstanding mechanical properties at a low density. As a result, such composites have been identified to have significant potential in lightweight construction for a wide variety of industrial applications.

During the manufacturing process of CFRP parts, trimming, drilling and ablation steps are of particular importance. Another point is the layer-by-layer removal to prepare the repair or rework of defects. In this context, conventional machining techniques, such as milling, drilling, grinding or abrasive waterjet cutting, which are well developed for a wide variety of industrially established materials, suffer from high tool wear, insufficient quality or their complex setup and limited flexibility when it comes to the requirements of CFRP machining.

The main reason for this is the heterogeneous composition of CFRP. Combining both carbon fibers, either arranged as fabrics or non-crimped fabrics, with a polymer matrix, either thermoset or thermoplastic, produces a unified material with very different individual material properties, and as results presenting a very unique challenge from a material processing perspective. Furthermore, for cutting applications both components have to be processed simultaneously which causes enormous difficulties. In this regard, the processing of CFRP components brings many challenges.

Photonic processes, however, offer solutions for many of these: Including the high flexibility and, in particular, the contactless, wear-free mechanism of the laser that offers advantages for the processing of CFRP materials. For the processing of complex components or temperature-sensitive materials, the locally limited and to the given manufacturing requirements adjusted energy input offers new opportunities. An implementation of laser-based processes in serial production in industry, however, requires a thorough understanding of the process, a high degree of automation as well as the consideration of environmental and occupational safety aspects.

If CFRP is processed with NIR lasers, carbon fibers show excellent optical absorption and heat dissipation, contrary to the plastics matrix. Therefore heat dissipation away from the laser focus into the material is driven by heat conduction of the fibers. The matrix is heated indirectly by heat transfer from the fibers. To cut CFRP, it is required to reach the melting temperature for thermoplastic matrix materials or the disintegration temperature for thermoset systems as well as the sublimation temperature of the reinforcing fibers simultaneously. One solution for this problem is to use short pulse nanosecond lasers, as has been demonstrated in one of the joint research projects, HolQueSt3D.

Figure 2. Towards serial production: Laser-Remote-Processing of automotive CFRP components (Source: LZH).

Based on an existing lightweight part used in the automotive industry, LZH has developed remote cutting processes for three-dimensional composite structures (Figure 2). A newly developed high-power disc laser of the TRUMPF Laser GmbH serves as the basic process technology. This fiber-guided laser source emits at 1030 nm and is providing a maximum average output power of 1.5 kW. With a constant pulse length of 30 ns, the maximum pulse energy of 80 mJ is realized for a repetition rate of 18.8 kHz. For remote processing of the automotive part, the KMS Automation GmbH has designed a clamping system, custom designed to address the specific requirements of laser processing of CFRP components. One of these requirements is an integrated exhaust system for the process emissions. The impact of laser processing on the characteristics of the components as well as on possible subsequent processes, e.g. primer and painting steps, has been investigated by the partners Volkswagen AG and INVENT GmbH.

Another priority was the development of repair concepts for 2D and 3D components. For this purpose, the LZH developed process strategies for the scarfing of defective areas. Due to the flexible system technology, it is possible to remove large areas on complex free-form surfaces. After the laser based repair preparation, the TU Clausthal developed repair concepts that work without hardening in autoclaves, making a more flexible and cost-efficient repair possible.

Furthermore the detection and analysis of the process emissions as well as the development of a catalytic exhaust air treatment system matching the requirements of laser-based CFRP processing played an important role. Based on the emission measurement during the processing, the Jenoptik Automatisierungstechnik GmbH has developed a fully regenerative, continuously working exhaust air cleaning system. As the involved end user, the Volkswagen AG supported the development of the process during the whole duration of the project, and evaluated its suitability for serial production. By processing an existing component used in automotive industry, the suitability of the developed processes was proven at the end of the project.

The supporting measures “Photonic Processes and Tools for Resource-Efficient Lightweight Construction“ within the framework of the program ”Photonics Research Germany“ is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The author would like to express his gratitude to the corresponding overall project management VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH for their support. Furthermore the author would like to thank all coordinators of the involved co-operative research projects for their engagement and their support of the co-ordination work as well as all partners of the HolQueSt3D-project for their excellent work in a constructive manner.

Meet Haas Laser Technologies Inc. – September’s Featured Corporate Member

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(Image courtesy of Haas Laser Technologies, Inc.)

Gilbert Haas founded Haas Laser Technologies Inc. in 1992. From its inception, he wanted the company to exemplify innovation, reliability and quality above all else. Additionally, he aimed at producing laser beam delivery components, which would define industry standards.

“Our products include laser beam delivery components, laser beam diagnostic equipment and custom laser systems,” said Gilbert Haas, president of Haas Laser Technologies.

Haas Laser Technologies facility in Flanders, NJ. (Photo courtesy of Haas Laser Technologies Inc.)

The company has approximately 20 employees who work out of three key locations: Florida, Washington and its main facility in New Jersey. International distributorships support the company’s products worldwide.

Haas mentioned that the corporation, which turns 25 this year, has witnessed sustained growth since its inception. As a result of this growth, their products are currently utilized around the world in all industrial laser applications.

Haas ensures his company is postured for innovation by remaining engaged within the laser manufacturing community. In fact, he was an integral part of the LIA Board of Directors from 2014-2016 and currently serves as the LIA Executive Committee Treasurer.

“Being a member of the LIA puts you on the cutting edge of technology,” said Haas. “Whether it be conferences at ICALEO, LAM, LME, or via proceedings, online courses and certifications, you can always be sure LIA has the information you need to succeed.”

Haas keeps a close eye on where industry trends are headed so that his organization can better adjust to customer needs.  The company is an innovator, was a Prism Award finalist several times, and holds several national and international patents.

TLC Optics (Image courtesy of Haas Laser Technologies Inc.)

“Many new efforts are being made in the laser field,” said Haas. “We have seen the evolution of Nd:Yag to Fiber Lasers and the advances in CO2 laser technology.  Being on the forefront of the

BWA-CAM (Image courtesy of Haas Laser Technologies Inc.)

technology keeps us energized. We are always challenged with developing new unique products that open new markets.”

According to Haas, the Laser Diagnostics and TLC product lines are the latest product offerings by Haas Laser Technologies Inc. today.

“Our BWA Laser Measurement System is the world’s fastest and most repeatable system for laser beam measurements,” stated Haas. “Our TLC optics mitigates thermal lensing experienced in optics in high power laser systems.”

For more details about Haas Laser Technologies Inc. please visit www.HAASLTI.com

This Corporate Member Feature was written by Brandon Kalloo in collaboration with Haas Laser Technologies Inc.

LIA Names Laser Era Revolutionary Paul Seiler Recipient of 2017 Schawlow Award

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For Immediate Release:

ORLANDO, FL – September 20, 2017 – The Laser Institute of America (LIA) proudly announces Dr. Paul Seiler winner of the 2017 Arthur L. Schawlow Award. The LIA selected Seiler for pioneering laser use, expanding the field of industrial laser use, and creating innovative tools. He has shown a fundamental understanding of laser materials interactions and how laser capabilities can be applied to daily life.

Seiler will address the laser community during the LIA Awards Luncheon, which is part of the 2017 International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO®). ICALEO conference attendees are invited to attend this momentous awards ceremony, a long-standing LIA tradition, in an awards luncheon sponsored by EdgeWave GmbH Innovative Laser Solutions. The ceremony takes place at 12:30 p.m. on October 25th, 2017, in Atlanta, GA.

The LIA created the Schawlow Award, given annually, for those who distinguish themselves through excellence in work related to basic and applied laser research. It is named after its initial recipient and 1981 Physics Nobel Prize Winner, Arthur L. Schawlow, whose work was instrumental to the invention of the laser. He was renowned for leveraging optical properties and co-obtaining the maser patent with Charles Townes.

Seiler will be recognized for his lifelong achievements in laser science and engineering. This year’s award recipient was a revolutionary – unhindered by the disbelief he encountered, and a dreamer from the beginning of his career.

“I started in 1963 inside a larger company and they lost the belief in lasers, that turned out to be a big misjudgment,” Seiler told LIA in a recent interview. “I wanted to follow my dream and was able to convince an owner of a small company that manufactured springs for watches, that he needs a laser.”

By sharing his knowledge about the uses and applications of lasers for manufacturing, Seiler gave the manufacturer an invaluable tool, which helped the company become Haas Laser, and eventually TRUMPF Laser, a world leader of solid state laser companies.

Seiler stands as a visionary and an influencer.

“In 1963 I encountered the laser for the first time,” he said. “At this time only a few people in the world had the vision that the laser would become such an important tool in the future.”

He went on to study precision mechanics at the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe, Germany. The University of Stuttgart presented Seiler with an honorary doctorate in 2008, and he worked for 11 years as the managing director of TRUMPF Laser GmbH & Co. KG in Schramberg.

Seiler applied a fiber optic cable, known as the Laser Light Cable, to the laser. This innovation proved his continuous drive towards a robust laser. According to Seiler, the development was crucial for the success of solid-state lasers and, today, remains one of the keys for “easy to use” lasers. He believes the availability of the Laser Light Cable will increase the use of Ultra-Short-Pulse-Lasers in the next few years.

Seiler’s achievements include:

  • Only 11 years after the laser was invented, his first laser was applied in the 24/7 industrial application of lasers, paving the way for further innovation in 1971.
  • He engineered systems of lasers and components, setting a precedent for using lasers in conjunction with machines.
  • He developed high-power CW Lasers and was responsible for the “Mega-Installation” of more than 400 lasers for Volkswagen, fueling the widespread use of lasers in the automotive industry.
  • The TRUMPF laser group grew to be one of the largest solid-state laser companies in the world with production sides in the United States, Japan and Europe.

“Today I’m happy to share my fascination with all of the LIA laser-fascinated people,” Seiler told the LIA. “When I see how far the laser has come, I’m proud that I always believed in its success. I would like to be an example for the younger generation, motivating them to follow their passion. I thank LIA for supporting the laser society.”

Driven by limitless curiosity, Seiler’s inquisitive mind continues to thrive on the study and application of lasers.

“Even 14 years after retirement, I’m still just as fascinated by lasers as in 1963.” Seiler said.

To listen to honored speaker Dr. Seiler join us at ICALEO! For more information, visit www.icaleo.org.

 

About LIA

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.

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