Category Archives: LAM News

Selective Laser Melting, Powder Metallurgy & Additive Manufacturing

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Additive Manufacturing processes like selective laser melting (SLM) and powder metallurgy are on the rise – and they continue to disrupt traditional manufacturing as we know it.

While the public eye continues to focus almost solely on 3D printing, these other laser additive manufacturing methods are quite literally shaping our manufacturing future.

In the weeks that follow LIA’s 35th International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics (ICALEO®), Lasers Today shifts its focus to innovative and critical additive manufacturing processes in preparation for our Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM®). Our next LAM, which takes place February 21-22, in Houston, Texas, will cover all facets of additive manufacturing, including 3D printing, selective laser melting (SLM), powder metallurgy, and more.

A recent Fortune article, which discusses the urgency of 3D metal printing and additive manufacturing processes and the challenges faced by the rise of these methods, echoes the importance of laser applications in these areas succinctly. While 3D printing is a big part of the present and future of additive manufacturing, it is equally important to acknowledge other applications that are disrupting the marketplace and defining its future.

SLM and Powder Metallurgy Are Making Waves in the Industry

In its September issue, EuroPhotonics published an article discussing the changing landscape of Laser Materials Processing. Illustrating a shift from a handful of manufacturing operations to the rapid increase of additive methods, the change is happening worldwide. The piece discusses several additive processes outside of 3D printing. The use of selective laser melting (SLM) in rapid prototyping, for example, allows early versions or low volume creations to be created without the use of complicated, often time-consuming tooling.

This feature is just one of the many additive manufacturing processes described. Find the full article here.

The use of powder metallurgy to create high-quality parts only continues to rise. LPW Technology shared a blog post discussing the quality control process of determining if unexpected results are the doing of a machine, or the powders themselves. As manufacturing experts know, a machine’s output can be disrupted by even the slightest error or change. This power metallurgy article provides a unique, first-hand perspective on some of the challenges, and the subsequent solutions associated with additive manufacturing practices.

Read the full post here.

Interested in learning about these laser applications and more at LAM in February? Review the Lasers Today LAM 2016 recap and visit www.lia.org/conferences/lam to register today.

The Top Three Ways to Explore Laser Additive Manufacturing Through LIA

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Considered by many to be the “hottest” trend in manufacturing, LIA has no shortage of resources in which you can learn more about Additive Manufacturing.

The popularity of additive manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing, does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Taking a step away from traditional manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing builds from the ground up, rather than reducing a part or product down to size.

LIA recognizes the importance of this growing trend and offers multiple ways to learn, explore, and get involved with additive manufacturing concepts. To highlight this, we’ve put together the top three ways LIA can help you better understand Laser Additive Manufacturing.

Conferences

Arguably the most important way LIA can help you become more acquainted with laser additive manufacturing is through our conferences. LIA conferences are held regularly throughout the year, across the country, and focus on a variety of laser applications.

This year brings the introduction of an all-new conference – the first ever Industrial Laser Conference, which encourages the introduction of lasers in manufacturing processes. With additive manufacturing featured as one of the main focuses of the event, making your way to Chicago this September is worth looking into. Click the link above for more information and to sign up.

Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM®), held in the early part of the year, is a two-day event that focuses solely on additive manufacturing practices. Here, advancements in the field are discussed during a variety of sessions. Representing over a dozen industries, it is nearly impossible to leave LAM without learning something new about additive manufacturing.

Publications & Blogs

LIA makes topical, current laser applications information readily available to laser professionals. Laser additive manufacturing is no exception. The LIA store has a sizable collection of educational published papers available for purchase. These papers, presented at previous conferences like ICALEO, provide invaluable information on laser-based additive manufacturing processes. Check them out here.

Blogs and articles found on LIA Today and Lasers Today often explore laser additive manufacturing through current news and relevant updates. Like the post you are currently reading, LIA aims to increase your awareness of opportunities, as well as your general knowledge on laser applications, like laser additive manufacturing. Updates on conferences, how to network, and where related events are taking place are all available to you, anytime, anywhere.

Laser Safety Training

While the desire to learn more about laser additive manufacturing is important and exciting, learning appropriate operational practices with lasers is essential. Laser safety courses designed for manufacturing applications prepare you for the work environment by teaching proven practices that will keep you and others safe.

While there is not currently a course exclusively for laser additive manufacturing, those interested in the processes should look into Industrial Laser Safety Officer training. Industrial Laser Safety Officer training is designed for laser professionals that deal with manufacturing processes. Industrial-centric courses are available both in classroom and online. Check the current course schedule to see upcoming training in your area. Online registration can be found here.

LIA aims to encourage laser safety and promote laser applications, internationally. Get involved today by checking out our blogs, exploring our numerous laser safety courses, or registering for an upcoming conference, today!

LAM 2016

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An In-depth Look at Additive Manufacturing’s Challenges & Successes

By Betsy Marone

The eigth year of Laser Institute of America’s Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM®) Workshop brought together over 170 attendees from 14 countries. The successful event gathered these individuals – over half of whom attended for the first time – who are involved in the manufacturing of complex, lightweight, metal and various other structural materials. From 3D printing and cladding to rapid manufacturing and sintering, presentations covered a plethora of revolutionary Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods that continued the workshop’s tradition of building enthusiasm in the industry.

The event, which was held at the Embassy Suites in Orlando, FL from March 2-3, featured numerous speakers from key companies involved in the industry. Presenters hailed from companies including Keystone Synergistic Enterprises, Inc., Fabrisonic LLC, Rolls Royce and General Electric as well as universities around the world who are making important advances in additive manufacturing. Continue reading →

LAM 2016: Exploring the Multi-Faceted World of Additive Manufacturing

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LIA’s 8th annual Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM®) Workshop welcomed over 170 attendees – over half of whom were new to the event – from 14 countries. They gathered in Orlando, FL on March 2-3 to discuss the latest developments in 3D printing, cladding and other revolutionary additive manufacturing (AM) methods.

LAM General Chair Paul Denney, along with co-chairs Ingomar Kelbassa and Jim Sears, designed the two-day event – featuring keynote addresses, educational sessions and numerous exhibits – to showcase the way companies are utilizing additive manufacturing.

“New this year was a session dedicated to technologies (electron beam, arc welding and ultrasonic) that compete against lasers for additive manufacturing,” said General Chair Paul Denney.

To begin this session, Professor Sudarsanam Suresh Babu from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville gave a keynote presentation that focused on recent advances in metal additive manufacturing, as well as the role in-situ process monitoring, computational monitoring and advanced characterization play in the field. Professor Babu’s discussion of AM’s benefits, compared to traditional manufacturing methods, gave way to an overview of the additive manufacturing process – from geometrical conformity and topography optimization to size specific properties and beyond.

After gaining this background on alternative technologies, attendees learned about the selection process companies use when choosing the premier additive manufacturing processes for their needs. In addition, the first day also featured executives from leading companies, including DMG MORI, Concept Laser, Inc. and Optomec, Inc., who showcased new equipment available for AM.

Focusing on new AM approaches, Christoph Leyens from Fraunhofer IWS discussed precise laser metal deposition with wire and powder filling material, while TRUMPF Inc.’s Frank Geyer compared the processes of laser metal deposition and laser metal fusion. After which Daniel Capostagno of SPI Lasers LLC, concluded the day with his presentation on fiber laser welding and cladding using filler wire.

With a focus on bridging the gap between additive manufacturing research and application, the second day began with a keynote address given by Professor David Bourell of the University of Texas at Austin. The Director of the Laboratory for Freeform Fabrication discussed the current status of additive manufacturing.

The day’s sessions also focused on both the national and global successes and challenges in AM with presenters from around the world. Tim Biermann of Fraunhofer ILT presented on LAM R&D centers in Germany, while Milan Brandt from RMIT University discussed the industry further in Australia.

Sharing the latest and greatest in additive manufacturing, LAM 2016 gave attendees a unique inside look at this rapidly-progressing manufacturing process. Alex Zappasodi of Polymet Corporation remarked, “A great show! Valuable information, great attendees and meticulously organized.” James Tomich, who attended LAM for the fourth time this year, agreed and said, “If you’re using lasers for AM, you don’t want to miss LAM.”

“We’re looking forward to LAM 2017, when we return to Houston, TX,” said Denney. “While the Oil and Gas industry is suffering from lower oil prices, we feel that there will still be a strong interest in laser cladding – a form of laser additive manufacturing – because it can lower production costs.”

Visit www.lia.org/lam for updates on LAM 2017.

 

Network with the Experts

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During LIA’s Upcoming LAM Workshop

By Michelle L. Stock

Additive manufacturing has been creating buzz for some years, and is now on the threshold of becoming mainstream. According to a Pricewaterhouse Coopers survey of more than 100 manufacturing companies in 2014, 11 percent had already moved to volume production of 3D printed parts or products. With interest only increasing based on maturing technologies and processes, there has never been a better time to learn the latest about laser additive manufacturing, meet and network with experts, and benchmark laser additive manufacturing against other technologies – and no better place than LIA’s fast-approaching Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM®) Workshop.

The two-day event, held on March 2-3 in Orlando, FL, will focus on the question “why lasers?” in the burgeoning field of additive manufacturing. Through its keynotes, sessions, exhibits and networking opportunities, the workshop will answer that question and many more. For people involved in manufacturing of complex, lightweight, metal and other structural materials, LAM is a must-attend event. Continue reading →