By: Xinghua Li and Sean Garner Ultra-slim flexible glass substrates have many potential applications, spanning from photovoltaics to e-paper to touch sensors. Previously, these applications generally incorporated glass substrates in the thickness range of 0.3-1.0 mm and benefited from inherent glass properties including high optical transmission, low surface roughness, high thermal and dimensional stability, and […]
High Speed Spindle Balancing with Pulsed Fiber Lasers
By: Marek Mamczur – Dynamic Laser Solutions and Jack Gabzdyl – SPI Lasers Today’s high speed production drills in PCB board manufacture operate at speeds in excess of 250,000rpm. The spindle shafts in these devices need to be individually balanced by very selective removal of material to ensure that, in operation, they run true. Any […]
Laser-Based Repairing of Turbine Airfoils and its Economical and Environmental Impact
By J. Michael Wilson Purdue University Replacement costs for high value engineering components are very high due to long lead times and special tool required for processing high strength materials. Laser direct deposition provides an attractive and cost effective means for repairing or remanufacturing high value engineering components. Traditional repair processes are limited in applicability […]
ICALEO 2011 Wrap-up: From Attoseconds to Zettawatts
ORLANDO, FL, November 7, 2011 — From attoseconds to zettawatts, the 30th-annual International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics looked once again to the future with another powerful conference packed with cutting-edge research from around the world. The message of the Laser Institute of America’s premiere conference — which returned to LIA’s hometown of Orlando — was clear: […]
Laser Direct Deposition of Nickel-Based Metal Matrix Composition
By Kevin C. Schoeffel and Yung C. Shin, Center for Laser-based Manufacturing, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana Ceramic particulate reinforcement enhances the already superior mechanical properties of nickel-based super alloys. Reinforcement particles alter the matrix microstructure of the metal matrix composites (MMC) to improve wear resistance, hardness, etc. Laser direct deposition […]