Tag Archives: GE

General Electric’s Dr. Marshall Jones To Discuss Industrial Laser Processes at IMTS’ Industrial Laser Conference

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GE Global Research Center’s Dr. Marshall Jones will be headlining this year’s Industrial Laser Conference 2018. Held on day three of the International Manufacturing Technology Show, the one-day industry conference is set to take place on the 12 September at McCormick Place, Chicago IL.

A thought-leader in the advancement of laser materials processing and laser device development, Dr. Jones will be at the Industrial Laser Conference to discuss laser applications in the manufacturing process.

“The adoption of laser technology in manufacturing has been steadily growing, evident by the continued annual growth of laser sales globally where Europe has led the way, especially in Germany. Laser technology will continue to displace more conventional manufacturing processes due to it being faster, automatable, and cost effective,” said Jones.

As the Chief Engineer, Dr. Jones joined the GE Global Research Center in 1974 as a mechanical engineer after receiving his M.S and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts. His career at GE saw him advance laser materials processing, laser device development and fibre optics to afford him 55 U.S. patents, 57 foreign patents, and over 50 publications. Last year Dr. Jones was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

The Industrial Laser Conference is presented by the Laser Institute of America in partnership with IMTS. The Laser Institute of America will also be hosting the photonics academic and industry ICALEO conference next month.

Nathaniel Quick, Executive Director of the Laser Institute of America stated, “We are looking forward to having a great blend of speakers at the Industrial Lasers Conference, to contribute and ignite industry conversations on industrial laser applications. Our speakers Stan Ream of EWI will be addressing the challenges and constraints to laser applications, and Michael Sharpe of FANUC America will be discussing robotic laser opportunities.”

Dr. Jones will keynote the session titled ‘Case Studies of Industrial Laser Processes Based on Savings and Other Benefits’ at the Industrial Laser Conference. The speaker line-up includes William Adler, Wayne Penn, Ron Schaeffer and more, covering laser applications and laser processing for service providers.

The one-of-a-kind industrial laser applications workshop will have presentations from thought leaders and provide focused industry insights from key companies including IPG Photonics, Alabama Lasers, Stripmatic, EWI, FANUC America and GE.

Registrations for the Industrial Laser Conference is open online until the 12 September 2018.

The Top 5 3D Printing Innovations at LAM® 2017

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Considered by many to be one of the biggest manufacturing revolutions of this century, 3D printing has captivated and intrigued individuals in a wide spectrum of fields and industries. From the independent crafter to the leadership behind some of the biggest companies in the world, to some of the most prestigious universities, it is safe to say that the future is 3D printed.

The Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM) last month helped emphasize that point, with some of the most-talked-about presentations revolving around 3D printing innovations.

Five 3D Printing Innovations You May Have Missed at LAM 2017

1. GE Plans to Go Full Vertical by 2022, Plans Parallel Supply Chain

It is no secret that GE is investing ample time, resources, and funding into its additive manufacturing

Attendees hear about the latest AM Innovations at LAM 2017 in Houston

initiatives. The company has created additive manufacturing applications across multiple GE businesses and has earned over 300 patents in powder metals used in the additive process.

During the Accelerating the Additive Revolution keynote on Day one of LAM®, GE Additive’s Greg Morris revealed that the company plans to become fully vertical by 2022. Concerning the supply chain, Morris does not believe that the current methods will be replaced immediately. Instead, both traditional and additive manufacturing methods will exist side by side. The company is continuing its focus on being a user and developer of additive manufacturing capabilities, as demonstrated by the willingness to integrate the technology alongside existing practices.

2. OPTOMEC Debuts New LENS Machines- Making Additive Manufacturing Affordable

A challenge for many industries looking to join the 3D printing revolution is the anticipated cost of equipment. At LAM, OPTOMEC debuted a potential solution to this issue with their new LENS machines. The three new LENS systems use lasers ranging from 500W to 4kW to create 3D structures. Prices start at under $25,000; a price point that puts 3D printing capabilities into the hands of more people.

The systems are designed to help reduce the process time and cost while increasing the quality and capability for design changes- or in simpler terms, all the qualities that entice industries to explore additive manufacturing in the first place. The new systems join the existing line of LENS machines and will fill gaps in demand for low-cost additive systems, thus making the 3D revolution more accessible and affordable than ever.

3. Stryker Discusses the Future of Custom Printed Implants

“We can design anything,” Marc Esformes of Stryker, told the audience at LAM®. Stryker’s additive manufacturing efforts are revolutionizing the future for medical implants, through their focus on 3D printing to develop innovative medical devices.

Esformes discussed the potential for custom, 3D printed implants that would take a matter of weeks from 3D scan to 3D printed part. The 3D printing process allows for a more biocompatible implant, reducing the chance of rejection and infection in patients, a point of great interest for the future of Stryker’s medical additive manufacturing applications.

4. Fraunhofer Discusses Low-Cost SLM Systems

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) lead two presentations at LAM® 2017. One of which discussed selective laser melting, an additive manufacturing process that is potentially an economical choice for 3D printing of parts.

The cost of production using SLM Systems relates less to the complexity of the part, and more about the physical volume. The systems allow for individualization, as details can be altered before the part begins production. Should the SLM process be utilized from concept to completion, the utilization could be game changing for parts manufacturing.

5. Siemens Aiming to Reduce Production Time, Using More AM Machinery, With Less Risk

Siemens has made significant waves with their adoption of additive manufacturing processes. At LAM, Ingomar Kelbessa discussed the company’s approach and plans toward increased 3D printing adoption.

In a just under two years, Siemens was able to develop an entire process chain to optimize their gas turbine blades. The system lead to a 90% reduction in lead time, through the use of 24 additive manufacturing machines. Siemens hopes that this reduced time and increased flexibility with the manufacturing of parts can lead to greater customer satisfaction and parts-on-demand.

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The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide. To learn more about LAM 2017 and the LAM Workshop by LIA, visit the official workshop website.

 

LIA’s Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM®) 2017 Explored Top Innovations, Insights in the 3D Printing Revolution

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Notable names in Additive Manufacturing, including GE Additive’s Greg Morris and Marc Esformes of Stryker, gathered in Houston, TX for the two-day event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 14, 2017 – The Laser Institute of America’s 2017 Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM®) took place February 21–22 in Houston, Texas. Researchers and industry leaders from all over the world came together to discuss the latest advances and future challenges within the world of laser additive manufacturing. The two-day event featured
presentations, exhibitors and ample networking opportunities for attendees and industry professionals alike.

“LAM offers its attendees the opportunity to create lasting relationships with key individuals in their industry,” said Jim Naugle, Marketing Director with LIA. “This year was no exception.”

Attendees hear about the latest AM Innovations at LAM 2017 in Houston

Presentation Highlights

Conference General Chair Milan Brandt of RMIT University addressed the conference, officially kicking off the event.

“Laser systems are at the heart of metal additive manufacturing technology,” says Brandt. “This year’s conference provided an opportunity for those involved with laser technology to explore the latest progress and challenges in additive technology, including the latest in Nano-additive technology and medical applications.”

The workshop opened with a keynote presentation from GE Additive’s Greg Morris, titled Accelerating the Additive Revolution, which highlighted the additive manufacturing efforts led by General Electric, including the company’s plans to be vertical by 2022. In regards to the future of additive manufacturing as a whole, Morris suggested that while the current supply chain will not be immediately replaced, a definite shift is occurring, with co-existence happening in the foreseeable future. He added that laser additive manufacturing has revolutionized jet engine production, reducing 855 individual parts down to 12.

Representing the medical side of additive manufacturing, Marc Esformes of Stryker presented Additive Manufacturing of Medical Implants. As a part of one of the pioneering companies utilizing additive manufacturing for medical devices and tools, Esformes emphasized the potential for revolution when it comes to using AM for life-saving medicalpurposes.

“We can design anything,” Esformes said, in reference to how implants can be custom designed by doctors, for patients using additive manufacturing. “Custom implants can go from 3D scan to 3D part in just a few weeks.”

Our final keynote, Simulation and Modeling of the Metal Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Process, was presented by Wayne King of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)

and focused on results of extensive efforts to improve qualification of parts produced using laser powder-bed fusion AM by applying physics-based models. King, a widely-recognized expert andDirector of AM Materials at LLNL described the multi-scale modeling efforts of his team, focusing on powder-scale and parts-scale models.

The powderscale model has become so powerful that it can now predict phenomena that was unanticipated, as well as nearly every spark and splatter, occurring in the powder-bed and melt pool. Even with such powerful simulation tools, there is work to be done to create more complete simulations of every step from design to part.

Exciting Developments Unveiled at LAM

Dr. Wayne King of LLNL speaks at LAM 2017

Sponsor and attendee Optomec featured the new LENS Machine Series for metal additive manufacturing applications at the event. The LENS series comes in three models and combines Optomec LENS Print Engine technology with standard CNC Vertical Milling platforms, making metal AM technology more accessible and affordable.

While using #LAM2017 on Twitter, attendees, vendors and presenters alike shared their thoughts and photos from the event. LAM 2017 provided two days packed full of knowledge and innovation in laser additive manufacturing, kicking off a new year of progress for both lasers and additive manufacturing technology.

For more information regarding LIA conferences and workshops, like LAM, please visit www.lia.org/conferences. For the latest updates regarding conferences, industry developments, and all things lasers, visit and subscribe to www.laserstoday.com.

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide.

 

 

Attendees Will Accelerate the Additive Manufacturing Revolution with GE’s Greg Morris at LAM 2017

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Explore Additive Manufacturing with GE’s Greg Morris at LAM 2017. 

Our Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM®) is only two weeks away. If you aren’t caught up, this annual event highlights the latest advancements in additive manufacturing technology and applications, bringing together industry leaders and top researchers to discuss the present and future of additive manufacturing in a variety of critical American industries like medicine, energy and aerospace.

LAM 2017 is in Houston, TX. February is an ideal time to visit Houston, with mild temperatures and ample sunshine.

This year’s event will kick off with the keynote presentation “Accelerating the Additive Revolution” by Greg Morris of GE Additive, as part of the highly-anticipated Trends in Additive Manufacturing Session. Learn more about GE’s work and the keynote speech at LAM below.

GE Additive Leads the Way

Roboze One

Over the last year, GE has further positioned itself as a leader in industrial design and manufacturing technology. In early 2016, GE opened the Center for Additive Technology Advancement, a 125,000-square foot facility in Pittsburgh, PA dedicated to the future of 3D printing. The company also recently reached an agreement with global additive manufacturing provider Concept Laser to own a 75 percent stake, with plans for full ownership in the future.

A recently acquired Roboze One+400 desktop 3D printer bolsters its global research center, allowing the company to experiment with polyetherimide (PEI) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK). With these
innovations, GE Additive propels the potential of additive manufacturing and is focused on numerous initiatives to accelerate technology in the manufacturing world.

About Greg Morris

Technology Laureate Greg Morris

LAM 2017 Keynote presenter Greg Morris has served as GE Aviation’s Leader of Additive Technologies since 2013. Previously, Morris was the CEO of Morris Technologies, which was purchased by GE in 2012 to help advance their additive manufacturing initiatives, particularly for large scale production. Technology developed by Morris is directly responsible for GE Aviation’s greater push for AM innovation. In 2015, Morris was honored with the Aviation Week Laureate Award for Technology, for his work in the industrialization of additive manufacturing.

What’s Next for Morris & GE

The next big push from GE Aviation is an increase in the production of LEAP fuel injectors. The company plans to double its production from 6,000 in 2016 to 12,000 in 2017. The project is shifting to the company’s Auburn, AL facility where approximately 50 machines will be producing the parts. Data and information harvested from this initiative will later be used to build better machines. GE will also be investing $10 million dollars in additive manufacturing education by providing equipment to schools for STEM education. For more information on GE’s additive manufacturing initiatives, visit www.geadditive.com

Do not miss Greg Morris of GE Additive, presenting “Accelerating the Additive Revolution,” in his words. The keynote presentation will take place February 21, 2017 at 8:15 AM as part of the LAM opening session, Trends in Laser Additive Manufacturing. For more information on this year’s sessions and presentations, please visit: https://www.lia.org/conferences/lam/program.

Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM) will take place February 21-22, 2017 in Houston, Texas. For more information, and to register, please visit www.lia.org/lam.

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide. Visit us for conference, education, and courses information at http://www.lia.org today.

 

Weekly Lasers Wrap Up – Week of November 14, 2016

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The Laser Institute of America LasersToday.com Weekly Wrap-Up aggregates industry news, conference updates, and LIA happenings. Here is the latest:

LIA News

November’s Featured Corporate member is Alio Industries, Inc. Alio Industries has developed a reputation through the years for its “innovative designs” and production of precision motor systems. Learn more about this Colorado-based company, and their contributions to the industry here.

Laser Industry News

GE has been a household name for decades. However, in the last year, GE has reinvented itself, increasingly merging with the world of open-source, industrial design, through manufacturing. Take a look at what GE has recently worked on here.

Lasers Today recently featured a guest post on Beam Delivery. This in-depth look discusses the importance of a laser’s beam size, M2, beam perimeter product, and the measurements needed for each. Discover why these measurements can be a great deal of importance to those in the industry here.

Researchers at UCLA are working to “explore one of the last frontiers of the electromagnetic spectrum” using terahertz lasers. Terahertz lasers are capable of producing photons with frequencies of over a trillion cycles per second. They are, however, a challenge to create. Check out the article at Phys.org to learn more about the team’s research.

Forget scarecrows. Lasers may soon be the preferred method to keep birds away from destroying crops. Currently, sound cannons, used at random intervals keep crows from lingering too long, much to the dismay of neighbors. The solution? Low powered lasers that take advantage of birds sensitivity to moving light, which usually indicates a predator nearby. Learn more here.

As 2016 begins to wind down to an end, the first look at the shifts, growth, and the overall state of the laser market is starting to show. Take a look at the first of the predictions and analytics here.

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The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide. Find us at www.lia.org