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

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

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.