Tag Archives: IMTS 2016

Weekly Wrap Up – Week of August 29, 2016

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Bringing you up to date with the latest in lasers, LIA’s Weekly Wrap Up is a collection of this week’s highlights in laser technology, Laser Institute news, and Conference Updates as found across the web, on Lasers Today, and LIA’s network of social media channels.

What happened in lasers during the week of August 29, 2016? 

Laser Industry News

Could lasers lead to more environmentally-friendly manufacturing? According to some, lasers can be used to save energy, reduce waste, and improve recycling when used. Lasers have already replaced some chemical processes, while laser marking has rendered the use of labels to be much less viable. Learn about other ways lasers are helping manufacturers “go green” here.

Researchers at University of Michigan, Ann Harbor are working on a laser–made of human blood, that would emit infrared light, allowing doctors to hunt down tumors. Using indocyanine green, a dye already used in medical imaging, researchers have found that mixing the dye with blood might lead to a powerful laser light. Currently, the mixture is held in a small container, and when shot with a conventional laser, is able to emit light. Learn more about the experimental process here.

Conference Updates

Mark your calendars! LIA’s Biennial International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®) takes place March 20–23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. ILSC® gathers laser safety experts from around the globe for a comprehensive conference for laser industry professionals. This year’s conference is anticipated to cover laser product safety, medical laser safety and bio-effects. Find out more about the event, and how you can get involved here.

Industrial Laser Conference is right around the corner! Be sure to keep an eye on #ILCatIMTS at the conference, or from home for updates throughout the event. Industrial Laser Conference takes place September 13th, in Chicago, Illinois.

LIA News & Updates

Are you familiar with laser safety regulations in your state? You may be surprised to know that some states have specific laser safety regulations, not found everywhere else. Luckily, LIA has created a handy guide to state-mandated laser safety regulations. Find it here.

Staying on top of news and updates in the laser industry can be a challenge. To make it easier for the busy laser professional, LIA has created a comprehensive guide filled with online resources, recommended publications, and more! Download the free e-book, and expand your knowledge here.

 

Interested in learning more about laser additive manufacturing and other emerging laser technologies? Lasers Today keeps you up to date on all that you need to know about the laser industry, LIA, and more.

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 — and follow us on Twitter for live, up-to-date conference information.

Staying Competitive in a High-Tech Market: 4 Industrial Manufacturing Professionals Mastering Lasers at the Inaugural Industrial Laser Conference

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On September 13, 2016, Laser Institute of America (LIA) will host the inaugural Industrial Laser Conference at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. Now is the perfect time to discover the possibilities of incorporating lasers into your shop’s manufacturing processes.

Calling all Production Managers, Automation Engineers, Directors of Manufacturing, and Technicians! The present and future of industrial manufacturing is all about innovation and disruption. If you’re attending the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) at McCormick Place in mid-September, or can invest in your future by traveling to Chicago, you won’t want to miss learning how to incorporate lasers into your processes at the inaugural Industrial Laser Conference held at IMTS.

The present and future of industrial manufacturing is all about innovation and disruption.

No matter whether your shop already incorporates lasers into its manufacturing processes, or you’d like to take the first step, but don’t know where to start, the Industrial Laser Conference will provide you with the foremost laser-based technical information you need to remain competitive in the high-tech manufacturing marketplace. For more information on why – and for – who the Industrial Laser Conference was created, click here.

The inaugural Industrial Laser Conference is held this year at IMTS 2016.

What You’ll Discover at the Industrial Laser Conference at IMTS

Industrial Laser Conference is a full day of learning about industrial laser opportunities, how manufacturing is evolving with the application with the application of additive laser technology, a machine shop’s journey into metal additive manufacturing, and much more. Chaired by renowned FANUC America Corporation production manager Elizabeth Kautzmann, the “best of the best” in industrial manufacturing and lasers will cover 360-degrees of the industrial manufacturing and lasers landscape and how to leverage lasers in your current program.

Join the Future of Industrial Manufacturing at this exciting inaugural event! Here are four Industrial Manufacturing Professionals Who Should Attend the Industrial Laser Conference 2016:

1. Production Managers: You’re the professional who is in charge of your company’s overall vision and production of the manufacturing process. Ask questions and get expert answers from the brightest in the field – and shops who are already finding success.

2. Automation Engineers: You’re all about the designs and programs for automated machinery and their processes. Explore in depth at the Industrial Laser Conference.

3. Directors of Manufacturing: Since you oversee management and are in charge of all manufacturing areas, there’s no better place to gain confidence in the future of your staff and shop with in-depth information from lasers in manufacturing leadership.

4: Technicians: You make it a priority to look after technical equipment in order to become a better acquainted expert within any application of a craft or science. The Industrial Laser Conference is perfect for you and your future!

What’s more, registration for this event includes access to the Industrial Laser Conference and the IMTS exhibit floor for all six days. If you’re attending the International Manufacturing Technology Show, adding the Industrial Laser Conference to your schedule is easy.

If you’re attending the International Manufacturing Technology Show, adding the Industrial Laser Conference to your schedule is easy.

Get on board and don’t be left behind! For more information or to register for this event visit: https://www.lia.org/conferences/laser-conference.

We want you to Discover Chicago! Make the Most of the Industrial Laser Conference and the International Manufacturing Technology Show. Click here to read our guide to Chicago during the big week.

Discover Chicago! Make the Most of the Industrial Laser Conference and the International Manufacturing Technology Show

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LIA’s first-ever Industrial Laser Conference takes place September 13, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois at the International Manufacturing Technology Show – and we want you to make the most out of your trip!

Before heading out to the conference, review our complete guide to points of interest, events, and locations worth checking out in The Windy City – and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!

The inaugural year of LIA’s Industrial Laser Conference is a can’t-miss event, as it will set the standard for subsequent conferences in the years to come! The exciting part? You, laser professional, will have a hand in it.

Future-forward industrial laser applications such as additive manufacturing, welding, and marking will be covered throughout the event, and four educational sessions led by notable laser professionals will provide everything you need to know to get started with lasers – or advance your shop’s current laser endeavors.

What’s more, the International Manufacturing Technology Show, considered one of the largest industrial trade shows in the world, will be at your feet. Focusing on manufacturing technology, over 2,000 companies are projected to exhibit state of the art tools, computers, systems, and processes at the event. LIA members and manufacturing experts will have particular interest in the Fabricating/Laser/Additive Manufacturing pavilion. Take advantage of all of these resources from September 12-17.

Exploring Chicago

After a long day of learning, exploring, and networking, some attendees may want to get out and explore the city – and we encourage it! After all, we think that’s one of the added benefits of attending a conference or tradeshow. Here are some of our picks for food, drinks, transportation, and entertainment:

Food

Chicago is world renowned for its deep dish pizza – and those looking to find out what all the buzz is about might find themselves drawn to Lou Malnati’s, one of Serious Eats’ recommendations for traditional deep dish pizza, just down the street from McCormick Place.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is a can’t miss while at the Industrial Laser Conference and IMTS.

If you have time to catch a game, or want to relax, The Anthem may seem like a traditional sports bar in appearance and atmosphere, but a closer look at their menu reveals some surprisingly healthy options. If you or someone in your party has dietary restrictions, this might be a perfect choice to grab a bite after the conference. After all, where else can one find jumbo chicken wings, hummus plates (with gluten-free pita!) and Veggie sliders on the same menu?

Those seeking a fine dining experience may find themselves drawn to Acadia. Described as “contemporary American cuisine,” Acadia features five and 10-course tastings, which change seasonally. Reservations are required, and will likely fill up as IMTS draws near. You’ll be hard- pressed to find a poor review of Acadia, with many critics raving about its selections. Make a reservation with your fellow attendees today!

Drinks

In some instances, attendees may want to have a drink or two with new colleagues or acquaintances they met at the conference. Others may just want to unwind! Chicago has no shortage of watering holes and breweries to wet your whistle after the conference.

IMTS recommends Motor Row Brewing as a stopping point on your visit to the Chicago area. Offering a wide array of craft brews, Motor Row Brewing lives up to its namesake maintaining a warehouse-esque atmosphere harkening back to Chicago’s 20th-century status as an automobile industry haven. While the establishment does not serve food, they do encourage guests to bring their own or even order delivery from a number of local eateries! Motor Row Brewing is ideal for a small group. Tours of the facility are also available, for those interested in the brewing process.

Discover Chicago near McCormick Place.

Vice District Brewing is another notable stop for craft beer selections. Founded by two neighbors with a passion for brewing (and consuming!) unique beers, Vice District Brewing tries to capture the spirit of a neighborhood gathering. Traveling professionals might want to take advantage of the outlets spread throughout the taproom, making it easy to get work done, while still enjoying some of what Chicago has to offer. Vice is only a few blocks away from McCormick Place, making it very easy to access after the conference.

Sightseeing

If you plan on spending multiple days in Chicago, take advantage of some sightseeing and attractions in the area. Grant Park is home to a number of Chicago’s most well-known destinations such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium.

The Navy Pier is a top rated tourist destination for the region. Formerly a Navy training facility, the area is now used as a recreational, leisurely, and social space. Featuring an IMAX theater, nightly fireworks, and significant shopping destinations, you’ll need more than a single day to explore everything the pier has to offer.

Learn even more about the Industrial Laser Conference! Be sure to check out Why was the Industrial Laser Conference Created? Post on the Lasers Today blog, the premier industry blog for laser experts, professionals, and enthusiasts – and tell your colleagues and classmates.

Last, but certainly not least – don’t forget that the Industrial Laser Conference is less than a month away! If you’re attending the International Manufacturing Technology Show, and would like to register, click here.

Get the latest updates on the Industrial Laser Conference and International Manufacturing Technology Show on our Facebook Page. Click the Logo Above to Navigate to our Page and Follow Us!

 

 

 

Why Was the Industrial Laser Conference Created?

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Why was the Industrial Laser Conference created, who is it for, and how can it help advance your industrial manufacturing career? This blog explains it all.

Registration is now open for Laser Institute of America’s inaugural Industrial Laser Conference, to be held at the International Manufacturing Technology Show on September 13, 2016 at the renowned McCormick Place in Chicago. All the buzz about this new conference by LIA may have you wondering why the Industrial Laser Conference was created, who it’s designed for, and most importantly, how it can help advance your manufacturing career. These four pillars of the conference say it all:

1. It’s Designed for the Manufacturing Professional: Designed exclusively for the industrial manufacturing professional, the conference will showcase laser applications that are driving the evolution of manufacturing. From manufacturing directors to automation engineers to production specialists, every member of the industrial manufacturing workforce can benefit from attending this conference, learning over the course of a full day how to leverage lasers into their manufacturing processes in a high-tech, high-demand market.

2. It Was Created to Meet Industry Demands: As Industrial Laser Conference Program Chair Elizabeth Kautzmann of FANUC America Corporation explains, these innovative techniques are emerging and revolutionizing the industry to meet market demands, all rooted in the field’s collective understanding of conventional machining. “Just as significant as discussions about technology, are the means by which legacy manufacturers can incorporate and powerfully exploit the versatility of the technology,” Kautzmann said. “We can now migrate conventional subtractive processes into realms where newer approaches, which combine innovative and fresh perspectives based on solid manufacturing building blocks, are already in place.”

3. It Provides Laser and Manufacturing Professionals with the Tools They Need to Succeed: This event is perfect for both industrial manufacturing professionals who want to improve their laser program – and those who have considered lasers as part of their processes before, but haven’t made the leap just yet. From the novice to the expert, every member of the industrial manufacturing spectrum can benefit from this future-forward event that is 100 percent focused on your individual and collective success.

4. It Covers All Industrial Applications of Lasers: The event covers industrial applications of lasers, such as: Additive Manufacturing, Cutting, Welding, Marking and more. Most importantly, we will show you how to apply lasers to increase your profits & efficiency.

Inspired yet? Learn even more about the Industrial Laser Conference – and why you should be there in our Five Things to Know blog. You can also sign up today: Click to register. If you have any additional questions, we’d be happy to help. Contact our Conference Team: conferences@lia.org, or +1.407.380.1553.

Weekly Wrap Up (Week of July 15th)

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Another week is in the books, laser enthusiasts!

This week, we wrap up by taking a closer look at Laser Welding Fundamentals — with an overview of the key aspects of laser welding and current production processes, from the varying types of welds, to commonly used welding methods. Discover the elements of laser welding systems here.

We wrap up with a little chat about Laser Welding…and more.

In addition, recent reports show that Industrial Lasers are outperforming machine tools in sales growth. Despite an uncertain economy in recent years, industrial lasers have experienced notable growth. Check out the analysis of industrial laser sales and market share, in relation to current industry trends, as well as what these numbers mean for the second half of 2016 here.

While we are still years away from creating meals out of thin air, the Replicator (as seen in Star Trek) may not be as fictional as it once seemed. In this week’s Science Fiction or Science Fact, find out how the Extreme Light Infrastructure, which is expected to be able to produce small particles, in a vacuum, could make a device like the Replicator an eventual reality. Learn more here.

Registration for LIA’s Inaugural Industrial Laser Conference is now open. The conference will be held during IMTS 2016, taking place September 13th, 2016 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. The Industrial Laser Conference is designed for industrial manufacturing professionals and will showcase the applications driving the future of manufacturing. Registration for the Industrial Laser Conference includes access to the exhibit floor on all six days of IMTS. Learn more about the conference and register to attend here.

Clark-MXR, Inc is July’s Featured Corporate Member. Clark-MXR, Inc. is an industry leader in ultrashort pulse laser-based micromachining, production of ultrafast lasers, and laser solutions for scientific and industrial applications. Learn more about the company’s rich history, from its Michigan origins in 1992 to the launch of their micromachining division, as well as the company’s active role within LIA. Read more about the company here.

In this week’s Throwback Thursday, we explored the history of Laser Tag. Rising to popularity in the 1990’s, learn about the early origins of the game, how it actually works, and what its popularity means for lasers today. Check out the post here.

New updates to OSHA requirements will give more insight into workplace accidents. The new regulations, which aim to “modernize” the incident reporting process, require reports on illness, injuries, and fatalities to be submitted digitally. This records will be available to the public via the OSHA website. The new requirements have had a mixed response with some seeing it as a way to improve safety in the workplace, through transparency. Others find the new requirements “invasive” and worry about the potential for negative press surrounding the companies involved. Learn more about the updates here.

Our Laser Accident Series features laser-related accidents that may occur if proper laser safety protocols are not met. This week’s entry features real accidents reported to OSHA (names have been changed to protect those involved) involving laser applications. Learn about what steps LIA is taking to prevent accidents like these, as well as how laser safety training impacts the likelihood of these accidents here.

LIA offers laser safety training in the classroom, online, and in some cases, on-site! Learn more about the courses available to you, as well as view a digital presentation to see if online training is right for you in our post Choose the Laser Safety Training That’s Right For You found here.

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. Join us next week as we wrap up another week of laser learning and fun. In the meantime – visit us at www.lia.org.