Tag Archives: Industrial Manufacturing

How LIA Corporate Members Are Innovating the Future of Manufacturing

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The Laser Institute of America aims to foster the future of laser applications. Many of our corporate members uphold similar ideals and they are working hard to advance the future of laser applications in manufacturing.

From the development of new life-saving products to building the future of transportation and researching the next steps in the additive manufacturing revolution, here’s what some of our members have been up to in the last year:

Buffalo Filter Launches Plume Pen Pro

With a 25-year legacy as a recognized surgical safety brand, Buffalo Filter recently launched the new Plume Pen Pro. The device is a surgical smoke evacuation pencil that offers surgeons the “flexibility and option of longer surgical smoke capture ports making the exchange of blades easy and plume capture tailored to plum length.”

The Plume Pen Pro, along with other products by Buffalo Filter, work to reduce surgical smoke inhalation and exposure. This keeps operating rooms safer with user-friendly solutions.

Image: Buffalo Filter

 

II-VI HIGHYAG’s RLSK Laser Featured in Industrial Laser Solutions for Manufacturing

A recent issue of Industrial Laser Solutions for Manufacturing featured a cover article on laser welding for the Ford Mustang, spotlighting II-VI HIGHYAG’s RLSK remote laser welding head. In developing the new Mustang, Ford needed a large-scale, single-sided joining method that did not possess the potential structural weakness of traditional spot welding. Ford then turned to remote laser welding, which not only solved the structural weakness issue – it created a measurable increase in productivity at the production plant.

Starting in 2015, the RLSK remote laser welding head was put into full use by Ford. Four were installed at the Detroit plant, joined by 24 additional structural remote laser heads for the vehicle’s production. Implementing these remote laser heads lead to a decrease in weld time, fewer station cycles, fewer welding robots, and an increase in overall production space.

Image: II-VI HIGHYAG

LPW Technology, Inc. CEO and Founder Discusses 3D Printing Opportunities in Aerospace

Machine Design Magazine recently published a piece on the use of 3D printing for aerospace applications. The article quoted various industry leaders and experts, including LPW Technology Founder and CEO Dr. Phil Carroll. Dr. Carroll addresses the increasing demand versus the quality control of metal powders used in 3D printing. In the early days of powder metal liturgy, the materials were essentially grounded up scrap metal, leading to a high chance of contamination. Contamination of a pure metal powder could lead to a compromised part down the line, because the offending particles may degrade over time.

To combat this, greater inspection and handling of metal particles is required. Working with Lloyd’s Register and TWI, LPW will be certifying powders for a joint effort to increase the adoption of additive manufacturing.

Image: LPW Technology

RPM Innovations, Inc. Working With Okuma America Corp. on Alternative to Combination Additive/Subtractive Manufacturing Processes

 Despite the overwhelming push for additive manufacturing processes across industries, there are still many cases in which traditional subtractive processes are the most effective solution. However, it does not always have to be a case of choosing one over the other, or even combining them.

With the assistance of their laser deposition machines, RPM Innovations and Okuma America are developing options for machines that allow individual operations to occur, by keeping processes in separate sections that link together. Rather than choosing one manufacturing method, or forcing them to overlap, separating the processes allows for differences in processing time, automation in loading and reloading, as well as the addition of other processes in the workflow.

Image: MMS Online

Spectra-Physics Introduces Icefyre

Earlier this year, Spectra-Physics debuted IcefyreTM, “a compact, high power industrial picosecond hybrid fiber laser.” The IceFyre is versatile in its process optimization and repetition rates, as well as pulse-on-demand triggering. It combines the power supply and laser head into a single, compact unit.

In the official news release, Spectra-Physics states that Icefyre is designed for precise manufacturing of sapphire, glass, ceramic, metals, plastics, and other materials. The Icefyre made its debut at the 2017 SPIE Photonics West.

Image: Spectra Physics

We are committed to sharing the latest news about our esteemed and innovative Corporate Members. To learn more about becoming a Laser Institute of America Corporate or Individual Member, click 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. Read about LIA or contact us for more information.

How Does Industrial Laser Safety Impact 2017 Manufacturing?

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As manufacturing practices continue to change, how will companies ensure the safety of their employees?

Manufacturing is undergoing a revolutionary phase. That is no secret, nor surprise.

Image: Illinois Applied Research Institute

The shift from traditional manufacturing practices into additive processes is creating new challenges and opportunities across a multitude of industries. It is becoming increasingly common for companies to blur the lines of what services, products, or purpose they provide. Sectors in which manufacturing was outsourced or contracted, such as the medical industry, are now finding new opportunities in additive manufacturing.

More and more companies are going into research and development, or on-site production, reshaping the way prototypes and finished products are created.

However, laser-manufacturing innovation poses an unprecedented challenge. You cannot put an employee in front of a powder bed system, wish them luck, and be on your way. Additive manufacturing machinery, often suited with a high-powered laser, requires specific education to ensure the safety of the operator and other employees.

In some cases, the standards, certifications, and proper operation methods are just now being released, especially when it comes to additive manufacturing. However, what about when it comes to the basics of safely operating and working near lasers?

Laser Safety for the Manufacturing Workplace

Working alongside Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ANSI Z136 standards outline proper laser safety protocol for the workplace. Laser education courses, such as those offered by LIA, can prepare employees for a laser-ready workplace by including hazard analysis calculations such as maximum permissible exposure (MPE), optical density (OD), and nominal hazard zone (NHZ).

For those in a supervising role, the Laser Safety Officer Course a non-mathematical look at the administrative duties regarding laser safety. LSO courses are designed for all levels of experience and fit the needs of safety professionals, engineers, laser operators, and other related experts.

 

LIA Offers a Variety of Laser Training Options.

 

Knowing how to operate laser-based equipment is not enough. Industrial Laser Safety Courses expand upon the knowledge presented within laser processes and addresses the hazards associated in detail, as well as methods to reduce hazardous environments in the workplace.

OSHA and other federal standards are also discussed in the courses, bringing to light the regulatory expectations of a laser utilization in the workplace.

Your Education Options

As the manufacturing world becomes increasingly globalized, it may not always be possible for employees to travel to receive their laser safety education. In this instance, online or on-site laser training options may be worth exploring, allowing employees to receive their laser safety education from the comfort of their home or office.

Need to train an entire crew? On-site education may be your best bet, as it allows the entire staff to be trained at once, with minimal schedule disruptions.

The Laser Institute of America is proud to help serve the industrial communities by offering flexible and convenient learning options in the classroom, online, or even on-site. Receive your laser safety training and education from the leading laser safety source, Laser Institute of America, publisher of the ANSI series of laser safety standards.

For more information on how LIA can help your laser safety program with any of the courses mentioned above, please visit LIA’s Education Page.

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.Read about LIA or contact us for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

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.

Save the Date for LIA’s Lasers for Manufacturing Summit

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ORLANDO, FL, June 12, 2014 — A brand-new Lasers for Manufacturing Summit to be held Sept. 22 by the Laser Institute of America will bring together C-suite and other top executives who want to hear first-hand expert intelligence on how to use these powerful tools most profitably in a variety of high-value manufacturing applications.

The Lasers for Manufacturing Summit will precede the fourth-annual Lasers for Manufacturing Event® (LME®) on Sept. 23-24 in Schaumburg, IL.  Featuring in-depth presentations covering laser manufacturing, additive manufacturing/3D printing and ultrafast lasers, the summit promises a wealth of front-line information tailored to key decision-makers seeking to maximize profits by streamlining manufacturing with lasers.

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