LIA’s Inaugural Industrial Laser Conference at IMTS Highlights Lasers in Manufacturing

Conference’s diverse program instructed shops and industry professionals in how to leverage lasers to revolutionize manufacturing processes

Laser Institute of America held its first Industrial Laser Conference on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. Tailored exclusively to the future-forward industrial manufacturing professional, the conference showcased leading laser applications driving the evolution of manufacturing, and instructed manufacturing shops and industry professionals in how to leverage lasers into their manufacturing processes in a high-demand marketplace.

Thirteen experts in laser manufacturing, including technical directors, laser applications engineers, and program managers, presented a diverse program in room W190-A of Chicago’s renowned McCormick Place. Hailing from leading manufacturing organizations such as IPG Photonics Corporation, SLM Solutions NA, Inc., TRUMPF Inc., FANUC America Corporation, Laserline Inc., Optomec Inc., Lincoln Electric Company, Fraunhofer USA – CLA, Alabama Laser, Mitsui Seiki (U.S.A.), Inc., and Imperial Machine & Tool Co., the presenters covered topics like technology advances in additive manufacturing, hybrid additive and subtractive tool technology, laser additive manufacturing in production, advances in welding with fiber lasers and novel beam delivery products, and the role of flexibility in laser automation.

These innovative techniques are emerging and revolutionizing the industry to meet market demands, all rooted in the field’s collective understanding of conventional machining. From advancements in technology to expected challenges, the LIA’s Industrial Laser Conference provided a newfound clarity on the present and future of industrial manufacturing.

“LIA was proud to deliver an elite lineup of laser experts in our first year of the Industrial Laser Conference, covering 360 degrees of lasers-in-manufacturing technology,” said Jim Naugle, LIA’s Marketing Director. “The opportunity to dive into a real machine shop’s journey into metal additive manufacturing with lasers and cover new innovations in directed energy deposition (DED) systems in one day, all while
receiving access to cutting edge exhibitions at the IMTS show, is a thrilling opportunity for manufacturing engineers, automation specialists, and sales managers.”

From seasoned manufacturing experts new to lasers, to shops who have already begun reaping the benefits of laser technology, the conference offered something for everyone in the sector, including James Hail of L-3 Communications. “[The show provided] excellent information! I learned a lot,” Hail said.

Attendees like Mansour Ashtiani of Huf North America hope to attend the event again. “It was a very professionally done conference,” Ashtiani said.

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. For more information about the Industrial Laser Conference, including presenters, programs, and sponsor information, please visit http://www.lia.org/laserconference.

About LIA

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.

Weekly Wrap Up — Week of September 12, 2016

With Industrial Laser Conference and the Industrial Manufacturing Technology Show wrapping up in Chicago, this week’s summary explains what you may have missed!


#ILCatIMTS

The first-ever Industrial Laser Conference at the Industrial Manufacturing Technology show took place September 13, in Chicago, Illinois. LIA was there to capture to-the-minute updates from the event. For a recap, visit #ILCatIMTS on Twitter, where you will find photos from the event, glimpses from inside presentations, and maybe some familiar faces! The Industrial Laser  Conference touched on hot topics in laser manufacturing such as additive manufacturing, hybrid tooling, fiber lasers, and more! Follow LIA on Twitter @laserinstitute to see coverage from the event.


Industry News

As part of the newly launched Lasers Today Laser Innovators Series, the blog profiled three movers and shakers in Electro Optics and Photonics. Learn about recent developments that will likely find their way into our daily lives, sooner rather than later. From state-of-the-art projections to life-saving bioimaging, to testing the technology that will operate our next-favorite amusement park attraction, these are companies to keep an eye on in the industry. Learn more here.

SPI Lasers’ fiber lasers are capable of welding dissimilar metals. The new process creates three weld spots creating a strong weld between very different metals such as copper and aluminum. Learn more about the exciting development, in this article from Industrial Lasers.


Conference Updates

With Industrial Laser Conference now behind us, our attention turns to ICALEO® taking place October 16–20, in San Diego, California.  ICALEO® brings attendees from all over the world, and while there is plenty to see and do across all four days, sometimes a break to see the city is desired. With that in mind, we put together a guide of things to see and do around San Diego. Whether you’re into museums, historical landmarks, or sun and sand, we’ve found something for you to do on your downtime, at  ICALEO®. Check out the guide here.  Registration for  ICALEO® is open. Don’t miss out on this premiere laser event. For registration details, please visit our registration page, found here.


LIA News & Updates

The laser industry is always evolving. While you may have taken Laser Safety Officer training in the past, if it has been five years or more, you may be operating with outdated knowledge. Refreshing your LSO training helps keep you on top of ANSI standards, which are revised more often than you may expect. Plus, with LSO training through LIA, you will receive sample documents, which help to create and/or maintain a laser safety plan. The courses also help you learn strategies for training others in laser safety; a common responsibility of the LSO. Learn more about the perks of LSO Training through LIA here.

Many companies look for ways to minimize cost and expenses. The manufacturing industry is no exception. Sometimes, ways to save time and money on manufacturing are a lot easier than you may think. Simple things like attending conferences, such as ILCatIMTS or LAM, can give you insider knowledge to increase efficiency. Staying up to date on regulations and industry updates can help curb preventable incidents, saving you time and money. Learn about other ways to save time and money on manufacturing here!

There are no shortage of reasons why many laser professionals are also LIA members. Learn about the many benefits that come with LIA membership such as unique networking opportunities, discounts on laser safety courses, reduced conference rates, and more! Discover the perks of membership here.


Do not miss any more conference updates! Follow LIA on Twitter for conference updates, like the ones from #ILCatIMTS, from your home or office! Interested in learning more about laser industry updates, upcoming conferences, and in-depth looks at the world of lasers?

Subscribe to Lasers Today, and receive the Weekly Wrap Up, delivered straight to your inbox! 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 at www.lia.org.

IMTS 2016 and the Industrial Laser Conference Are Here! Here’s How to Follow Lasers Live

The 2016 International Manufacturing Technology Show and inaugural Industrial Laser Conference are upon us. Here’s how to follow #LasersatIMTS all week long.

This weekend, the LIA staff travels to Chicago to set up and begin a laser-packed IMTS event! Are you ready for the latest lasers in manufacturing innovations and applications?

No matter whether you’re attending IMTS and the Industrial Laser Conference at McCormick Place, or want to follow the event from your home or office, our Twitter feed will contain breaking and up-to-the-minute laser-focused updates.

To follow the International Manufacturing Technology Show with us all week long, follow our hashtag on Twitter: #LasersatIMTS. 

To follow the inaugural Industrial Laser Conference specifically, which is held all day on 9/13, follow our Twitter hashtag: #ILCatIMTS 


Meet LIA Staff and Stay Connected with LIA All Show Long

LIA Staff will be on site at IMTS 2016 and the Industrial Laser Conference all week long. Connect with us by visiting our Booth. To receive up-to-the-minute Booth updates once the show begins, follow our Twitter account @LaserInstitute. 

You can also Tweet us anytime during the event and we’ll get you connected with the right answers and solutions.

There’s Still Time to Sign up for the Industrial Laser Conference @ IMTS!

Don’t forget, you can also sign up for Tuesday’s Industrial Laser Conference when you arrive in Chicago! Check your IMTS program for details and how to sign up.


Make the most of your trip to Chicago! We’ve also put together the following IMTS 2016 and Industrial Laser Conference Resources for you: 

Discover Chicago! Make the most of your trip to the International Manufacturing Technology Show – click here to read.

Staying Competitive in a High Tech Market – 4 Manufacturing Professionals That Will Benefit from the 9/13 Industrial Laser Conference at IMTS – Click here to read.


Let us know if you have any questions at all about the Show & Conference this week – and how we can help. See you in Chicago! – Team LIA 

 

 

Lasers Today Weekly Wrap-Up – Week of August 22, 2016

What’s New This Week in the World of Lasers?

Are you ready for the latest news, updates, and points of interest regarding lasers, laser safety, and laser applications?

Aggregating content from Lasers Today, LIA Blog, and our social media channels, here’s what you may have missed this week: 


Laser Industry News: Is Low-Cost, Robotic AM possible for large-scale? 

Is low-cost, robotic additive manufacturing possible for large-scale parts? Learn about the successes Keystone Synergistic Enterprises has had in expanding directed-energy additive manufacturing into large parts, on a low cost platform. The piece also discussed some of the early roadblocks experienced when exploring additive manufacturing for airframe and engine applications, in the late 90s and early 2000’s. Read more about Keystone’s strategy to expand upon additive manufacturing applications for sustainable business here.

A newly proposed method could greatly reduce the manufacturing times of 3D printed parts. In the post 3D Printing of Net Shape Geometries by Laser Metal Deposition, learn how this proposed process differs from traditional laser metal deposition, and the results that it produced here.


Conference Updates: Prepping for the Industrial Laser Conference at IMTS 2016 in Chicago!

On the fence about attending the inaugural Industrial Laser Conference? Be sure to check out our post highlighting the four industrial manufacturing professions that may benefit the most from attending. The Industrial Laser Conference was designed to introduce ways to incorporate lasers into existing processes. Learn how to stay ahead in a competitive, high-tech market here.

Ready to register for Industrial Laser Conference? Find everything you need to know before attending here.


LIA News & Updates: Recapping LME & Summit via LIA Today 

LME (Lasers for Manufacturing Event) & Summit took place April 25-27 in Atlanta, Georgia. This week, we recapped the event. LME & Summit offered educational workshops for both introductory and experienced attendees as well as the latest addition, the Laser Technology Tour, proved to be a hit with attendees. Check out what you may have missed here.

A greater number of industries than ever before are adopting additive manufacturing technology to their processes, often saving money on production costs! Learn how laser additive manufacturing may give your company the advantage in our slideshare The Cost of Manufacturing With Lasers vs Without Them. The slideshare covers the advantages of additive manufacturing, types of 3D printing and more! Download it here.

Interested in learning more about laser additive manufacturing? Register for one of our manufacturing-centric conferences, held throughout the year. 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

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.