In preparation for LAM^® 2017, Lasers Today takes a closer look at the presenters and industry leaders at this year’s workshop.

The Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM) is just around the corner, kicking off the next round of conferences and seminars designed for laser professionals. The Workshop is of importance in the ever-growing world of additive manufacturing; 3D printing and other additive manufacturing processes continue to reshape manufacturing as we know it, often creating revolutionary solutions to numerous challenges in a wide array of industries. Additive manufacturing is also creating jobs, and in some cases, reducing the environmental footprint of parts manufacturing.

At LAM, researchers and industry leaders come together to showcase research and developments in additive manufacturing. Sharing emerging technologies and concepts is how these experts aim to project the future of where additive manufacturing is headed to next. One of these presenters is Dr. Wayne King of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). King will deliver the Day Two keynote, “Modeling of Selective Laser Melting Process.”

About Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

For the most part, LLNL is closed to the public. However earlier this year, a few publications were welcomed into the facility for a small glimpse of the work being performed at the facility.

They are not just known for their 3D printing capabilities. The laboratory and its scientists, in association with University of California, have made more than a few key scientific discoveries and developments. To them, adding new elements to the periodic table and developing supercomputers are everyday tasks that are integral parts of their scholastic organizational culture.

Their 3D Printing Labs

LLNL is one of the largest additive manufacturing developers in the world. It is also home to the National Ignition Facility, which features the world’s largest laser. The facility’s primary focus is on metal parts, with two of the three 3D printing labs focusing on metal-based processes. In these labs, a jet engine was built in just eight days for approximately $10,000 dollars.

The laboratory is not just dedicated to its personal development of additive manufacturing. LLNL also launched the Accelerated Certification of Additively Manufactured Metals Initiative; a program which aims to improve metal 3D printing processes, while simultaneously increasing its adoption across industries. This initiative is directed by King.

Researchers at LLNL were the ones to discover what caused tiny, porous surfaces in 3D printed metal structures. They were also responsible for a breakthrough laser design using a powder bed select laser melting (SLM) 3D printer. That only scratches the surface of the progress underway at the laboratory, as LLNL also delves into 3D bioprinting, 3D printed foam and new state of the art 3D printing techniques.

With this much already under their belt at LLNL, one can only imagine what developments are in the near future. To learn more about the 3D Labs at the laboratory, check out this tour with 3ders.org before attending the Keynote Presentation by Wayne King at Day Two of LAM.

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

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