Tag Archives: Laser Cutting

Weekly Wrap Up — Week of September 12, 2016

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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.

September’s Featured Corporate Member – Wayne Trail, A Lincoln Electric Company

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Wayne Trail, a subsidiary of Lincoln Electric, is a leader in the design of flexible, automated systems utilized within a wide range of metal forming, fabricating and joining industries. Its current market segments include robotics, welding and fixturing; press automation; tube bending and fabricating systems; tubular hydroform and structural frame automation; build-to-print manufacturing services; and laser processing systems.

At the time of Wayne Trail’s inception, the company provided the Dayton, Ohio-region automotive industry with tools, dies and fixtures. The company’s reputation and customer base grew throughout the years, allowing for the development of its engineering expertise and inclusion of automation through the production of automated tube-bending systems. In addition, Wayne Trail acquired companies, such as Livernois Press Automation, Flexible Systems Engineering and VIL Laser Systems, which added to its visibility within the industry, expanding its capabilities and, ultimately, leading to its acquisition by Lincoln Electric in 2012.

Since then, Wayne Trail has added to Lincoln Electric’s strength by not only incorporating the staff’s experience in design and system building, but also in adding their proven capabilities and success in laser welding systems. Lincoln Electric employs over 10,000 people globally among their 49 manufacturing operations, joint ventures and alliances in 19 countries, with 180 employees located at the Wayne Trail facility. As laser experts, Wayne Trail has added to Lincoln Electric’s vast product line for numerous industries and products, such as automotive and specialty powertrain component systems and both standard- and custom-designed cells for laser welding, cutting, brazing and more.

Despite its numerous innovative offerings, Wayne Trail’s laser welding system services prove among its most important. From the automotive and aerospace sectors to the battery and energy sectors, Wayne Trail continuously meets new challenges through their powertrain laser systems, multiple robotic laser cutting systems, laser ablation and brazing systems. The company adds to Lincoln Electric’s history as a leading global innovator, continuing to invest in research and development of laser processes – including brazing, ablation, laser die cleaning and laser/hot wire for cladding and welding applications – which hold the potential to help move technology further around the globe.

Over the last five years, Lincoln Electric has grown in automotive, aerospace and commercial system applications for multi-axis laser processing. Continued development in technology and the increase in reliability has allowed lasers to venture from the lab into real-world production systems. As lasers continue to prove themselves as a reliable method of joining and cutting of numerous materials within the industry, immense growth has occurred, creating new jobs and allowing for Lincoln Electric’s expansion into other areas of automation requirements.

With the availability of new materials and affordability of laser technology for customers, Lincoln Electric continues to weld, clean, cut and drill complex components for customers. To meet customers’ developing demands, Lincoln Electric’s engineering groups remain dedicated to developing and advancing innovative system concepts and tools. This was seen when Wayne Trail R&D engineers raised deposition rates and eliminated waste powder while using powder systems through the development of a hot wire process.

As a member of Laser Institute of America (LIA) since 1995, Wayne Trail has been able to maintain access to information and opportunities that span all laser-related industries. It has also allowed the company to collaborate and contribute to the industries it supports, through a presence at LIA conferences and expos, while also keeping Lincoln Electric close to the industry and helping it witness the growth of the laser.

For more information, visit www.waynetrail.com.

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

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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

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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.

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.