Tag Archives: laser manufacturing

DigiFabCon Explores How Digital Fabrication Such as Laser Cutting & 3D Printing Is Changing the World

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From a mobile Humanitarian Fab Lab in refugee camps that uses laser cutting for building temporary housing to 3D Printing on the International Space Station, Digital Fabrication is changing almost every aspect of our lives.  On March 30 and 31, 2017 at the Microsoft NERD Center in Cambridge, MA, visionaries at DigiFabCon will explore the opportunities and challenges found in bringing these CAD based technologies to new, exciting arenas.  Whether for manufacturing workforce training, K – 12 education, rapid prototyping, re-designing standard products, improving surgical procedures, or fostering entrepreneurship, the tools of digital fabrication are impacting entire communities.

DigiFabCon will feature keynotes from Sherry Lassiter, Director of the Fab Foundation and Dale Dougherty, founder of Maker Media which includes MAKE: Magazine and Maker Faires.  They will give an overview of the compelling digital fabrication stories from Fab Labs and makerspaces around the world.  Dr. Neil Gershenfeld, Director of the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms, will discuss technical advances that are making digital fabrication tools accessible to “anyone who wants to make (almost) anything”.   This includes work in his lab on Machines that Make Machines, although Dr. Gershenfeld always says the impact of these tools is social, not technical!

Courtesy: DigiFabCon

 

The interactive program includes:

  • Sarah Boisvert, past President of LIA, describing a new national digital fabrication certification program for operators and technicians with a panel discussion with participants from Indian Hills Community College, the Community College of Baltimore Country, Century College and the Space Coast Fab Lab
  • David Ott explaining the International Committee for the Red Cross Humanitarian Lab project
  • Tomas Diez, from Fab Lab Barcelona, reporting on progress for self-sustainable Fab Cities
  • Andreas Bastian, of Autodesk, sharing design challenges in the Enable Community Foundation 3D Printed prosthetic hand project
  • A panel from Limitless Child International, Fab Lab Tulsa and Fab Lab San Diego on utilizing mobile fab labs to bring technology to rural and underserved areas.
  • a participatory exercise by TIES fellows examining biomimicry in design

The program includes a Fab Festival where participants can get hands-on demos in 3D Printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, CAD and much more.  Preliminary exhibitors include ShopBot Tools, the Roxbury Innovation Center, 3D Print Life, Limitless Child International, and Fab Lab Hub.  The Festival will also feature book signings by Dale Dougherty, founder of Maker Media, and Rachel Ignotofsky author of Women in Science. Generous sponsorship from Chevron, Microsoft, and ShopBot Tools keeps DigiFabCon registration to just $49.

In this, DigiFabCon’s 5th year, a pre-conference short course has been added. LEAN 101 is a hands-on workshop to introduce manufacturing managers, startup founders and entrepreneurs, and makers to methods for improving time to market, production cost and product quality through a simulated, hands-on making exercise.  Our instructors are LEAN gurus of the first rank.  Joe Rizzo, CEO of Lean is Green, previously ran factories for GE when the legendary Jack Welsh was CEO and Scott Gauvin, CEO of Macresco, focuses on creating high performing, humanistic workplaces.

For details and to register, please go to www.DigiFabCon.org.

Valuable Online Resources in Laser Manufacturing

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Whether you are an expert in the field of laser manufacturing, an ambitious student, or are just beginning your career, discovering new information about laser manufacturing applications is always a valuable endeavor.

3D Laser Cutting – Trumpf Inc.

With that in mind, the LIA team compiled a list of the top laser welding and manufacturing-related online publications for you to explore. These resources are packed full of information, tips, stories, and real-life applications for all laser manufacturing levels.

Here are some of our favorites:

#1: The Welding School Blog: Laser Technologies in Welding

Tulsa Welding School has served as a training school for welders for over 60 years. With three locations nationwide, Tulsa Welding School is focused on the education and careers of its students. Beyond classroom and hands-on instruction, the institution regularly updates The Welding School Blog and covers the most breaking information in laser welding, like this article on how new technology, including lasers, is revolutionizing the welding industry.

Other posts focus on potential students and individuals interested in the field, or aim content toward current professionals, discussing competitions, career advice, and networking opportunities for welders. In all, the Welding School Blog manages to share intriguing stories, history, and background on the history and impact of welding applications.

Read more from The Welding School Blog on laser technologies in welding here.

#2: Industrial Laser Solutions for Manufacturing

Industrial Laser Solutions for Manufacturing is an online magazine packed full of relevant content for laser manufacturing professionals. Although the magazine itself is released every other month, the Industrial Laser Solutions for Manufacturing web page is frequently updated with the latest news, developments, and information— including laser engraving and welding.

Featuring industry news, relevant videos, popular products, financial reports, and links to other online resources, this publication is bookmark-worthy for anyone professionally involved with laser manufacturing. Be sure to check out the Editor’s picks for exclusive pieces not found in the magazine.

#3: Industrial Photonics Magazine

Like the previous entry, Industrial Photonics Magazine is also an online industry magazine. This magazine does an excellent job of aggregating the best news, features, webcasts, videos, and more in relation to laser applications. While you will find a whole lot more than pieces on laser manufacturing, Industrial Photonics Magazine stays on top of the latest industrial headlines, making it a valuable resource for those looking to expand their laser knowledge even outside of their own profession.  Read on and subscribe by clicking here.

Industrial Photonics Magazine

#4: LasersToday.com and LIA Today

Laser Institute of America is committed to providing the latest and most valuable laser manufacturing information to our members and the laser manufacturing community at large. For breaking industry news and updates in one convenient location, visit our website LasersToday.com here. You can even sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox, so you never miss articles on Laser Weld Process Monitoring and Laser Welding Publications, for example.

LIA Today is a full-color newsletter that is published six times per year. It includes articles on the latest industry news to keep members and other laser professionals current on important issues that impact the laser community. To read the September/October issue of LIA today, Science and Research, and to subscribe, click here.

Be sure to support the blogs listed above by clicking through the links – and feel free to comment below and let us know what your favorite laser manufacturing publications and resources are, too.

Become part of the LIA experience and stay on top of your laser manufacturing career. Explore how to become an LIA member today by clicking here.

LIA to Host Manufacturing Day Event on October 7 for Worldwide Laser Community

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Resource site will provide LIA members and small businesses with information designed to reduce and prevent exposure to laser beam and non-beam hazards in manufacturing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 4, 2016– In celebration of Manufacturing Day 2016, Laser Institute of America (LIA) will provide the worldwide laser community on October 7 with online information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees’ health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to laser beam and non-beam hazards in industrial workplaces.

Manufacturing Day is an annual national event supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers.

“There is an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program and operate technology,” said Jim Naugle, Marketing Director at LIA. “The average age of a manufacturing employee is 56, and between now and 2020 there will be an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers who will need to be replaced.”

Manufacturing Day is co-produced by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Manufacturing Institute (MI), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).   Partners include Edge Factor and the Science Channel and guest producer, Industrial Strength Marketing.

To access LIA’s helpful information, please visit LIA’s official Manufacturing Day page http://bit.ly/2cEqBNo. For more information or questions, please contact LIA Marketing Department at marketing@lia.org.

About LIA

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and laser safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications and laser safety worldwide. Serving the industrial, medical, research and government communities for over 45 years, LIA offers technical information, training and networking opportunities to laser users from around the globe. Please visit us at http://www.lia.org. More information on Manufacturing Day is available at www.mfgday.com.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORLANDO, FL (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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.

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.