Tag Archives: laser

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

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Throwback Thursday: The Origin of the Word “Laser”

Posted on by
Reply

“What’s in a name?” It is difficult to imagine a laser called by any other name. The word itself sounds a bit futuristic in nature. While the unaware may imagine that the laser was simply named upon discovery, the history of the word has an intriguing depth and history to it.

Before the 20th century, “laser” had a very different meaning. In ancient civilizations, specifically Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures, “laser” referred to the resin of the silphium plant. The silphium plant, now considered an extinct species, was used as a food seasoning and for a variety of medicinal properties. While this has little bearing on the lasers of today, the shared namesake is an interesting historical coincidence.

Instead, the naming of the laser took after its predecessor, the maser. The maser, at its origin, was not actually its own word, but rather an acronym standing for “Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation” Laser, differing only in its energy source, is “Light Amplification by Stimulate Emission of Radiation” Both acronyms eventually evolved into their own accepted singular word over the course of a few decades.

Gordon Gould, one of a handful who fought for the laser patent rights, is credited with coining the acronym, and by extension the word “laser,” although he is not credited with the patent for the laser itself. (He was later awarded a number of other patents, related to laser development and applications.)

While the acronym-turned-word origin may not be as interesting as ancient roots in Latin or Greek, “laser” and “maser” make for intriguing examples of acronyms turned to commonly accepted words, joining the likes of “radar” which was initially an acronym for “RAdio Detection And Ranging”

The evolution of these acronyms into full-fledged words makes an interesting argument in favor of the influence of science and technology on language. It is a marked evolution of language, in direct contrast to criticisms that argue the acceptance of acronyms and initialisms as words.

“Laser” has come a long way since it was coined in the 1960’s, leading to its modification for different tenses. Lasing refers to the “generation of coherent light by a laser” and to lase means “to give off coherent light, as in a laser”

These variations illuminate the transition of “laser” from an etymological standpoint. While the origin of the word pales in comparison to the applications of lasers, the history of the word shines a light, or rather lases the impact of lasers upon the world. At the very least, it makes a great “betcha didn’t know fact” among laser professionals and word nerds alike.

 

ICALEO 2009 – Accepting the Challenge

Posted on by
Reply

Held in the Hilton located in the Walt Disney World® Resort, the 28th International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics (ICALEO®) once again brought together many of the best and brightest of laser and optics professionals and scientists to network and review the state-of-the-art in laser materials processing and predict where the future will lead. For four full days, plus the pre-conference Welcome Celebration held poolside at the Hilton Hotel, ICALEO 2009 provided a platform for the current issues on the forefront of laser materials processing.

Continue reading →