Covered topics: Non-contact beam measurement; a precession bore system with a green laser for electronics fabrication; and laser cutting, welding and optical measurement for e-mobility production.
Editor's picks
Discussion topics including cladding with diode lasers, CO2 lasers in the automotive industry, nano-structured anti-reflective surfaces, and software for designing beam-splitting optics were covered in the second installment of the Lasers In Action Webinar series
The first webcast in the Lasers In Action series covered blue diode lasers, automated weld monitoring and thermal laser processing.
News
The new panel pulls a thin layer of water out of the reservoir directly onto the solar absorber surface for heating and evaporation.
24 July 2020
The surfaces could be used to provide clean drinking water in developing countries
A mechanically stable, optically parametric oscillator. (Image: Fraunhofer ILT)
24 July 2020
When operated at 300W, the bars achieve an efficiency of about 70 per cent in the wavelengths of 1,000 and 1,020nm
Relativity Space aims to 3D print a complete rocket in 60 days. (Image: Relativity Space)
23 July 2020
The partnership is intended to create a closed loop supply chain where certified scrap materials are turned into powder, which can then be reprinted into new parts
The selective laser melting process (Image: SLM Solutions)
23 July 2020
The work aims to reduce the 3D printing time and costs of aircraft components by using larger layer thicknesses
A microfluidic chip made using the new welding process. (Image: Fraunhofer ILT)
23 July 2020
The process could also be used to increase flexibility and efficiency in the industrial production of other medical technologies
22 July 2020
Trumpf’s sales dropped by approximately 8 per cent to €3.5 billion in the 2019/20 fiscal year
56,307 international trade visitors attended EuroBlech in 2018
09 July 2020
A virtual hub for the sheet metal working industry will instead be held in October to facilitate networking and aid recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic
Analysis & opinion
15 June 2020
Anibal Di Luch, of TWI, reports on the development of a robotic platform for the laser processing of large-scale, high-end structures for aircraft
11 June 2020
Dr Paulina Morawska, research associate at Heriot-Watt University, discusses how ultrafast lasers can be used to address the encapsulation challenges of OLEDs
09 June 2020
Christian Knaak and Peter Abels, of Fraunhofer ILT, explain how imaging and machine learning can be used to identify weld imperfections with high accuracy
05 June 2020
Dave MacLellan, executive director of AILU, discusses how UK laser firms have answered the call for manufacturing to aid the fight against Covid-19
12 March 2020
Florent Husson, of Alphanov, describes how large parts can be polished using robotics and high-power lasers
06 March 2020
John Sutter, of Abicor Binzel, discusses how Generation 3 steels perfectly fit the needs of vehicle manufacturers
The benefits of AI and machine learning in laser processing were discussed by a panel of experts at the show
21 February 2020
Power increases across multiple laser technologies are set to bring further benefit to materials processing, Matthew Dale learnt at Photonics West
Features
24 April 2020
Nikolaus Fecht on how AI is helping move laser systems closer to achieving complete error-free production
16 March 2020
Keely Portway looks at regular maintenance practices that can help laser users ensure maximum uptime of their system
Trumpf enables copper additive manufacturing by combining its TruDisk 1020 with its TruPrint systems.
13 March 2020
Optically-driven additive manufacturing is entering uncharted territory with challenging reflective, thermally conductive metals such as copper, finds Andy Extance
Scanlab’s XL Scan synchronously controls a 2D scan head and a positioning stage. It can also process 3D workpieces with integrated Z-axis control.
12 March 2020
Greg Blackman on the latest scanning solutions and software for micromachining
Application focus
Ben Fielding, of Weldwide, explores the benefits of laser welding and how the technology compares to other well-established joining methods
Florent Husson, of Alphanov, describes how large parts can be polished using robotics and high-power lasers
Lasers can be used to create durable black marks on stainless steel. (Image: Coherent)
Andrew May, director of ES Precision, shares five tips to get the best laser marking results
John Powell, technical director of Laser Expertise, on some of the key aspects to consider when buying a new cutting machine for a job shop
Proper extraction system maintenance and design is vital, says BOFA International’s Joshua Evans, to reduce fire and explosion risks associated with laser metal processing
Press Releases
Hamamatsu Photonics has created a spatial light modulator that delivers pulse laser power capability up to 400 GW/cm2, by utilizing its advanced thin-film and circuit designing technologies. This new SLM to high-power industrial pulsed laser systems will contribute to achieve high-throughput, high-precision laser processing to processing resistant material such as light-weight and high-strength carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).
The system uses advanced laser technology and incredibly low clamp force to produce precise, clean and repeatable welds of superior aesthetic quality and performance
The Branson GL-300 is a highly flexible quasi-simultaneous plastic joining solution, designed to deliver efficient high-quality welds in a wide range of applications
This versatile solution delivers clean, high-contrast permanent marks without damage for a wide range of delicate or heat-sensitive materials, such as plastics, metals, and glass
Nickisch was previously Key Account Manager for the expansion of the systems business at the machine manufacturer Evosys Laser GmbH and has been involved in laser welding of plastics for more than a decade
Sebastian Blösch, the previous Finance Director and Deputy Managing Director, succeeds Stefan Heczko
The LASERDYNE 811 machine employs the most current hardware and software components for flexible precision laser processing in an affordable compact platform
White papers
09 June 2020
Edmund Optics describes its development of NebularTM nano-structured anti-reflective surfaces that can be used to reduce stray light in laser systems for materials processing.
