Constructive concept of a lightweight container for municipal waste collection. (Image: Fraunhofer IWS)
New containers made from light metals and fibre composite plastics will replace the heavy steel superstructures of classic waste trucks
Laser beam transmitting upwards through glass. (Image: John Whitehead/Columbia Engineering)
The technique, published in Additive Manufacturing, has the potential to print embedded circuits, electromechanical components, and robot components
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
A microfluidic chip made using the new welding process. (Image: Fraunhofer ILT)
The process could also be used to increase flexibility and efficiency in the industrial production of other medical technologies
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
The masterbatches are cost-effective and enable high-definition, high-contrast laser marking on clear and dark surfaces using NdYAG laser systems
The new design is both lighter and easier to wear than a previous design made using acrylic.
Laser system manufacturer Trotec has successfully developed a face shield that can be laser cut from a single sheet of PET plastic
MKS Instruments subsidiary Spectra-Physics has introduced the Spirit 1030-140, an industrial femtosecond hybrid fibre laser that delivers over 140W power and over 600µJ pulse energy with 400fs infrared pulses
The system supports numerous productivity enhancement options, including a sophisticated multi-camera-based augmented reality user interface that enhances visual workflows
