For the 12th time now, users, manufacturers and developers can take advantage of the international platform provided by the AKL - International Laser Technology Congress to exchange experiences and know-how about laser technology today and opportunities for tomorrow. The primary questions at the 2018 Congress: How can players in the laser-technology industry integrate digital solutions into their design and production processes? How can they continuously improve productivity, process reliability and quality? And how can these players do so in order to add significant value compared to processes lacking digital connectivity? What new business models and forms of cooperation – between designers, manufacturing experts and customers, for instance – will emerge when production and the digital world are interconnected?

 

Specialist forums on “Process Control” and “Laser Additive Manufacturing”

AKL’18 will kick off on May 2, 2018 with two specialist forums held concurrently: “Process Control” and “Laser Additive Manufacturing.” At the latter event, attendees can delve into AM technologies all day. Topics include the use of AM in the production of industrial tools for the automotive industry, AM repair methods for trains, lightweight aluminum construction and software solutions for digital AM process chains. Alternatively, people can learn more about process control. At the “Process Control” specialist forum, experts from companies such as Scansonic MI GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH and Porsche Leipzig GmbH will talk about the state of the art. They will also share their experiences with monitoring various laser processes.

 

Laser markets – Edge in knowledge for decision-makers

At the Technology Business Day event on May 2, 2018, managing directors, marketing decision-makers and sales managers will get an overview of the laser markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas. The event will focus on the automotive industry, microelectronics, aviation technology and energy technology. Dr. Klaus Löffler from TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH in Ditzingen, Germany will share his views on the laser market in Europe and trends in the worldwide laser market.

In addition, Fraunhofer ILT will offer newcomers its “Laser Technology ABC's” seminar on May 2, 2018. This event provides companies with little awareness of laser technology a structured, real-world overview. Topics include selecting suitable beam sources and handling systems for various applications as well as the legal requirements that apply to industrial laser technology.

 

Leading international laser manufacturers peer into the future

The Gerd Herziger session will kick off the laser technology conference on May 3, 2018. Session speakers will include Dr. Peter Leibinger (TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG in Ditzingen, Germany), Dr. Qitao Lue (Han's Laser Technology Industry Group Co., Ltd in Shenzhen, China), Dr. Eugene Shcherbakov, IPG Laser GmbH in Burbach, Germany) and Dr. Mark Sobey (Coherent Inc. in Santa Clara, California, U.S.). These speakers will outline what they consider to be five significant opportunities and challenges in the laser industry of tomorrow – with a special look at the role of big data. These experts will also share their opinions on which conventional technologies will one day compete with laser technology. AKL’18 attendees can also learn which laser applications are likely to significantly influence technological advancements in the next three years.

On May 3–4, 2018, more than 40 speakers from industry and research will examine the state of the art in the macro processing and micro processing of laser materials. They will also talk about developments in laser beam sources. In addition, everybody at AKL’18 will have a chance to talk with more than 50 renowned manufacturers of lasers, components and systems at the sponsors exhibition that supplements the conference. Attendees and manufacturer representatives can explore specific matters in one-on-one conversations.

 

2018 Innovation Award Laser Technology

As part of AKL’18, the “Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik e.V.” and the European Laser Institute (ELI) will present the Innovation Award Laser Technology on the evening of May 2, 2018. Endowed with 10,000 euros, this award recognizes outstanding innovations in the development and application of lasers in manufacturing technology. This accolade is aimed at applicants from European companies as well as European universities and R&D centers. Applications will be accepted until Monday, January 15, 2018. Additional information is available here: www.innovation-award-laser.org

 

Supporting organizations

The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT organizes the International Laser Technology Congress AKL’18. This forum also benefits from the following organizations: the European Commission, the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik e.V., the European Laser Institute (ELI) and OptecNet as well as the German industrial associations SPECTARIS, VDA, VDMA and VDI.

 

Register at www.lasercongress.org no later than Friday, March 9, 2018 for an AKL’18 early-bird discount! The conference will take place in English and German with simultaneous interpreting into both languages.