Laser-Based Repairing of Turbine Airfoils and its Economical and Environmental Impact

By J. Michael Wilson Purdue University Replacement costs for high value engineering components are very high due to long lead times and special tool required for processing high strength materials.  Laser direct deposition provides an attractive and cost effective means for repairing or remanufacturing high value engineering components.  Traditional repair processes are limited in applicability […]

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Laser Direct Deposition of Nickel-Based Metal Matrix Composition

By Kevin C. Schoeffel and Yung C. Shin, Center for Laser-based Manufacturing, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana Ceramic particulate reinforcement enhances the already superior mechanical properties of nickel-based super alloys.   Reinforcement particles alter the matrix microstructure of the metal matrix composites (MMC) to improve wear resistance, hardness, etc.   Laser direct deposition […]

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High Speed Laser Engraving in Anti-Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting is a major and global problem for the pharmaceutical industries, with extremely important societal and economic consequences. It is for instance estimated that 10% of global pharmaceutical sales are conterfeit products, with a much higher ratio in Africa and parts of Asia. In addition to serious health issues, especially in developing countries, the revenue […]

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Driving Blind: Why the Need for Industrial Laser Beam Profiling?

By: John McCauley Ophir-Spiricon, LLC It’s time to buy another car. Like everyone else these days,you’re a bit cost-conscience, so you’re looking at getting the most for your money. You decide to see what the local used car lothas to offer. Before you get out of your car, the slick used car salesman approaches you, […]

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LED Safety in Toys

By: Michael Higlett, Marina Khazova, John O’Hagan Health Protection Agency, UK The development of technology has resulted in fast penetration of LEDs into a wide range of consumer products, including toys. The significant increase of optical output and expansion of the emission wavelength range, from ultraviolet to infrared, raised a concern about optical radiation safety […]

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