Over the years, the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) and APMI International sponsored conferences and exhibits have become the largest and most prestigious conferences in the powder metallurgy (PM) industry. This year, MPIF and APMI International welcome the PM industry to San Diego, May 17-20. MPIF‘s focus is to promote advanced manufacturing methods that have […]
Recap: CO2 vs. fiber laser shootout by Cincinnati Incorporated
In case you missed today’s CO2-vs.-fiber shootout by Cincinnati Incorporated using its 4,000-watt CL440 CO2 and CL940 fiber lasers to cut identical parts side by side, here’s a quick rundown. Performed at the company’s Customer Productivity Center in Harrison, Ohio, about 20 miles west of Cincinnati, this demonstration by the longtime LIA exhibitor used their machines […]
Rethinking Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing as the New Design Paradigm
By Frederick Claus Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) with metal has significantly advanced the fields of aerospace, medical and industrial manufacturing with complex geometries and expedited production by eliminating the cost and long lead times for traditional molds and tooling. Inherent limitations of metal working processes – such as investment casting, machining or die casting […]
From park bench revelation to pillar of the laser community: Recalling the legacy of Charles Hard Townes
When Charles Hard Townes stepped up to the podium at ICALEO® in September 2010, he was a 95-year-old legend speaking to hundreds of disciples whose life’s work stemmed from his creations. It was his own life’s work that brought him to Anaheim that year to accept LIA’s first Lifetime Achievement Award. “It was an amazing […]
Lasers used to make super-hydrophobic metal
Scientists have developed a process that uses lasers to pattern a metal surface that is so smooth it actually repels water. This process will allow for a number of applications such as self cleaning surfaces.