The Frank A. DiPietro Award was established by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA; Elgin, IL) in 2017 in memory of Advanced Laser Applications Workshop (ALAW) founder Frank A. DiPietro (1926-2016), who was actively involved in advancing the use of laser technology in industrial manufacturing, including laser welding car bodies and components. The Award is given out annually at ALAW to a person most exemplifying the vision, spirit, and determination that DiPietro demonstrated in bringing laser and robotics technology to transportation manufacturing.
The 2019 Frank A. DiPietro Award Recipient is Stan Ream, an internationally recognized expert in industrial lasers, process development and analysis, and manufacturing systems design and performance, as well as a member of the Industrial Laser Solutions Editorial Advisory Board. He is a pioneer in the development of laser materials processing technologies. Starting in the 1970s with his participation in high-power laser welding development for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and NASA, he has continued to contribute to a broad range of laser applications and production implementations.
Through Ream's previous diverse employment experiences, including Sciaky, AVCO Everett Research Laboratories, IIT Research Institute, Battelle, Amada, GE FANUC, Worthington Industries (TWB), and EWI, he has gained a broad perspective on the technological and marketing force that has shaped the laser materials processing world. A longtime volunteer on the ALAW Steering Committee, Ream carries on DiPietro's legacy by promoting the future of lasers and automation in the industry.
For more information, please visit fmanet.org and alaw.fmanet.org.