For most of 2019, I have been collecting information on ultrashort-pulse (USP) lasers at various venues. This segment of the laser market has grown tremendously in the last five years and it appears this will continue. A few years ago, I presented tables for picosecond and femtosecond laser manufacturers that were then offering USP products. Since then, many of these companies no longer exist or were rolled into larger companies. In addition, it has become obvious that the laser by itself is not a solution to manufacturing problems, but also includes optics, system integration, and process development.
On August 7, 2019, at 1:00 pm ET, I will be giving a webcast put on by our parent organization, Endeavor Business Media, and sponsored by RPMC Lasers. Titled "Matching the Right USP Laser to your Materials Processing Application," this 45-minute webcast will focus on all aspects of USP laser processing and major markets, materials, and future plans (register here).
Things are also gearing up for ICALEO, to be held this year in Orlando, FL and featuring a whole new format with industry-specific focus days and greatly expanded vendor hours. Information about the new venue can be found in this video, and registration information is available here.
I wish everyone a great summer and I hope to see many of you during upcoming fall conferences.
I am always interested in hearing your thoughts concerning laser micromachining, the laser industry, comments on entrepreneurial endeavors, etc. AND … we are always looking for fresh, publishable material. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Ron Schaeffer
Ron Schaeffer, Ph.D., is a blogger and contributing editor, and a member of the Laser Focus World Editorial Advisory Board. He is an industry expert in the field of laser micromachining and was formerly Chief Executive Officer of PhotoMachining, Inc. He has been involved in laser manufacturing and materials processing for over 25 years, working in and starting small companies. He is an advisor and past member of the Board of Directors of the Laser Institute of America. He has a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Lehigh University and did graduate work at the University of Paris. His book, Fundamentals of Laser Micromachining, is available from CRC Press.