International trade fair for laser material processing showcases new system solutions for manufacturing / Pioneering for the industry

High-precision lasers, flexible and versatile laser systems, high-performance innovations and world premières - this is what the visitors can expect at LASYS in Stuttgart from 31 May to 2 June 2016. The international trade fair for laser material processing focuses on laser production systems, laser-specific machine subsystems, components, processes and services. "Many of our exhibitors are presenting their new and further developments to the public for the first time. This makes LASYS a key trendsetter and an important source of inspiration for decision-makers from industry and science", delights Gunnar Mey, Department Director of Industrial Solutions at Messe Stuttgart.

The presentation from Trumpf is a highlight. The technology and global market leader for machine tools for flexible sheet metal forming and for industrial lasers announced a global première for LASYS. "We will showcase a new and forward-looking product generation. It is the logical further development and optimisation of our top product, a high-performance and energy-efficient laser, which is characterised in particular by its wide range of applications", states Klaus Löffler, General Manager, Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH.

Laserline also has a première on the exhibition programme. The developers and manufacturers of diode lasers present the new Laserline CCA12 water-air cooler at LASYS. It guarantees optimal cooling of laser and beam-shaping optics and can be seen in combination with the fibre-coupled high-performance diode laser LDF 11.000-60.

Rofin will also showcase new products in Stuttgart: "We are looking forward to presenting our innovations such as precision cutting of glass and sapphire with ultrashort pulse lasers to our customers and users", reveals Thomas Merk, CEO and President of Rofin. The company puts the spotlight on application-oriented system solutions: for the first time the new Performance Unlimited, the tried-and-tested manual welding laser system with new options, the MPS Flexible Systems, as well as the CombiLine Basic marking system. The new and further developed technologies are used both in beam sources and in customised economical system solutions for laser processing in industrial production.

Fanuc also provides another highlight: The company is exhibiting the YLR fibre laser for the first time at LASYS. From the modular range a model with three kW laser power in a very vivid form can be seen. Visitors can have a close look at the practice-based demo cell with fibre laser and two robots for cutting pipe cut-outs.

The VDI Technology Centre has another highlight in store as part of its presentation. The service provider for research funding, innovation support and innovation policy shows exhibits from "Make Light", the Open Photonics Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. LASYS is also the first port of call of the current roadshow of Messe Erfurt on the topic of additive manufacturing and 3D printing "Rapid.Area". There companies provide concentrated know-how and expertise exclusively in the area of additive manufacturing. In the "Lasers in Action" forum distinguished industry representatives support visitors with current information on topics such as microprocessing, additive manufacturing, beam formation and market opportunities in Asia.

Learn from experts
Those who have a task to solve in the area of laser material processing receive expert advice within the framework of the "Solution Center - meet the experts". Specialists from the Bavarian Laser Centre (blz), Institut für Strahlwerkzeuge (IFSW) of Universität Stuttgart, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS), as well as the Laser Centre Hanover (LZH), answer user questions from visitors at their stands. From the experts at blz visitors can obtain information on the use of laser technology, for example in the areas of metalworking and plastics processing, electronics production or additive manufacturing, and receive advice on the design of laser processes.

The IFSW aims to contribute to the advance of laser technology and its successful application in industrial production. Its topics: beam sources, optical elements and components for beam guidance and formation, interaction between laser beam and workpiece, as well as the process development itself.

The Fraunhofer IWS Dresden is a contact partner for all questions relating to laser and surface technology. Visitors discover not only how costs can be reduced with the integration of laser in the production process, but also how laser can open up new prospects for material selection, production processes and component design.

The LZH shows that lasers are versatile precision tools, which are finding their way into more and more applications. Jürgen Koch, Head of the Microprocessing Group at LZH, explains: "The key to successful use lies in a qualified, generally application-specific laser process development." Here the research institute creates a link between advice on feasibility studies through to industrial suitability.

Exchange of knowledge and know-how at congress standard
In the accompanying programme it is evident that LASYS together with its conceptual supporter, the Laser and Laser Systems for Material Processing Association in the VDMA, and other international partners, offers an exchange of knowledge at congress level for newcomers through to laser specialists. Outstanding elements include the Stuttgart Laser Technology Forum (SLT) of the IFSW on 31 May and 1 June 2016, the short course "Basics of Laser and Laser Material Processing" of the Scientific Association for Laser Technology on 1 and 2 June, a "Beginners' Workshop 4.0 in Toolmaking" of the Association of German Tool and Mould Makers (VDWF) and the Stuttgart Laser Marketplace under the direction of Optech Consulting - both on 1 June.