Advances in Laser Technologies for the Manufacturing Industries

Widening Applications and Multiple Benefits Underline the Pivotal Role of Laser Technology

The 40-year-old laser technique and its subsequent applications are now in abundance. Soon, there could be systems where the work-piece remains stationary while an intelligent and adaptable beam supports flexible manufacturing processes. Having come a long way from its inception around 40 years ago, laser techniques and their subsequent applications are now becoming widespread. The wider deployment of lasers implies that they have migrated from being a technical marvel to become the most common tools in use. In the move toward miniaturization, lasers could become the most suitable tool to help operate in a nano world. "An obvious driver that enables wider market adoption of laser technology is its manufacturing benefits," notes the analyst of this research. "Unlike conventional cutting, laser cutting and material processing operations offer precision cuts and efficiency even at higher cutting speeds." Additionally, in automated part loading and unloading operations in a manufacturing line, laser cutting provides scheduling flexibility as well as minimizes hassles associated with material handling.

Although laser-based material processing is a prominent business space for laser technology, the success of many laser companies is partly attributed to their ability to be deployed in diverse applications. Notably, lasers show diversity even in niche markets, and this is one of the primary reasons enabling companies to outperform their larger competitors in the sheet metal cutting and application areas. The demand for miniaturized electronic devices has been intense in the current decade. In particular, lasers have been helpful in processing wafers and finished microchips for manufacturing smart cards and other consumer products. In addition, the growth of applications at the nano-scale, such as optical microchips, super fast communication devices, chemical analysis, and several others, is also spurring the growth of laser microchips.

International Competition Triggers Extensive Adoption of Laser Technologies by SMEs

Extensive research on materials has been leading to the development of high-strength and functionally lightweight materials - issues that are regarded as posing possible challenges for laser technology. These lightweight materials are often difficult to process due to their inherent thermal and mechanical behavior during laser processing. "Many laser aligned research efforts have been focused on developing a suitable laser-based technique that would allow the processing of aluminum alloys with a higher susceptibility to hot or cold cracking," notes the analyst. "Furthermore, the welding and soldering of other materials such as fiber reinforced metal matrix composites, metallic foams, and composites of different metals are increasingly being deployed in lightweight constructions, presenting another definite challenge for the laser industry."

Despite such practical shortcomings, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been continuously striving to appropriate this technology to enjoy technical and economical independence. Keen international competition has been a primary driving force for SMEs to adopt laser-based systems. It becomes mandatory for them to enhance their overall productivity and quality, while keeping market shares intact. From the SMEs' perspective, the appropriation of emergent technologies, such as lasers, is considered a clear strategic decision. "However, such novelties and innovations are often not encouraged by SMEs as they operate with limited human and financial resources," concludes the analyst. "Most often, integration and replacement tasks are outsourced to third party organizations such as laboratories or research groups."

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Consumer electronics
• Portable electronics
• Automotive
• Industrial markets

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Laser welding
• Laser cutting
• Laser machining and melting