The 34th edition of the International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics (ICALEO) will be held October 18-22, 2015, in Atlanta, GA. Long recognized as one of the most important international conferences on laser material processing, the four-day sessions feature papers on advanced material processing that are precursors to developing commercial applications.
Among the multitude of papers presented by leading process developers are the current hot topic of 2µm fiber laser processing that is expanding processing of materials, joining of dissimilar and reflective materials, bending of small radii in titanium sheet, hybrid welding of thick steel plate and drilling of cooling holes, and structuring inside of transparent materials. Two other applications currently in the news for laser processing are cutting CFRP materials and sapphire.
If you have never attended ICALEO, be advised that it is more than sitting in one of the dozens of sessions—it’s the networking this event is famous for. The Laser Institute of America (LIA), the event's organizer, artfully arranges a maximum of time for attendees to meet and exchange technical information that expands on that being presented in the rooms. I personally value these interactions because they allow me to meet so many other interesting attendees.
Here’s an aside to North American readers: Having a world-class laser material processing conference in your backyard is an annual event that should be on your calendar if laser processing is your thing. You don’t have to travel to China, Japan, or Europe to hear the latest on this subject—it’s right here in an easy-to-get-to locale. So register now and give yourself a real treat.
David Belforte | Contributing Editor
David Belforte (1932-2023) was an internationally recognized authority on industrial laser materials processing and had been actively involved in this technology for more than 50 years. His consulting business, Belforte Associates, served clients interested in advanced manufacturing applications. David held degrees in Chemistry and Production Technology from Northeastern University (Boston, MA). As a researcher, he conducted basic studies in material synthesis for high-temperature applications and held increasingly important positions with companies involved with high-technology materials processing. He co-founded a company that introduced several firsts in advanced welding technology and equipment. David's career in lasers started with the commercialization of the first industrial solid-state laser and a compact CO2 laser for sheet-metal cutting. For several years, he led the development of very high power CO2 lasers for welding and surface treating applications. In addition to consulting, David was the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Industrial Laser Solutions magazine (1986-2022) and contributed to other laser publications, including Laser Focus World. He retired from Laser Focus World in late June 2022.