Vyatka, Russia - The Network of Russian-German Laser Centers for testing, consulting, and training has expanded its network to include the Kirov region. This project, which started in 2008, has already established centers in Moscow, Yekaterinburg (Ural), Kaluga/Obninsk, Rostov/Taganrog, and Saint Petersburg, and now includes the Vyatka "Laser Innovation Technology Center".
This center will help regional businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises and research institutes, by providing feasibility studies, process integration, and training and education for technicians and managers. The network is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
A modern, 3-D laser processing station from Trumpf allows the center to perform testing and to offer courses on laser cutting and welding. Above all, emphasis is being placed on precise surface treatment and powder deposition welding, meeting the needs of the companies in the Kirov industrial region located 900 km east of Moscow.
In addition, the Kaluga/Obninsk center will be equipped with a laser processing station from Jenoptik. This laser is suited for laser cutting and laser welding metals , which is of special interest for the automobile suppliers in that region.
"A convincing strategy for consultation must be oriented to the needs of industry,” says Klaus Nowitzki, head of the project at Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH). "The range of services provided by theNetwork of Russian-German Laser Centers will be correspondingly supplemented by the thematic and technological upgrade being offered."
Apart from helping Russian industries to modernize their processes, the project provides innovation-friendly conditions for using German laser technology in chosen economics regions in Russia.
LZH carries out research and development in the field of laser technology and is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport of the State of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsisches Ministerium fur Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Verkehr).
