East Hartford, Conn. – Each year, laser technology becomes more prevalent in manufacturing as it proves to reduce time and cost savings over traditional process methods. The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT) hosted its sixth annual Symposium for Advanced Laser Applications (SALA) in Hartford on April 13 and 14, 2011, to exchange developments and innovation in the use of lasers. This two-day conference and exhibition is the Northeast's premier laser conference focusing on end-user and manufacturing applications.
Presenters and participants at SALA 2011 covered a wide range of applied laser technologies being used by manufacturers worldwide. Topics included fiber laser drilling, laser hole shaping, laser welding, hybrid welding, laser surface modifications, coating removal, optical systems for laser processing, and process control. Speakers from US and abroad were nominated by a supplier committee, and represented technology at the forefront of the industrial laser systems industry. And, in what has become tradition at the conference, the 2011 SALA Innovation Award winner, Marshall Jones, was announced during the conference.
In addition to the technical presentations, SALA 2011 had 40 tabletop displays by laser vendors, optics suppliers, support equipment, laser systems, and small and medium manufacturers. At the conclusion of the conference, all attendees toured CCAT's world-class Laser Applications Laboratory, located at CCAT's Advanced Manufacturing Center in East Hartford.
"Representation from the national and international laser community continues to grow each year. From the opening keynote address, through the technical presentations and facilities tour, the enthusiasm was high. This was a very good interactive symposium," noted Dr. Thomas Maloney, Director of the Technology, Research and Applications Initiative.
For more information regarding the conference, please contact April Willhide at [email protected] or 860-282-4295.