Nashua, N.H. – The September-October issue of Industrial Laser Solutions® is now available on our web site. One article is a significant review of the current state-of-the-art on fiber laser cutting. Other articles discuss laser removal of aircraft coatings; the increasing importance of fiber lasers in sheet metal processing applications; solar industry laser spending; and consolidation in solid state laser marking systems.
Editor-in-Chief David A. Belforte wrote the Special Report called "Fiber laser cuts into sheet metal fabricating." Starting from a 2006 market of less than a dozen units, the annual sales of fiber laser cutters has recently been estimated at about 3% of total 2009 sales of high-power laser sheet metal cutters; and the total number of fiber laser cutters installed through 2009 is estimated at 170–175 units and is expected to double the total this year with growth next year projected at 50–60%.
As of this writing there are 15 known suppliers of fiber laser powered sheet metal cutting systems that responded to our requests for information. What follows in the article a profile of the supplying companies and their products.