Many years ago, I was invited to what was then a German-only conference and trade show organized by the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (Fraunhofer ILT) in Aachen. I presented at the Technology Business Day, and as a courtesy Fraunhofer ILT provided a translator for the sessions I attended. It was a very valuable event for me as an editor reporting on this technology. I suggested to my hosts that other non-Germans would have interest in the industrial laser processes that were presented. Shortly after, not necessarily due to my suggestion, Fraunhofer ILT opened this event on a biennial basis to others by providing real-time translation services. Thus, the International Laser Technology Congress (AKL) was born, growing over the years in the number of presenters, audience, and exhibitors to become a central networking platform for the industrial laser community. I have been privileged to be one of these for all the succeeding AKL conferences.
Now, after a COVID-19 hiatus, Fraunhofer ILT invites the laser community to the 13th AKL conference, set to take place May 4–6, 2022.
Laser manufacturers, users from various industries, experienced experts and newcomers, and strategists and practitioners can learn about the latest developments in the field of applied laser technology in production. Over three conference days, 87 presentations will bring participants up to date on the latest technology and give them insight into current research topics for tomorrow’s production solutions. Along with the exhibition accompanying the conference and the live demonstrations at Fraunhofer ILT, the AKL has established itself as the central networking platform for the laser community.
In the spring of 2022, LASER World of PHOTONICS, the world’s leading trade fair for photonics components, systems, and applications, will be held in Munich from April 26 to 29, 2022. The following week in Aachen, laser users, manufacturers, and developers will be able to catch up on the possible applications of those laser processes and systems and discuss the prospects for laser technology in various sectors of the manufacturing industry. From May 4 to 6, 2022, AKL ‘22 will offer sufficient space for the personal exchange of ideas at the interface of business and science. Laser experts will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the current state of laser material processing in the macro and micro range, as well as laser beam source development in 87 presentations. In addition, specialist forums on Additive Manufacturing, Process Control & Digitalization, Quantum Technology, and Laser Technology ABCs will offer newcomers and those less experienced insight into the basics of laser technology as well as its application areas and perspectives.
Between the lectures, the sponsors’ exhibition accompanying the conference gives participants the opportunity to establish contacts with proven experts in the laser industry and to exchange information. Strategists and marketing managers can specifically acquire new knowledge about the status and prospects of the European, American, and Asian laser markets at Technology Business Day. Participants can experience Laser Technology Live in numerous demonstrations at Europe’s largest laser system park at Fraunhofer ILT.
For what it’s worth, I suggest you learn more about the upcoming AKL ‘22 at lasercongress.org.