According to the Laser Systems Product Group (LSPG) of AMT-the Association for Manufacturing Technology (McLean, VA), first-quarter shipments of industrial laser equipment and systems dropped 10% compared to the same period last year. Shipments within North America by the 47 companies reporting to the LSPG statistical program totaled $105.3 million, while exports amounted to $47.1 million. Shipments of carbon-dioxide lasers dropped 20% compared to the same period last year, while shipments of Nd:YAG lasers grew 1%. Application-wise, cutting remained the largest source of industrial laser activity in the first quarter, accounting for nearly 45% of all shipments.
For more information on the LSPG report, contact Paul Warndorf, director of technology at 703-827-5291.