The ALAW® – Advanced Laser Applications Workshop took place June 6-8, 2016 at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Mich. completing its 23rd year of educating the laser industry. More than 170 engineers, owners, and managers convened to hear about the latest laser technology innovations and how to lightweight with lasers.

For the second year in a row during ALAW, FMA’s Lasers 101 certificate course was offered on the first day, covering laser basics, laser cutting, and laser welding. At the end of the course participants had the opportunity to complete an exam and earn an industry-recognized credential. This year’s participants gave the course rave reviews.

Meanwhile, some friendly competition took place during a golf outing at The Inn at St. John’s Golf Course. In the afternoon participants went to open houses at Laser Mechanisms and Precitec. Both events were sponsored by nLIGHT Corp and had live welding demonstrations including seam tracking and quality control during laser welding of variable joint positions.

Gagan Tandon and Gary Black of ArcelorMittal kicked off ALAW by presenting on the hot topic of lightweighting automotive body in steel. Twenty-three technical presentations by industry experts were given on the second and third days followed by live welding and cutting demonstrations at TRUMPF and Fraunhofer. TRUMPF’s Laser Technology Center celebrated its 20th Anniversary, showcasing new products. Fraunhofer’s open house hosted a fabulous German feast while demonstrating laser welding applications. EMAG also hosted an open house with ribbon cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Laser Welding Laboratory.

“ALAW provides a unique opportunity for product, manufacturing and welding engineers to network with counterparts from around the world,” said Conference Co-Chair Robert Ruokolainen of FCA US LLC, “it’s great to see attendees gain knowledge, exchange ideas and express diverse viewpoints.”

Save the date for the 24th annual ALAW: June 5-7, 2017 at the Inn at St. John’s. To learn more about ALAW or to volunteer to serve on the 2017 planning committee, contact Jen Christian at 815-227-8207.