SNFL: Photonics21

• Conference announcement JNPLI 2016, 28-29 June, 2016, Liège, Belgium

International Conference on Industrial Laser Processing: Journees Nationales des Procedes Laser Pour L'Industrie (JNPLI)
Topics: Additive Manufacturing, Metal Welding, Micro-Machining & Texturing, Transparent Materials Processing, Advanced Beam Shaping & Delivery

Work Group 2: Industrial Production / Manufacturing and Quality      

Most details related to this activity are listed at Photonics21 link of SNAP.
Specific information for laser systems, beam delivery/shaping, advanced fibers and fiber lasers are listed below.
 

Events

Swiss Strategic Research Agenda - June 2014

Photonics21 WG 2: Photonic Tools for Manufacturing and Quality
 

Industrial Manufacturing and Quality - SWOT analysis

Photonics Enabled Industries
Strengths	Weakness
Multiple SMEs with class leading laser system products mainly in the short pulse (ps, fs) range. Active integrator environment with focus on high end and high power systems. Bystronic and Trumpf have significant production capacities in Switzerland for 2D-cutting systems. Job-shop density (SMEs with up to 20 people and focus on mid volume production) is one of the highest in Europe. Component manufacturing of central devices with high quality (pump lasers, sensors, passive optics…) takes partly place in Switzerland. Active research community with strong technical background.	Leading industries are slow in implementing laser systems for manufacturing processes. Investments in automation is often offset by transferring packaging activities to Asia. Chinese competition copy-past Swiss/European laser technology. High labor and living cost (currency exchange rate) lead to severe price pressure and consolidation in the market place. Lack of specialized photonic clusters that combine industries and research.
Opportunities	Threats
In general growing demand for extra short pulse laser systems with new fields of applications. Micro-machining market (i.e. watch industry) with increasing interest in laser assisted manufacturing processes. New Photonics network creates additional demand on national level.	Asian low cost competition. No strong support government support for laser industry (lack of funding). Slow investments from private sector.