Metal Fabricators Pack a Photonic Punch
In the mid-1980s, the laser emerged from the laboratory as a commercial tool for industrial applications in cutting, drilling, welding, marking, etc. Wary machinists found plenty of reasons to dislike the finicky, expensive tools. In 15 years, much has changed in the technical world of lasers, and the economic world of manufacturing. Lasers, optics, positioning tables and computer equipment have improved as international competition has driven companies to shorter product design and delive...
Photonics Spectra, June 1999