EAST HARTFORD, CT - More than 130 attendees from 76 companies across six countries and the United States descended on Rentschler Field last week to learn more about the latest developments in the use of laser technology in aerospace manufacturing, during the fourth annual Symposium for Aerospace Laser Applications (SALA) 2009, held by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT).
The goal of the two-day symposium was to assist small and medium-sized aerospace companies to stay current with laser technology. It was also an opportunity for aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, equipment builders and researchers to network, and to exchange information, ideas, needs and accomplishments. SALA 2009 was organized by CCAT's Laser Applications Laboratory, which works to meet the needs of the Air Force by supporting its Advanced Manufacturing Propulsion Initiative, as well as efforts to develop new programs with its Air Combat Command, Air Logistics Center and its Air Force Research Laboratory.
"One of CCAT's core goals is to help develop and evaluate new processes and techniques for the use of lasers and help facilitate technology transfer to OEMs, small and medium-sized business and equipment builders," said Elliot Ginsberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of CCAT. "SALA 2009 continues to be one of the industry's top events to exchange new information about developments and innovation in the use of lasers in aerospace."
The original SALA conference was held in 2005 as part of CCAT's federal initiative, which identified laser hole drilling as a critical issue in the aerospace supply chain. By 2008, CCAT began adding information on other laser processes to the SALA program agenda.
The industry has responded enthusiastically since the first SALA conference, as attendance has increased nearly 45 percent over the period. This year's conference included exhibits from 22 vendors and 18 presentations on various laser applications.
One of the highlights of this year's symposium was the announcement of plans to license an acoustic break-through monitoring technology developed by CCAT's Laser Applications Laboratory. The announcement was made during a presentation on this technology, which uses sound waves to detect when a laser pulse has successfully drilled through a section of material. This technology represents an innovative advancement for engine manufacturers and suppliers which rely on laser-drilled cooling holes to maximize performance and fuel efficiency on turbine engines.
A complete list of presentations and vendors at SALA 2009 is available at CCAT's Web site, which can be found at www.ccat.us.
NOTE TO EDITORS A series of photos from SALA 2009 are available at www.ccat.us/media.php.
ABOUT CCAT The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. is a non-stock, tax exempt corporation that provides services and resources to entrepreneurs and businesses, and through collaboration with industry, academia, and government, helps companies innovate and compete, thereby strengthening our nation in the global market.
CONTACTS
Paul Denney, pdenney@ccat.us, 860/282-4290 Media: Elinor Hargreaves, ehargreaves@ccat.us, 860/282-4283
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