ALAW 2026

Advanced Laser Applications Workshop

Mark your calendars! The 33rd Advanced Laser Applications Workshop (ALAW) will take place from June 16-18 at the Vibe Credit Union Showcase in Novi, Mich.

ALAW is a world-class industry event encompassing state-of-the-art laser processes for manufacturers, job shops, and suppliers that has taken place for more than 30 years. Topics covered are laser cutting, welding, 3D printing, lightweighting in automotive, aerospace or agricultural applications, and much more. Enjoy three days of presentations from leading experts, cutting-edge demonstrations, and fascinating open houses. 20+ exhibits will showcase the latest advancements and applications that are shaping the future of the industry.

Event Details

ALAW 2026

Date

June 16-18, 2026

Location

Vibe Credit Union Showplace

46100 Grand River Ave

Novi, MI 48374-1317

Reserve a Room

Registration

Members save $250 or more!
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Price: $875.00

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Featured Speakers

KEYNOTE

Omar Nashashibi

Founder
Inside Beltway

Networking and Special Events

Laser Welding 101 Workshop

June 16, 2026 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

TRUMPF Laser Technology Center
47711 Clipper St | Plymouth, MI 48170

The purpose of this workshop is to provide engineers and those new to laser welding a fundamental overview of the laser welding process. This course provides numerous insights into the advantages of laser welding for those considering laser welding for the first time. It also provides many practical concepts that will benefit individuals experienced in laser welding to optimize their processes and streamline troubleshooting. Topics to be covered include the basic principles of laser welding, process parameters, attributes of various weld joints, advanced laser welding techniques, weld troubleshooting, and basic safety considerations.

$75 Members | $125 Nonmembers with conference registration.

IPG Photonics Open House

June 16, 2026 2:30-4:30 p.m.

IPG Photonics
46695 Magellan Dr | Novi, MI 48377

IPG Photonics' Midwest Operation and Applications Center, located in Novi, Michigan, serves as a key regional hub for high-power fiber laser solutions, specializing in automotive, welding, and material processing applications. The Applications Center offers testing, validates laser processes, hands-on demonstrations of LightWELD handheld laser systems, and develops automated welding solutions.

TRUMPF Laser Tech Center Open House

June 16, 2026 5-8 p.m.

TRUMPF Laser Technology Center
47711 Clipper St | Plymouth, MI 48170

The Laser Technology Center brings the full range of laser material processing techniques under one roof. Enjoy an evening of machine demonstrations demonstrating TRUMPF's intelligent solutions for material structuring, surface treatment, marking, cutting, and joining, technical discussions with some of TRUMPF's industry partners, networking, food, and drinks.

Laserax USA Open House

June 17, 2026 5-7 p.m.

Laserax USA
50489 Pontiac Trl | Wixom, MI 48393

Laserax works with the world’s leading manufacturers to implement automated laser cleaning, welding, texturing, and marking solutions. Providing turnkey machines and OEM systems, the driving force behind Laserax is the desire to push the limits of laser technology and establish new standards in the industry. Enjoy an afternoon of demostrations showcasing Laserax's latest technology and cutting-edge applications.

Precitec Open House

June 17, 2026 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Precitec Inc
28043 Center Oaks Ct | Wixom, MI 48393

Precitec invites you to their US Headquarters in Wixom, Mich. Precitec will showcase their latest advanced beam delivery systems for the eMobility market including live demonstrations featuring fiber laser solutions from Coherent. While enjoying some delicious food and drinks there will be plenty of time to chat with their experts and enjoy the networking with your industry peers.

Fraunhofer Open House

June 18, 2026 1-4:30 p.m.

Fraunhofer USA
46025 Port St | Plymouth, MI 48170

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a research and development organization working with industry, universities, and state and federal governments on contract research projects. Experience welding application demos featuring state of the art lasers from IPG, Laserline, Coherent, and TRUMPF.

Sessions

Session Name

Time (ET)

Laser Welding 101 Workshop

TRUMPF Laser Technology Center
47711 Clipper St | Plymouth, MI 48170

$75 Members | $125 Nonmembers with conference registration.

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open

Check-in to receive your badge and registration materials. All attendees will need a badge to enter the exhibits and sessions.

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

IPG Photonics Open House

IPG Photonics
46695 Magellan Dr | Novi, MI 48377

2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

TRUMPF Laser Tech Center Open House

TRUMPF Laser Technology Center
47711 Clipper St | Plymouth, MI 48170

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Session Name

Time (ET)

Registration Desk Open

Check-in to receive your badge and registration materials. All attendees will need a badge to enter the exhibits and sessions.

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Exhibits Open

Visit the 20+ exhibits for live demos and information on the products and services important to you.

7:01 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Breakfast

Make new connections over breakfast and coffee.

7:02 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Opening Remarks

Welcome to ALAW 2026 - the Advanced Laser Applications Workshop! Learn more about the day’s sessions and demos.

8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Frank DiPietro Award Presentation

Celebrate the recipient of this year's Frank A. DiPietro Award. The Frank A. DiPietro Award was established by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) in 2017 in memory of the Advanced Laser Applications Workshop (ALAW) founder Frank A. DiPietro (1926-2016). The Award is given out annually each year at ALAW to a person most exemplifying the vision, spirit, and determination DiPietro demonstrated in bringing laser and robotics technology to transportation manufacturing.

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Laser Applications in Nuclear Fusion

Lasers have played an important role in the advancement of nuclear fusion as a viable technology. An overview of how lasers are being used to manufacture components used in fusion reactors along with how lasers are used in the actual fusion reaction process will be presented.

8:45 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.

From Assembly Lines to Dockyards: How Lasers are Redefining Heavy Infrastructure

For decades, the automotive industry has been the benchmark for industrial laser success. However, as of 2026, the most significant growth in laser adoption is occurring in "heavy" industries where lasers are replacing centuries-old mechanical and thermal methods. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of how high-power laser systems, specifically fiber lasers ranging from 16kW - 40kW, are revolutionizing the fabrication of thick-section components 10-50mm in defense, shipbuilding, and power generation.

9:10 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

New high performant SCW Remote Welding Head for Laser Welding without a Laser Cell

The SCW (Safe Component Welding) head combines a performant remote laser head with a laser-safe encapsulation. This new approach to encapsulated laser welding was developed to weld special fixation points. In body-in-white construction, hang on parts typically consist of an inner and an outer part. These are joined almost all the way around by hemming flanges and adhesives. After hemming, the adhesives harden in the paint shop, and until then, there is a risk that the inner and outer parts could still move. Fixation points are necessary to hold both parts in position; they are not crash-relevant. The actual rigidity is achieved after curing through seam flanges and adhesives. This customer temporarily used our standard welding equipment in their laser cells. However, this is only possible when the equipment is in use and there is still time left within the cycle time. At this point, however, the customer also recognized the advantage of laser welding these fixation points. Compared to CMT or projection welding, laser welding minimizes heat input. This is crucial for achieving Class A outer skin quality on the other side of the hemming flange. Hang on parts are made of steel or aluminum. During initial tests in our laboratory, we already determined that we needed an oscillation process for aluminum. We therefore decided to use the existing ""FCW"" welding head for fast component welding and forego the development of new optics.

In addition to the FCW head, we designed the encapsulation and integrated temperature and distance sensors to ensure safe welding without a cell. The complete system consists of the SCW head, laser, chiller, extraction system, and PLC.

9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Morning Break

Enjoy a break with coffee and refreshments.

9:55 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Numerical Modeling and Validation of Laser Welding and Hydroforming of AA3105 Cold Plates for Battery Electric Vehicles

The integration of laser beam welding with gas-assisted hydroforming constitutes an innovative manufacturing methodology for producing thermal management components in electric vehicle battery systems. In this process, a Coherent Adjustable Ring Mode (ARM) laser system is employed to generate the weld seams. Achievement of defect-free, continuous weld joints capable of withstanding subsequent expansion and internal pressurization processes represents a critical manufacturing requirement. Principal technical challenges include thermally-induced weld distortion, elastic recovery (springback) following inflation, and metallurgical discontinuities within the weld zone. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) provides a robust computational framework for predicting component behavior and identifying potential design deficiencies during the prototype development phase. This investigation employed coupled thermo-mechanical FEA modeling to simulate the sequential laser welding and gas hydroforming processes applied to AA3105 aluminum alloy sheet assemblies. The numerical framework incorporated a nonlinear thermal-mechanical analysis utilizing a volumetric heat source distribution to represent laser energy deposition and an elasto-plastic material constitutive model to capture both elastic and permanent deformation behavior. Model validation was performed through quantitative comparison of simulation outputs with three-dimensional optical metrology data obtained from welded and hydroformed specimens. The computational model demonstrated high fidelity in predicting macroscopic geometric distortions in both the post-weld and post-hydroforming conditions, successfully capturing the observed reduction in global distortion magnitude following the inflation process. Furthermore, the simulation accurately reproduced channel height springback phenomena, with results exhibiting strong correlation to three-dimensional laser scanning measurements.

10:20 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.

Stainless Medical Laser Welding Using a Holistic Parameter Approach for Compliance Assurance

Medical welding tools must meet strict standards for compliance, safety, precision, biocompatibility, hermetic sealing, and durability. Stainless alloys such as 17-4 PH present welding challenges including hot cracking, porosity, HAZ brittleness, and sensitivity to oxygen and nitrogen contamination. This work applies a holistic parameter approach using controlled micro-pulsing along with optimized power, speed, focus, shielding, and fixturing to stabilize heat input and minimize defects.

10:45 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.

Laser Assisted Cold Spray

Cold spray technology is primarily used for high-velocity solid-state material deposition, allowing for the repair, coating, and additive manufacturing of metal components without melting them. It is widely applied in aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors to repair worn parts, apply surface coatings, and build dense structures. Low heat input, deposition of non-fusion weldable alloys, extreme and exotic material versatility, and high performance make it advantageous for many applications. The gas of choice for the process is traditionally Helium due to the atomic velocity, but the high usage rate and extreme costs of helium significantly adds to operating costs. Laser-assisted cold spray (LACS) uses a laser to locally heat the substrate while applying the traditional supersonic powder stream. This hybrid method is capable of enhancing deposition efficiency, reducing necessary gas pressure, enabling higher-density coatings, and most importantly lowering operating costs by replacing helium with nitrogen or other gases. Other advantages may include enhanced adhesion and reduced residual stresses leading to improved mechanical properties. This presentation examines fundamental concepts of the process and reviews experimental development performed by EWI.

11:10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Laser Wire DED - Competitive Additive Manufacturing with Wire

Additive manufacturing with metal wire has developed into a competitive tool for prototyping and series production in recent years. Today, successful applications range from electronics to aerospace and defense, from filigree structures to complex large-volume 3D shapes. Precitec's CoaxPrinter system offers an easy-to-implement solution for integration into robot cells and CNC machines. The CoaxPrinter enables direction-independent printing of pore-free layers and is also robust against parameter fluctuations during production. Laser wire DED with the CoaxPrinter enables competitive printing with multiple materials and the addition of features to prefabricated parts.

11:35 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.

Networking Lunch

Enjoy a networking opportunity and lunch provided by CNA.

11:55 a.m. - 12:55 p.m.

Laser Welding Automation Using Cobots

1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Flexible Track Laser Hardening and Direct Metal Deposition

Fraunhofer USA has recently completed a research and development project to further develop process equipment and technology for flexible track laser metal deposition and heat treatment. This technology utilizes Fraunhofer IWS developed scanner and powder nozzle technology in order to produce flexible on the fly laser beam and powder deposit track adjustment. Fraunhofer USA Laser Applications division has collaborated with Fraunhofer IWS (Dresden Germany) to further develop this technology to improve process powder efficiency, process monitoring and control and overall quality and an overview of the potential capabilities of this new technology will be presented.

1:25 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Hybrid Laser GMAW Welding of Crack Sensitive Aluminum Alloys

Crack sensitive aluminum alloys remain challenging to join in aerospace, defense, automotive, and agricultural equipment due to solidification cracking, distortion, and limited gap bridging capability at production speeds. This study maps the process window of a hybrid laser arc welding setup that combines a TRUMPF solid state laser with a GMAW torch in an SKS coupling head. A systematic parametric study quantifies the interaction between laser keyhole penetration and arc driven gap bridging on 2–16 mm Al6061 plates using Al4043 filler wire. The hybrid process is benchmarked against standalone laser welding and GMAW with respect to HAZ geometry, travel speed, and weld integrity. Metallurgical characterization includes cross sectional analysis, microhardness mapping, and SEM EDS to assess filler penetration depth and mixing behavior. A cost per meter comparison frames the productivity and economic potential. Although this work focuses on aluminum, the evaluated system is also applicable to high strength steels, highlighting its versatility for demanding fabrication sectors.

1:50 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.

Weld Process-Signal-Structure Relationship Development Through In-Situ and In-Operando Monitoring of Laser Beam Welding

Laser beam welding is an advanced process characterized by high penetration, high travel speeds, and low heat input welds. However, numerous welding defects stem from beam parameters, component machining and fit up, and beam-material interactions. As a result, standard weld procedure development can be prohibitively costly or can have exceedingly long timelines with certain material types and applications. Attempts have been made to study beam-material interactions to streamline qualification processes but lack proper process characterization and monitoring data. This work will utilize a multimodal sensor approach with laser beam processes to study fundamental keyhole behavior and correlate process signals to final weld quality.

2:15 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Afternoon Break

Enjoy a break with coffee and refreshments.

2:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

On-The-Fly Welding of Battery Pack Assemblies

Electric vehicle (EV) welding applications require tight process control - precise weld depth, minimal spatter, low porosity, and very low heat input, particularly when joining copper and aluminum. Many components, such as battery modules, demand hundreds of welds per part, making high throughput essential to meet production cycle time targets. At the same time, manufacturers must achieve 100% quality assurance, verifying every weld before the product leaves the factory. IPG’s AMB laser technology, high power scanning solutions, and LDD process monitoring systems are engineered specifically to address these challenges. This presentation outlines the advantages of these technologies and provides a clear explanation of the On The Fly (OTF) welding process - what it is, why it matters, and how it enables high volume, high quality EV battery production. To demonstrate real world performance, the presentation includes detailed case studies highlighting OTF welding of both cylindrical and prismatic cell battery pack assemblies.

3:05 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.

NDT of Laser Lap Welds with 2D Matrix Ultrasound

This presentation will share a new 2D matrix ultrasound technique for inspecting laser lap welds - circles, C-welds, and stitches. The technology is proven for spot weld inspection in automotive production. Laser lap welds have finer features and demand higher resolution that in the past were a challenge. This new 2D matrix ultrasound technique now makes it possible to evaluate these finer futures with great success. This presentation will share results on real weld samples along with practical considerations for production integration

3:30 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Benchmarking Laser Welding Configurations Against GMAW for Zinc-Coated High-Strength Steels

Automotive manufacturers increasingly rely on coated steels to meet demands for lighter, more efficient vehicles, yet welding these materials remains difficult due to defects like porosity, spatter, poor bead quality, and fumes. As laser welding technologies become more cost-effective and capable of meeting high-performance, high-productivity requirements, this study compares several laser-based processes laser wobbling, cold wire laser, hybrid laser, and Lincoln Electric's Precision Power Laser against conventional GMAW for joining zinc-coated second- and third-generation steels by evaluating internal porosity and tensile strength.

3:55 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Happy Hour

Visit the exhibitors and continue the day’s conversations over a beverage and appetizers.

4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Laserax USA Open House

Laserax USA
50489 Pontiac Trl | Wixom, MI 48393

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Precitec Open House

Precitec Inc
28043 Center Oaks Ct | Wixom, MI 48393

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Session Name

Time (ET)

Closing Remarks

Thank you for attending ALAW 2026.

12:30 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.

Registration Desk Open

Check-in to receive your badge and registration materials. All attendees will need a badge to enter the exhibits and sessions.

7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Exhibits Open

Visit the 20+ exhibits for live demos and information on the products and services important to you.

7:01 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Breakfast

Make new connections over breakfast and coffee.

7:02 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Opening Remarks

Welcome back! Learn more about the day’s sessions and demos.

8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

Keynote: Tariffs and Taxes - Washington’s Impact on You

Manufacturers are the top focus on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue as President Trump continues to impose tariffs on imports and Congress moves a major tax bill. Omar S. Nashashibi, Founder of Inside Beltway, a Washington, D.C. lobbying and consulting firm will provide his insights into what this focus means for the industry. From what to expect next on tariffs to which manufacturers will receive the biggest tax cuts, this session will help your company understand how the politics and policy from Washington, shapes your business.

8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Navigating New Low GWP Regulations for Chillers in USA, Canada, and European Union

How can you manage all the new and upcoming environmental regulations regarding refrigerants used in industrial chillers critical to achieving peak laser performance? SMC helps laser manufacturers confidently navigate evolving U.S. EPA and EU regulations by delivering advanced chiller solutions designed for lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants without compromising performance or reliability. By combining deep regulatory awareness with proven thermal management expertise, SMC enables manufacturers to transition to compliant, energy-efficient cooling systems that support operational continuity, protect critical laser processes, and reduce environmental impact. The result is a practical, future-ready path to sustainability helping manufacturers meet today's directives while contributing to a cleaner, more responsible industrial ecosystem.

9:20 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.

Laser Welding Using Tele-Manufacturing

Tele-manufacturing is the remote operation of industrial equipment using real-time video, haptic feedback controllers, and specialized software. This technology enables operators to work from a safe, comfortable location significantly improving worker safety and productivity. It solves skilled labor shortages by allowing experts to perform complex, high-quality, and precise processing on hazardous, large, or high-mix projects without direct exposure to fumes, heat, or physical strain. EWI has developed this technology over the past decade; refining the process for use with gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, polishing, gouging, and inspection. Recently, EWI has expanded to the laser tele-welding process using a handheld IPG LightWELD laser welding system to further push the boundaries of what is capable with the technology. The development process involved adapting the software to incorporate the additional safety measures required when working with lasers, as well as the nuances of laser welding versus the technologies developed thus far. The trials were focused on replicating the results of the handheld weld parameters used on flat plate weld joints. The findings showed that laser welding is well suited to be included in the tele-manufacturing arsenal. The presentation will highlight tele-manufacturing capabilities and the challenges that EWI overcame while adapting laser welding to tele-manufacturing.

9:45 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.

Evaluating Plasma, Vision, and OCT in Wire Based Laser Applications

The presentation will focus on the application of plasma, vision, and OCT based technologies to laser welding or brazing processes. The main approach will be to review the outputs of the plasma and OCT evaluation methods paired against vision based processes to highlight the function and capabilities of each technology from both a process monitoring and part inspection approach.

10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Morning Break

Enjoy a break with coffee and refreshments.

10:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

Impact of Laser Cleaning on Weld Quality and AI Monitoring Performance in Battery Interconnect Production Lines

Battery module interconnection is a critical step in battery manufacturing, where weld quality directly impacts safety, performance and production yield. This study evaluates the impact of laser cleaning on both weld quality and AI-based weld quality monitoring performance for battery interconnects made of aluminum (cathode) and nickel-plated steel (anode) welded to an aluminum current collector. Weld quality is assessed using shear strength measurements and manual flick tests, while monitoring performance is evaluated through classification accuracy and false reject rates. Results show that laser cleaning significantly improves weld consistency and strength, while also enhancing the reliability of AI-based defect classification. The reduction in variability and false rejects leads to a measurable increase in first-pass yield. These findings demonstrate that integrating laser cleaning with AI-driven monitoring enables high-quality, high-yield, production-grade welding, reaching Six Sigma (6s) performance levels in battery manufacturing.

10:55 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

The Most Versatile Sensor: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

OCT is an upstream solution for industrial laser welding that enables high process flexibility, productivity, and reliability. OCT adapted to various laser processing optics guarantees precision and reproducibility of welded components by performing pre-, in-, and post-process control. OCT enables for seam tracking and gap measuring for on the fly remote welding. OCT enables seam tracking and inspection for GMAW arc welding. OCT allows for accurate depth measurement during busbar welding. The use of a Scanlab RTC5 card to control and synchronize both the main laser galvoscanner motion and the OCT beam scanning enables the measurement inside the key hole during oscillation welding. Systematic studies show that keyhole depth measurements by OCT are in good accordance with actual weld depths measured by etched probes.

11:20 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.

High-Precision Laser Systems for Functional Surface Structuring

Pulse Forging and Scratch/Polish Structuring: Focusing on surface quality, brilliance, and design flexibility in high-end machining. With Pulse Forging we aim to illustrate how Pulse Forging smooths the surface, reduces roughness, and creates a silver sheen, explained with an example of a femtosecond laser. This covers the functional principle, phantom pulses with very high repetition rate, expansion of laser plasmas, and brief practical examples for illustration. With a so-called Scratch-structure Generator for the creation of scratch structures we will discuss the importance of scratch structures. Important for example for the watchmaking and jewelry industry, with a focus on design and quality aspects. New software modules for generating random and periodic scratch patterns via laser are shown. Furthermore, also detailed through practical examples. This demonstrates a high efficient and high quality alternative to classic mechanical scratch patterns through laser-based surface structuring, to achieve better design flexibility and consistency.

11:45 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.

Large Area Laser Heating

Laser heating is a sustainable and cost-effective industrial solution whose impact promises to grow as $/Joule cost of diode lasers continues to fall. Modern, kilowatt-class lasers may be projected over large (meter scale) surfaces with excellent homogeneity. Lasers provide best-in-class energy density enabling fast heating and drying in a “cold” oven environment. This presentation will share experiments and models covering the curing of powder coatings, drying of Li-ion battery electrodes and baking of foodstuffs. Our findings substantiate capital and operational expenditure benefits along with sustainability advantages when lasers replace traditional fossil fuel-based convection ovens.

12:10 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Fraunhofer Open House

Fraunhofer USA
46025 Port St | Plymouth, MI 48170

1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

*Sessions, dates, and times are subject to change.

Venue Info

Vibe Credit Union Showplace

46100 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI 48374-1317
PH: 248-348-5600

https://www.vibeshowplace.com

The Vibe Credit Union Showplace is a convention center in Novi, Michigan. Located off Interstate 96, about 20 miles northwest of Detroit, it is the second-largest convention center in Metro Detroit.