Challenges in laser macro-processing over the next 10 years

  1. Additive manufacturing: laser processing, cost, speed (deposition rate and resolution), heat treatment, stress, distortion, & crack issues, surface finishing (inner surfaces), limited market size and structures’ quality on-line diagnostics (mainly technology and engineering challenges);
  2. Cutting of fiber composite materials (cutting speed, heat affected zone, cutting edge quality);
  3. Multi-scale laser processing: to apply microprocessing to macro scale;
  4. High power ultra-fast laser cold macro-machining;
  5. Welding of light alloy: porosity issue;
  6. Welding of dissimilar materials (composite materials);
  7. Multiple task laser processing (welding, hardening, cutting, deposition, drilling);
  8. Laser macro-processing based on micro/nano-materials;
  9. Glass processing (welding, cutting);
  10. Hybrid laser processing with other non-laser fabrication.