Now in its 13th year, the Laser Processing Consortium provides unequaled opportunities for organizations interested in the advancement and application of laser processing technology. The Consortium has been structured to provide a broad base of research and technology-transfer activities suited to the diverse interests and needs of the members.

A key element of the ARL Penn State Laser Processing Consortium is the integration of lasers and systems developers, process and materials experts, and manufacturers dedicated to the transition of laser processing technology from the development arena to the manufacturing environment.

Benefits of Consortium Membership
Membership in the ARL Laser Processing Consortium provides unequaled opportunities for organizations interested in the application of laser processing technology. The consortium has been structured to provide a broad base of activities suited to the diverse interests and needs of the members represented. Benefits of membership include: participation in cooperative research and development programs having industry-wide applications, technology support through focused pilot studies directed by an individual organization, access to general and tailored laser training programs, participation in consortium workshops concerning laser processing technology, direct access to government-funded laser process development, and access to the Navy’s iMAST.

Consortium Membership

• II-VI, Inc., Saxonburg, PA
• Allegheny Power, Greensburg, PA
• Alvord-Polk, Inc., Millersburg, PA
• Bechtel Bettis, Inc., West Mifflin, PA
• Convergent Energy Corporation, Sturbridge, MA
• Crucible Materials Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA
• FMA International, Rockford, IL
• Jurca Optoelektronik Gmbh, Rodau, Germany
• Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Schenectady, NY
• Laser Fare, Smithfield, RI
• Laser Institute of America, Orlando, FL
• Nooter Corporation, Saint Louis, MO
• Praxair Surface Technologies, Inc., New Castel, PA
• Precitec Corporation, New Hudson, MI
• PRC Laser, Landing, NJ
• Spawr Industries, Inc., Lake Havasu City, AZ
• Spirex Corporation, Youngstown, OH

Applied Research Laboratory
The definition of applied characterizes the activities and focus of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. Solving problems for the U.S. Navy for half a century, ARL Penn State has demonstrated innovation and practicality in technology-based research. The emphasis placed on laser-processing technology at ARL Penn State is in keeping with its charter of improving the affordability and effectiveness of manufactured components for the Department of Defense and U.S. industry. Established in 1985 by direction of the Navy’s Manufacturing Technology Office, the laser processing activities have grown to become the premier laser processing laboratory within North America. Part of this success may be attributed to the union of experienced and accomplished personnel with state-of-the-art laser processing facilities. These facilities, staffed by full-time laser processing technologists, represent a broad range of laser systems and beam manipulation devices. Laser systems available at ARL Penn State include:

• 14.0 kW (CW) CO₂ Laser
• 2.2 kW (Enhanced Pulse or CW) CO₂ Laser
• 3.0 kW (CW) Nd:YAG Laser
• 5 kW (peak), 400 W (avg) (Pulse) Nd:YAG Laser
• 40 W (avg) Q-Switch Nd:YAG Laser

Technologies of Interest
Laser processing technology being exploited at ARL Penn State includes welding, cladding, cutting, surface transformation hardening and modifications, creation of near-net-shape components, stripping of coatings, and remediation of hazardous materials. ARL is utilizing its expertise in these technologies to meet specific manufacturing needs in several key areas through industry-supported, pre-competitive, Cooperative Research Programs.