Additive manufacturing, better known as 3D printing, is an emerging application that is finding an expanding purpose in the manufacturing process. Once primarily used for quickly making prototype parts, 3D printing is now also used to digitize workflow and manufacture production quality final products. There are many different types of 3D printing methods used to physically create a desired object.
When 3D printing evolved in the 1990s it was only considered to be suitable for prototyping parts. With improved materials, precision and repeatability, the technology is now frequently used in manufacturing of final products and digitization of workflows. 3D printing machines utilize lasers to stack (print) layer after layer of melted plastic resin or metal to create a solid three-dimensional part. This laser, or electron beam generates a tremendous amount of heat that needs to be dissipated away from sensitive electronics to assure high quality 3D objects and long-life operation.
Laser Projectors have the ability to project much longer distances, which make laser projectors well suitable for use in cinemas, stadiums and outdoor events. The lasers used in these projector systems can generate heat between 100W and 300W, requiring a thermal management solution to protect sensitive optical components. Both chillers and ambient cooling systems with a thermoelectric cooler can be used to provide temperature stability for laser projectors.
Laser projectors used for entertainment applications utilize laser modules to generate 4K-resolution images with a robust color palette and up to 75,000 lumens. While commercial laser projector systems quickly have evolved to be more energy-efficient, these systems still require up to 6kW to generate bright, high-resolution images. This is needed to project in cinemas and large venues at stadiums. Consequently, the high-power laser systems generate a significant amount of heat during operation.
Industrial lasers are used for a wide range of applications including cutting, welding, micro-machining, additive manufacturing and drilling. No matter the application, industrial laser systems generate a significant amount of heat. There are several different types of industrial laser technologies, ultimately distinguished by the power density of the laser and its use. The commonality of every laser system is the need for advanced cooling of the power source and the laser optics.
The Nextreme Recirculating Chiller Platform from Laird Thermal Systems is the next generation of recirculating chillers. It features high-quality components, environmentally friendly refrigerants, low-noise and user-friendly operation for reliable, precise temperature control of analytical, medical, and industrial equipment. This product brochure provides an overview of the entire Nextreme platform.
Machine Vision can be found in inspection systems where cameras capture and interpret images of a specific process or activity. A number of emerging applications also take advantage of machine vision technology such as artificial intelligence (facial recognition) and collision detection for the next generation of vehicles, robotics and drones.
Machine vision is the replacement of human examination, assessment and decision-making with video hardware and software systems. The technology is often used for vision inspection, quality control, robotics, wire bonding and down-hole applications where machine vision systems obtain data from analyzing images of a specific process or activity.
