LASYS 2010 A Success


LASYS Increases Number of Visitors and International Character


3,870 visitors came to the second LASYS – More visitors from a larger catchment area – Demand for multiple material solutions

3,870 specialist visitors came to the second LASYS, international trade fair for system solutions in laser material processing, which took place from 8 to 10 June 2010 in Stuttgart. Satisfactory: In spite of the still tense economic situation, more interested parties attended the event than two years ago (2008: 3,444). The 186 exhibitors, of which 38 percent came from outside Germany, showcased laser manufacturing systems for micro and macro material processing, processes (laser applications, product solutions), as well as system periphery and components of laser production technology. The catchment area for LASYS has continued to expand in comparison to the first event. A total of 40 percent of visitors traveled more than 300 kilometres to the event. The visitors came from 39 countries. Switzerland came in 1st place, followed by France and Italy. The percentage of visitors coming from outside of Germany rose from 24 to 30 percent, which also included many foreign visitor delegations. “We are pleased that even in these hard times we managed to more or less retain the number of exhibitors and increase the number of visitors and international character,” commented Meike Mayer, Project Manager of LASYS, on the result.

The visitors came predominantly from the area of mechanical engineering, followed by the automotive industry, optics industry, metal processing industry, as well as plant and apparatus construction, electrical/electronics industry and medical technology. Almost all industries were represented. The visitors were interested in processing metallic and non-metallic materials, as well as composite materials. Solutions for processing steel, aluminium and plastic were asked for most frequently. Every second visitor wanted information on laser production systems for micro material processing or precision technology. There was also large interest, however, in laser production systems for macro material processing, processes such as laser applications and product solutions, process control and quality assurance, as well as system periphery and components of laser production technology.

The quality of LASYS visitors was high; 83 percent of them are involved in the purchasing and procurement decisions in their company. The intentions of visitors to invest and purchase were on par with those of the previous event: 78 percent of those surveyed definitely or probably want to invest; every second person wants to do so in the next six months.

This tendency is also confirmed by the exhibitors: “We were able to conduct good discussions at the stand and the specific project requests suggest that there will be activity in the economy again and an upturn is possible,” confirms Dr.-Ing. Gerd Schöllhammer, Marketing Manager, Communication/Trade Fairs at Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH in Ditzingen. “Against this background we are optimistic that good post trade fair business is approaching. We were also able to identify a growth in the number of foreign visitors.”

Here the benefits of the location of the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre are also noticeable, with its location directly beside Stuttgart Airport. Almost every fifth visitor (19%) travelled by airplane – 5% more than LASYS 2008.

Günther Braun, CEO & President of Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc., Hamburg, also rates the second participation of his company at LASYS as a success: “We are fully satisfied with the good quality of the requests and the interest in our products. The visitors arrived with specific sample parts in their hands. We hope that LASYS 2012 continues on this positive path and draws even more exhibitors, in particular from the area of system and user technology, to Stuttgart and the attractiveness of the trade fair for visitors from all over the world continues to increase.”

The extensive framework programme of LASYS 2010 was also very well received. Over 200 participants came to the 11th International Symposium for “Laser Precision Microfabrication” (LPM) – a new participant record. The sixth Stuttgart Laser Days (SLT ’10), which took place for the second time within the framework of LASYS, registered over 350 participants. The transfer of knowledge and experience between research and industry was the focus here. The WLT short course “Basic knowledge of laser and laser material processing” was characterised by specialists from well-known German laser institutes. The number of high-quality speakers was 42 – double the figure expected. The first “Solution Centre – meet the experts,” designed as a contact point for draftsmen and engineers who are looking for a solution to a specific problem, was well received by visitors. Every fifth visitor was interested in the special show “Cars made by Laser” and every fourth visitor followed the presentations offered in the forum “Lasers in Action.”

In cooperation with Messe Stuttgart and the Laser Institute of America, Laser Systems Europe magazine hosted a series of seminars under the title “Lasers in Action.” These unique seminars highlighted case studies of laser systems in use by real customers, exploring the issues faced by the customers, and showing how lasers helped them solve problems, save costs and improve processes. The seminars were aimed at newcomers to laser technology, and helped potential users understand the benefits of using it across a broad range of applications.

In comparison to LASYS 2008, the exhibitors assess the market for laser technologies to be significantly worse than that of two years ago. The effects of the crisis can still clearly be felt in the companies. Accordingly the majority of exhibitors reckoned the business success and the view to good post trade fair business was not as good as the first event. The exhibitors were, in contrast to this, all satisfied with the quality of the visitors. They would have wished for more visitors, however.

Chris Castle, Product Line Manager, Commercial Lasers, JDSU; Milpitas, CA/USA: “The quality of discussions was very high and our intention to strengthen existing contacts was satisfied. In my opinion, there were fewer visitors at our stand, which also included, however, some new contacts. Nevertheless I am still expecting good post trade fair business. ”

A formidable framework program with a free consultation and advice centre for visitors – the “Solution Centre -meet the experts,” the special show “Cars made by Laser,” Stuttgart Laser Days SLT 2010, the 11th International Symposium for “Laser Precision Microfabrication” LPM 2010, the 50th anniversary of laser conference, a “Short Course” for laser beginners, as well as a series of lectures in “Lasers in Action,” gave the visitors a variety of background information on laser material processing.

LASYS 2012 will take place again from 19 to 21 June 2012 in connection with O&S, the international trade fair for surface treatments and coatings.

About the Author
Steven Glover is a proud member of the LIA staff. When he is not at work he is actively involved in several charitable efforts.
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