More than 3,800 visitors attended the second Lasys, the international trade fair for system solutions in laser material processing, held from 8-10 June in Stuttgart, Germany, representing a rise in visitor numbers over the inaugural event two years ago.
The 186 exhibitors showcased laser systems and components, processes, laser applications, product solutions and services. The catchment area of Lasys continued to expand compared to the first event. In total, 44 per cent of visitors made a journey of more than 300 kilometres. The percentage of people travelling from outside of Germany rose from 24 to 27 per cent, which 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.
The visitors came predominantly from the area of mechanical engineering, followed by the optical industry, automotive industry, metal-processing industry, as well as the electrical and electronics industry. Almost all industries were represented. Visitors were interested in processing metallic and non-metallic materials, as well as plastic materials. Every second visitor wanted information on laser manufacturing systems for micro material processing or precision technology. There was also, however, a large interest in laser manufacturing 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 manufacturing technology.
'We were able to conduct good discussions at the stand and specific project requests suggest that there will be activity in the economy again and an upturn is possible,' confirmed Gerd Schöllhammer, marketing manager, communication/trade fairs at Trumpf. 'Against this background we are optimistic that good post trade fair business is approaching. We were also able to identify an increase in the number of foreign visitors.'
Günther Braun, CEO and president of Rofin-Sinar Technologies, said: '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 accompanying programme included: a 'meet the experts' solution centre; a 'Cars made by Laser' area; the Stuttgart Laser Days SLT '10; 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', sponsored by Laser Systems Europe magazine.
The next Lasys will take place again from 19-21 June 2012 in connection with O&S, the international trade fair for surface treatments and coatings.
