Applying Lasers to Repair Processes at SEMA

SCRS' OEM Summit - Session III will explore laser welding in automotive and aerospace manufacturing and how technologies are developing for repair solutions.

Oct. 11, 2024

2 min read

You've likely seen laser-welded roofs and other parts from the OEMs. But as prices come down and capabilities increase for field-capable laser welders, OEMs may soon be approving them for repairs.

If you'd like to learn more about how laser welding has been used in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, along with how technologies are being developed for repair solutions, check out the session from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)'s Repairer Driven Education Series at the SEMA Show. The OEM Summit - Session III is Thurs., Nov. 7 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. PT.

Rex Alexandre, Principal Engineer at the Handheld Laser Institute, and former senior welding engineer for SpaceX, will join Dean Brennan of IPG Photonics to demonstrate how laser welding has become popularized as an integral manufacturing technique in transportation industries.

With Jeff Poole of I-CAR, the two will explore the research and testing of the application in the collision repair industry, as well as challenges and considerations for the implementation of the photon joining process.

This session will focus on the manufacturing application of laser welding in the OEM automotive and aerospace production process. Understand the engineering objectives of laser welding in a production environment, and the evolving landscape of handheld laser welding technologies for repair process solutions. Attendees will gain insight into fundamental research being conducted to identify the opportunity for utilization, best practices, and industry standards governing the use of handheld laser welding that may set the groundwork for introduction as a future replacement methodology.