Topping Out Ceremony for New Concept Laser Production Facility

Rohbau der Produktionshalle mit einer Fläche von 3.500 qm / Shell of Concept Laser’s new 3,500 m2 production facility

Richtfest in Lichtenfels

Montagestand Mlab cusing - Anlagen / Mlab cusing system assembly rig

Frank Herzog, geschäftsführender Gesellschafter von Concept Laser: „Räumlich abgetrennte Parzellen sorgen dafür, dass die Geheimhaltung der immer sensitiver werdenden Projekte gewährleistet wird, und somit ein höchstes Maß an Vertraulichkeit gegeben ist.“ / Frank Herzog, CEO of Concept Laser: "Our use of space between the different plots of land allows us to guarantee secrecy for the increasingly sensitive projects, thus ensuring a high level of confidentiality."

Concept Laser, a pioneer in the field of laser melting with metals, held a “topping out” ceremony this past June at their headquarters in Lichtenfels, Germany. The ceremony was a milestone in the expansion of the Concept Laser production facility to meet the growing demand in the market for its advanced generative laser melting technology, LaserCUSING. The new production facility is 3,500 m2 (approximately 37,000+ sq. ft) and allows Concept Laser to increase its machine output by a factor of 2.5 compared to the previous year.

“We have experienced highly dynamic growth in the USA,” said Frank Herzog, CEO, Concept Laser. “The primary reason for this growth is the increasing demand from the aerospace industry which relies heavily on additive production technology, as a rapid method for building prototypes and production metal parts. As a result of the increased in demand for machines, we are expanding our production facility capacity.

“The new facility provides additional benefits to our customers. The design of our new facility allows for guaranteed secrecy for the increasingly sensitive projects, thus ensuring a high level of confidentiality to our customers.”

Representatives of the laser melting system manufacturer stated that they are expecting a continuation of the massive growth in 3D printing (additive manufacturing) applications with metals. This will be driven primarily by the aerospace, automotive and medical and dental industries, with regional hotspots in the USA, Europe and parts of Asia. Frank Herzog, CEO of Concept Laser, reported highly dynamic growth in the USA at the present time. The reason for this is the aerospace industry, which relies heavily on generative production technology (additive manufacturing) as a fast method of building prototypes and test beds while optimizing the time and costs of manufacturing amorphous components. The reason for the growth is the aerospace industry, which relies heavily on generative (or additive/3d printing) production technology, as a fast method of building prototypes and parts.

New production capacity generated by collaboration within the Hofmann Innovation Group

The Hofmann Innovation Group, of which the independent company Concept Laser is a member, is also a specialist in the fields of toolmaking and rapid and industrial prototyping. However, the group also boasts many years of experience in machine and plant engineering. The Hofmann Innovation Group has previously built machines for Concept Laser, so it was a logical step to take further advantage of the existing experience and synergy within the group, and a win-win situation for everyone involved. The new production facility was built by the Hofmann Innovation Group, will also be responsible for the future production of Concept Laser systems. Concept Laser will lease the space in the 3,500 m² production facility and be responsible for the commissioning and quality assurance of its own machines. Speaking at the topping out ceremony, Frank Herzog stressed the importance of the collaboration. "Concept Laser's new production capacity is a long-term investment that has the active support of the Hofmann Innovation Group. In the future, the financially solid structure of the Group and its numerous synergies will help us stay on the right track," concluded Herzog.

Strategic Expansion to Meet Future Growth and Demands

In addition to expanding its production facility, Concept Laser continues to strengthen its workforce to meet the growing demands for its LaserCUSING technology. Since 2012, Concept Laser has strengthened its workforce in Production, Development, Service, and Applications Engineering divisions worldwide and has increased employees from 35 to 85. Along with the personnel expansion, in 2013 Concept Laser opened a new Research and Development (R&D) center. The 670 m2 R&D center allows for expanded testing capacity with dedicated development equipment for the LaserCUSING. The new center offers Concept Laser engineers the perfect platform for process and system development. Engineering developments from the new center includes the recent release of LaserCUSING System X line 1000R in XXL format.

Concept Laser Announces New USA Subsidiary

Due to the growing demand for generative laser melting with metals in the USA, Concept Laser announced their plans to open a US subsidiary. Together with the existing subsidiary in China, and the company headquarters in Europe, this will place Concept Laser in prime locations around the world to support their growing customer base.