Cutting-edge processing technology, active discussions and an unparalleled exhibitor profile presented at Laser World of Photonics China 2013 herald a bright future for the Chinese market, event organizers say. Asia’s leading laser, optics and photonics industry event, held March 19-21 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, attracted 539 exhibitors from 18 countries and more than 36,000 attendees, a record 25 and 5 percent increase, respectively, over last year. There were more than 1800 presentations on advanced lasers, automatic laser processing, laser macroprocessing and microprocessing, optics, infrared technology and laser safety. “Compared with other trade shows, Laser World of Photonics China is larger and covers a wider range of topics, from microprocessing through to macrolaser processing,” said Weiguo Fan, general manager of the Laser Technology Department at Shenyang Siasun Robot & Automation Co. Ltd. “In view of the number of trade visitors and their needs, we can say that the laser processing market still harbors great potential.” The program’s focus was on “innovations and application in laser and photonics technology” and featured products and solutions in Laser Systems for Production Engineering; Lasers and Optoelectronics; Optics and Manufacturing Technology for Optics; and Imaging and Optical Metrology. Leading companies showcased the indispensable role that lasers and photonics play, including in metal processing, automobile manufacturing, ship building, aerospace, semiconductors and electronics, education and research, and the life sciences. “This is a very successful trade show, both in terms of the number and expertise of visitors,” said John Peng, managing director of Rofin-Baasel China Co. Ltd. “Apart from customers from Shanghai, there were also visitors from Southeast Asia; for example, Japan and Korea.” Enhanced laser processing technology that combines automatic control, machine vision and robot technologies was a major topic of discussion among many attendees. “Laser World of Photonics China has become an exhibition for high-speed, advanced and high-performance technologies,” said Sunny Deng, director of Han’s Laser Technology Co. Ltd. “We met numerous target customers and received several orders. The trade show far exceeded our expectations.” Photonics Congress China was held concurrently with the trade show. The Eighth International Conference on Laser Processes and Components (LPC 2013), which formed part of the Congress, addressed the topic of laser 3-D printing technology. The event also included the Eighth National Conference on Laser Technology and Optoelectronics and Release of 2012 China Optics Outstanding Achievements, OSA short courses and a workshop on Laser Safety Protection Certification. The Machine Vision Technology & Application Conference also was held at the same time and combined scientific discussions, application examples and products. Laser World of Photonics China 2014 will be held March 18-24 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. For more information, visit: www.world-of-photonics.net