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Dec 1, 2010 12:00 PM, BY BRUCE SAUER

ARE the new fiber lasers enough of a step forward to make lasers a viable tool for truck body and trailer manufacturers? What about waterjet cutting or new structural adhesives?

These and other products were on display at the 2010 edition of Fabtech International, held this year in Atlanta, November 2-4.

Some 22,000 visitors attended the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta to experience the latest manufacturing innovations and discuss industry issues - an increase of 12% from 2006, the last time the event was held in Atlanta.

The annual event is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, welding, stamping, tube and pipe, and finishing equipment and technology.

Filling nearly 371,000 square feet of booth space, the three-day show included 1,138 exhibitors, an increase of 23% percent from the first show in Atlanta. The event also featured the unveiling of more than 500 new products.

One of the more interesting concepts shown at Fabtech this year was the fiber laser cutting system that several manufacturers displayed. Unlike standard CO₂ models, fiber lasers use fiber optic cable to deliver the beam from the point where the beam is generated to the cutting head. The system eliminates the mirrors and lasing gases of standard laser cutting machines. The technology also is more energy efficient, the manufacturers say — and more compact.

To view some of the produsts and exhibitors, please visit our photo gallery.