AMT: Year-end 2010 industrial laser shipments up 37 percent from 2009

Shipments of industrial laser equipment and systems in 2010 are reported at $356.2 million, according to AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Unit sales jumped 44.9 percent for a total of 1,210 units. CO₂ lasers accounted for 88.5 percent of the value of shipments, which is virtually unchanged since 2009. Unit sales of CO₂ lasers made up 70.2 percent of shipments. The report compiled from 19 manufacturers and distributors also shows the number of lasers configured as full systems accounted for the same share of shipments as in 2008 after a spike in 2009. The value of orders configured as full systems was $309.2 million.

Year-end figures for 2010 are based on actual data reported by companies voluntarily participating in the Laser Market Data Survey. Growth is based on revised 2009 data reflecting any changes that survey participants made during the course of 2010. "The 37 percent pick up in 2010 is a modest rebound in the face of the nearly 50 percent decline in sales during 2009," stated Patrick McGibbon, vice president-Strategic Information & Research and Membership. "Prospects look bright for the remainder of 2011 as new technologies are brought to market and fiber lasers continue to expand."