AILU - The Association of Laser Users

AILU Supported Event: Southern Manufacturing & Electronics
2026-02-03 09:00 - 2026-02-05 17:00 (Europe/London) | Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
3–5 February 2026
Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
Connect with the manufacturing community and supply-chain across 3 days at the UK’s leading annual industrial event.
Find out more here https://www.southern-manufacturing-electronics.com/en/

AILU Workshop: Optics & Beam Delivery
2026-02-12 09:00 - 16:00 | MTC, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU, United Kingdom
Sponsored by Laser Trader

Introduction

Chair: Bethan Smith (MTC)
Material processing applications such as cutting, drilling, welding, and surface structuring rely heavily on advanced beam delivery and control to achieve high productivity and consistent quality across metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, and other industrial materials. Innovations in optics for beam shaping, fiber-optic delivery, articulated arms, scanning heads, and welding and cutting heads have played a central role in enabling higher throughput, easier integration, improved reliability, and greater overall efficiency.
This workshop will feature presenters discussing recent developments in optical components, beam-shaping methods, and beam-delivery hardware—including galvo scanning heads, articulated arms, and processing heads for welding and cutting. These insights will be valuable to beam-delivery manufacturers, optics suppliers, system integrators, and end users of laser material processing, as well as researchers working to advance the field.
As well as listening to the presenters, there is plenty of time for networking with the other delegates and a handful of exhibitors. The meeting includes tea/coffee breaks and a buffet lunch.

Programme
9:30 – 10:00 am Registration and Coffee
10:00 – 10:10 Welcome
Bethan Smith, MTC
10:10 – 10:30 Novel Optical Coating Techniques for High Power Laser Material Processing Applications
Samuel Thienel, Laser Components
10:30 – 10:50 Flexible mechanisms for free-space delivery of laser energy
Nick Clark, Alban Laser Systems
10:50 – 11:10 Single-Step AI Control of Coherent Beam Combination for Agile Beam Shaping
Ben Mills, University of Southampton
11.10 – 11.40 Tea & Coffee Break
11:40 – 12:00 A stable beam for a stable process
Fabrice Meier, Cailabs
12:00 – 12:20 Agile Femtosecond Lasers for Precision Multi-Material Manufacturing
Nicolas Valero, Amplitude Laser:
12:20 – 12:40 Innovative hollow core fibre beam delivery solutions for Ultrashort Pulsed Lasers
Benoît Beaudou, GLOphotonics
12.40 – 1.50 pm Lunch, Exhibitors and Networking
1:50 – 2:10 Beam Shaping for Advanced Laser Manufacturing
Andrea Geltrude, PowerPhotonic
2:10 – 2:30 Example applications in laser beam manipulation for micro-structuring of materials
Olivier Allegre, University of Manchester
2:30 – 2:50 Keyhole stabilisation and spatter-free welding with Adjustable Mode Beam fibre lasers
Mustafa Coskun, IPG Photonics
2:50 – 3:20 Tea & Coffee Break
3:20 – 3:40 UK Laser Damage Assessment and IBD Coatings for High-Power Applications
Andrew Ritchie, BRL Laser Damage Ltd.

Venue

Manufacturing Technology Centre
MTC Events
AMTC Building
Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre
Airfield Drive
Ansty Business Park
Coventry
CV7 9JU
What3Words: encodes.backed.balancing
Go to Google Maps

Travelling by car
The MTC in Coventry is located minutes away from Junction 2 of the M6.
Head into the Ansty Business Park through a set of traffic lights. Go straight over the next two roundabouts and then take the first exit at the third roundabout. From here, take the first right for the AMTC Building car park.
Parking at the AMTC building
Located within our beautiful grounds, the parking facilities at our AMTC building in Coventry have 275 complimentary car parking spaces and 10 large disabled parking bays. The parking is secure with barrier control, and we have dedicated EV parking for electric vehicles.
Please only use dedicated car parking when travelling by car. Stopping and parking on the roundabout in front of the venue is prohibited at all times, including for dropping off and picking up. Please be aware that regular law enforcement patrol the area and issue fines in accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Travelling by train
Just 20 minutes from Coventry Railway Station, rail is a popular transport option for our delegates. The X30 bus travels from Coventry railway station to the Ansty Business Park every 20 minutes. Alternatively, there’s a taxi rank situated just outside the station.
Travelling by air
Birmingham Airport is less than a 30-minute drive from Ansty Business Park. If you’d like us to arrange Taxis or Ubers from the airport, please let the MTC know.

Travelling by bus
There’s a dedicated bus service that runs frequently between Ansty Park and the centre of Coventry.
The X30 stops at Pool Meadow Bus Station in Coventry, and travels via Coventry train station.
From the city centre, the bus route follows the main artery roads past the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, before arriving at Ansty Park.

AILU Member Event: LASEA's online webinar for R&D Centres and Universities
2026-03-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Thursday, March 12 at 4:00 PM CET (3:00pm GMT)
This session will present how advanced laser micromachining solutions can address complex industrial and research challenges. The session will showcase how LASEA’s LS-Lab accelerates laser process development with versatility and precision.
LASEA is delighted to host special guest speakers from the CEIT, a leading Spanish research centre, who will share firsthand insights into how they have optimised their laser process development using the LS-Lab and the impact it has had on their research outcomes.
See here for more details
Register here for free

AILU Supported Event - MACH 2026
2026-04-20 09:00 - 2026-04-24 16:00 | NEC Birmingham
Taking place from 20-24 April 2026, MACH will be the event to connect the world of manufacturing technologies and be the destination of choice for companies looking to adopt and invest in the digital revolution.
MACH is a fantastic event for both exhibitors and visitors. Showcasing live, digital production systems in one space, under one roof, hundreds
of millions of pounds worth of business is discussed, secured and completed at the event.
Attracting 26,000 attendees and in excess of 600 exhibitors, MACH is the platform to connect UK manufacturing engineers, decision makers, buyers and specifiers with suppliers of new technology, equipment, services and processes.
MACH is owned and organised by The Manufacturing Technologies Association, the voice for the manufacturing technologies industry, committed to driving innovation, creating value and helping UK manufacturing to thrive.
https://www.machexhibition.com

AILU Half-Day Workshop - Handheld Laser Applications
2026-06-04 09:30 - 12:30 | TWI, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL, United Kingdom
Introduction
Chair: Paola de Bono (TWI)
Hand-held laser systems for welding, cleaning, and marking have grown rapidly in recent years, driven by falling fibre laser costs, compact and ruggedised delivery optics, and demand from industries seeking flexible, portable alternatives to fixed automation. From shipyards and oil & gas maintenance to fabrication shops and heritage conservation, these systems are being deployed across an increasingly broad range of applications — and the market shows no sign of slowing.
Yet hand-held operation introduces challenges that fixed-beam systems do not face. Operator technique directly affects process quality; fume and radiation hazards are less easily controlled; and buyers navigating a crowded supplier landscape often find it difficult to assess what a system is truly capable of.
This workshop brings together experts from across the sector to address these questions directly. Topics will include:

Technology — how hand-held laser systems work, and how current designs have evolved
Capability — what welding, cleaning, and marking applications are achievable, and what their limits are
Safety — the regulatory landscape, risk assessment, and practical control measures for hand-held operation

Who Should Attend
This workshop is relevant to anyone involved in hand-held laser systems: equipment manufacturers and distributors, system integrators, safety officers, end users in manufacturing, maintenance, or conservation, and organisations considering purchasing a system for the first time. Whether you supply, specify, or operate — or are simply evaluating whether hand-held lasers are right for your business — this event will provide the knowledge and contacts you need.
The Workshop will be followed by the AILU AGM.

Programme
09:30 – 10:00 Registration
10:00 – 10:10 Welcome
Paola De Bono, TWI
Session 1

10:10 – 10:30 Handheld Laser Welding Systems – An Aerospace End User Perspective
Mark Dodds, ITP Aero
10:30 – 10:50 Handheld Laser Cleaning Capability and Performance on Grade 5 Ti 6Al 4V
Ali Khan, TWI
10:50 – 11:10 Laser Cleaning at Scale: A Real World Case Study
Harvey Allpress, LaserTec Laser Cleaning
11:10 AM – 11:40 Break
Session 2
11:40 – 12:00 Reduced Hazard Handheld Laser Cleaning Using Retina Safe Wavelengths
Tara Murphy, Woodrow Scientific
12:00 – 12:20 Hand-held Laser Safety Standards are Changing: Are You Ready ?
Neal Croxford, Dovecote Technologies
12:20 – 12:40 Laser Safety for Handheld Laser Systems
Ross Tomlin, Pro-Lite Technology
12:40 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 14:20 Tour of TWI Labs (optional)
14:30 – 15:30 AGM (optional)

Venue
TWI
Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge
CB21 6AL

Travel
Directions to the venue can be viewed here
Public transport links are here

Directions on Granta Park

Once through the security barrier, take the second exit at the roundabout and follow the road until the next roundabout, then take the first exit on the left. Follow the road, then take the first left and park in the visitor parking area, located in front of the building with the aeroplane outside. If this car park is full, you may use the staff parking, which is on your right as you face TWI in the two-storey car park.
What3Words https://w3w.co/inspects.roughest.paints
Satellite view shows the aircraft

AILU AGM 2026
2026-06-04 14:30 - 15:30 | TWI, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL, United Kingdom
Thursday 4th June 2026
14:30-15:30
Members only.
Follows AILU’s half-day workshop on Handheld Laser Applications
Venue
TWI
Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge
CB21 6AL

Notice of AGM
Agenda
Minutes of last meeting
AILU accounts to 31.10.2025

AILU Event: Early Careers Group Seminar & Tour
2026-06-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Micrometric, Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 3RX, United Kingdom
Early Careers Group Seminar & Tour
Monday 8th June 2026
Founded in 2017, AILU’s Early Careers Group (ECG) represents the next generation of laser industry and academic professionals. Members of the group are from a variety of laser backgrounds including universities & research centres, industrial manufacturers, suppliers and subcontractors.
On Wednesday 19th November the Group will host a seminar followed by a tour of Micrometric Ltd, a laser subcontractor (Job Shop) based in Lincoln. Micrometric specialises in the laser material processing of metals to produce fine parts and precision components for small prototypes through to large scale production. The company’s laser processing capabilities include cutting, welding, etching and drilling.
The seminar and tour are open to AILU members and non-members, and would be of interest to those who might like to join this group or would benefit from networking with this enthusiastic and talented pool of individuals.

Programme
10:00 – 10:30 Registration & Refreshments
10:30 – 10:50 Introduction to Micrometric. TBC, Micrometric
10:50 – 11:05 An Overview of Laser Processing at TWI, Cambridge. Laurence Glaister, TWI
11:05 – 11:20 Recent Advances in Glass Processing at Oxford Lasers. Toby Barnard, Oxford Lasers
11:20 – 11:35 Deep Learning in Coherent Beam Combination. Fedor Chernikov, University of Southampton
11:35 – 11:55 Automated Alignment of Laser Systems. Donald Risbridger, Heriot-Watt University
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 14:00 Tour

Venue
Micrometric Ltd,
Doddington Road,
Lincoln,
LN6 3RX

AILU Member Event - AMADA Exhibition 23-25 June 2026
2026-06-23 09:00 - 2026-06-24 17:00 | Amada UK, Spennells Valley Road, Kidderminster, DY10 1XS
Experience the future of manufacturing at Amada UK as it celebrates a legacy of excellence. In honour of Amada’s 80th anniversary in Japan, the company is hosting an exclusive event centered on the bold philosophy to “automate everything.” Throughout the day, you will witness the seamless synergy of Amada’s most advanced technologies in action,
To complement Amada’s heritage, guests will be treated to authentic Japanese-themed lunches, bridging the gap between eight decades of tradition and the cutting edge of modern automation. Join the event to see how Amada is shaping the next generation of sheet metal productivity.
Register here https://rsvp.amada.co.uk/amada-june-exhibition-interest or call 01562 749 500

AILU Supported Event - PLI Conferences 2026
2026-07-01 07:00 - 2026-07-02 16:00
PLI Conferences will be held from July 1st to 2nd, 2026 at the stade Beaublanc in Limoges (France).
This event is organized by the CLUB LASER & PROCÉDÉS in partnership with ALPHANOV, with support from ALPHA-RLH and the EUROPEAN CERAMIC CLUSTER. This year, collaboration is strengthened with the FRESNEL INSTITUTE for the poster session and with CAILABS for the thematic panel meeting.
PLI Conferences is the unmissable event dedicated to industrial laser processes and their advances. An overview of the latest innovations in the field is presented through a rich program of expert conferences.
The 2025 edition brought together 162 participants and 34 booths, 79% of which were industrial and 23% from foreign countries.
The conference program is organized around thematic sessions and time for discussion between participants. Simultaneous French/English translation will be provided. To eat, you will have access to coffee breaks and a lunch buffet.
The programme is available here and registration is open
Find out more www.clp-laser.fr/event

Member Event: Laser Processing of Micro-Filters for Medical & Energy Applications
2026-07-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
OpTek Systems Webinar
15 July 2026 11:00 ET (16:00 BST)
Micro-filters and porous membrane structures are critical to the performance of advanced medical devices, diagnostics, fuel cells, and emerging energy technologies. However, achieving precise, repeatable pore geometries at production scale remains a significant manufacturing challenge.
Join OpTek Systems for a live technical webinar exploring how precision laser micromachining enables tightly controlled porous structures with high repeatability, high open area, and scalable throughput.
READ MORE & REGISTER HERE

AILU Supported Event - COLA 2026 International Conference on Laser Ablation
2026-09-14 09:00 - 2026-09-18 16:00 | Radisson Blu Hotel, Vilnius
14-18 September 2026, Vilnius, Lithuania
Since 1991, COLA has played a pivotal role in advancing laser ablation technologies and fostering collaborations among researchers and industry experts. COLA2026 is an interdisciplinary conference and the topics cover a wide range of scientific research that bridges the gap between basic science and applications / technology.
The 18th COLA conference will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from September 14-18, 2026, and promises to be an exceptional gathering of laser scientists, end-users, students and industry professionals from around the world.
Find out more at https://www.cola2026.org/

Important Dates

Abstract Submission opens: 12 January 2026
Abstract Submission closes: 31 March 2026
Author notification: 1 June 2026

Conference Topics

• Fundamentals of Laser-Material Interactions
• Emerging Applications of Laser Ablation
• Quantum Electrodynamics in Extreme Laser Fields
• Pulsed Laser Ablation and Deposition
• Laser Ablation in Liquids
• Laser Ablation in Bulk Materials
• Laser-Based Analytical Methods
• Ultrafast Phenomena
• Applications of Laser Materials Processing
• Laser Direct Writing
• Surface Micro/Nano Structuring
• Laser Micro/Nano Machining
• Laser Applications in Biology and Life Sciences
• Lasers in Nanoscience
• Smart Beam Shaping and Manipulation
• Emerging Photon Sources and Applications

AILU Member Event - Soni-Shape-Laser Open Day
2026-09-17 09:30 - 16:00 | University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
We invite you to the Soni-Shape-Laser Open Day to meet our team, and discover how our research is revolutionising low-volume electric vehicle battery manufacturing and explore the project’s impact and future potential.

For more information including the AGENDA and to REGISTER for the event, see HERE

AILU Supported Event - LANE 2026
2026-09-21 09:00 - 2026-09-25 16:00
14TH CIRP CONFERENCE ON PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGIES (LANE 2026)
21-25 September 2026

Venue
Heinrich-Lades-Halle Erlangen
Rathausplatz 2
91052 Erlangen
Germany

Contact
info@lane-conference.org
www.lane-conference.org

The Call for Contributions for the LANE 2026 conference is open.
There are two submission lines in LANE 2026:
(A) Scientific contribution (paper & presentation):
Submit your manuscript until 28.02.2026. Please note that there is no preceding abstract phase. Your scientific paper (with a total length of 4 pages) will be reviewed by an international review committee of renowned experts. In case of a positive review result, the paper will be published online as a special issue of Elsevier’s open access journal ‘Procedia CIRP’ and presented live at LANE 2026. Papers published in Procedia CIRP will be available online on ScienceDirect. Procedia CIRP is indexed in the EI Compendex and Scopus databases.
(B) Industrial contribution (presentation only):
Industrial abstract submission deadline is 28.02.2026. Abstracts should consist of about 150 words and must be written in English. Your abstract on your industrial presentation at LANE will be reviewed on its relevance for application. In case of a positive review result, your presentation will be scheduled at LANE 2026.
As the first step on the way to your LANE contribution, please create an account at our conference management system ‘ConfTool’:
https://www.conftool.com/lane-conference-2026
Scientific contributors will receive the paper template in December 2025.

AILU Free Webinar - Tuning the Process: How to Optimize Key Laser Parameters in Micromachining Applications
2026-10-06 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
MKS Spectra-Physics Expert Talk
Tuesday 6th October 2026
15:00 – 16:00 BST I 16:00 – 17:00 CEST

Presenters: Markus Rütering, Jim Bovatsek, Chandra Nathala

Overview
Micromachining processes demand exceptional accuracy, placing stringent requirements on the selection and interplay of laser parameters across a wide range of materials and applications. At the same time, companies must keep a close eye on throughput and productivity.
In this expert talk, you will gain valuable insights into the key criteria for selecting the right laser system. You will discover efficient strategies for optimising the interaction between laser and material to achieve superior processing results.

Who should attend?
Application and development engineers that are looking for ways on how to optimize their development processes.
Everybody interested and willing to learn on how to efficiently use laser with short and ultrashort pulses.

Topics to be covered

How to streamline application development processes
Key parameters for short and ultrashort pulse lasers
How to choose the laser for your process
Real world example on how to achieve ablation efficiency with silicon carbide
Application knowledge: Industrial marking and engraving applications with high-energy UV lasers

In addition to the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.

Get a Head Start
Want to go further even before the session begins? Our application notes share insights from our lab team on how to optimize the interaction between laser and material. Discover multiple micromachining use cases and get ready to dive deeper during the live session.
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and the Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU Supported Event - Advanced Engineering 2026
2026-11-04 09:00 - 2026-11-05 17:00 | NEC Birmingham
4-5 November 2026
NEC, Birmingham
Advanced Engineering is the only UK event connecting all industrial ecosystems, driving high-value manufacturing and supply chain solutions.
Here, the brightest minds in design, engineering, and manufacturing come together to solve real-world challenges, accelerate innovation, develop skills, and build a more sustainable future.
From net-zero composites to energy-efficient processes, visit the future of engineering.
Find out more here www.advancedengineeringuk.com

AILU Member Event: Livestream Laser Safety Officer for Industry Training Course
2026-11-04 13:00 - 2026-11-05 16:00
4-5 November & 11-12 November online
(4 x 3 hour sessions over 2 weeks)
Kentek’s livestream Laser Safety Officer for Industry course provides comprehensive training for individuals designated as Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) in industrial, manufacturing and production environments across Europe and Switzerland. It equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage laser safety programs in accordance with international and European standards, including IEC 60825-1, IEC 60825-14, part 14, applicable EN harmonised standards, and the European Directive 2006/25/EC on artificial optical radiation, as well as relevant Swiss occupational safety requirements. The course emphasizes risk-based decision-making, hazard evaluation, and implementation of control measures to ensure safe operation of laser systems across a range of industrial applications. Participants will learn how to assess laser hazards, define control strategies, ensure regulatory compliance, and support their organization in meeting its legal obligations for worker safety.
This course is ideal for designated or prospective Laser Safety Officers, Engineers, technicians, and safety professionals working with laser systems, EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) managers and compliance personnel, and Supervisors responsible for laser operations.
Click here for more information and to register

AILU 2026 Annual Job Shop Business Meeting
2026-11-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ, United Kingdom
Introduction
The laser manufacturing sector contains over 150 subcontractors in the UK. If you are a member of this community or in the supply chain, this meeting is for you!
Not a member of AILU? No problem! Non-members are welcome too. Talk to us about special offer tickets for non-members in the laser subcontract industry – especially if you have never experienced this meeting before.

Programme and further information follow

AILU's Industrial Laser Applications Symposium (ILAS) 2027
2027-03-24 08:00 - 2027-03-25 17:00 | Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, CV8 2LD, United Kingdom
ILAS 2027 is a unique 2-day event, attracting international delegates, speakers and exhibitors from around the world to share the latest in laser material processing technology and applications.
Enjoy plenary presentations from renowned international speakers, keynote speakers on a range of topics covering the whole of industrial laser technology, and around 80 high-calibre presentations from industry and academia. On top of this, 30 exhibitors will represent the latest in laser technology and the complete supply chain. Whether you’re a researcher, engineer, business owner, student or technology supplier, the programme is built to inform and inspire across the full breadth of laser applications.
Make new contacts, expand your network, find business or collaboration opportunities, meet potential employers and employees to develop your organisation or career.
2027 marks the tenth Industrial Laser Applications Symposium
It’s where academia meets industry for all things industrial laser related, so don’t miss out.

See the dedicated ILAS 2027 webpage here: https://ilas2027.co.uk
