AILU - The Association of Laser Users

AILU Workshop - Micro Drilling
2025-10-02 10:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | AURA Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Meadow Road, Hull, Hessle, HU13 0GD, United Kingdom
Sponsored by Luxinar

Introduction
Chair: Mike Wakeham (Winbro)
The latest laser sources bring higher power and ultrashort pulse widths. These parameters increase the quality and throughput of laser drilling in a number of materials including metals and glass. Automotive, medical device, semiconductor and consumer electronics manufacturers are looking for this quality and speed. Small hole diameters and minimal heat input (low distortion) are benefits that laser micro drilling can bring.
Learn from a range of presenters who are using and manufacturing solutions in micro laser drilling. If you are contemplating the use of laser micro drilling in manufacturing or research, this workshop is for you.
Meet laser drilling application experts and suppliers over this full day workshop. The venue is a short walk from Luxinar’s UK facility. During the event there will be a networking lunch where a few exhibitors will be available to discuss the products and services they offer.
At the end of the workshop there will be a short tour of Luxinar’s facility. A live “remote” demonstration of their lasers in action will also be included in the agenda for the day.

Programme:
9:30 – 10:00 am Registration and Coffee
10.00 – 10.10 Welcome
Yannick Galais, Luxinar

10.10 – 10.30 Microelectronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing: A Paradise for Laser Drilling?
Ben Fulford, Luxinar
10.30 – 10.50 High Speed Micro Drilling of Metals and Glasses
Dimitris Karnakis, Oxford Lasers
10.50 – 11.10 ns pulsed fibre laser: a versatile tool for drilling applications
Jack Gabzdyl, TRUMPF
11.10 – 11.40 Tea & Coffee Break
11.40 – 12.00 Laser selective etching of transparent materials with modified Bessel beams
Jakob Gueye, Heriot Watt University
12.00 – 12.20 High aspect ratio micro-drilling in glass and SiC using percussion and single-pulse processes
Artur Stabrawa, Fluence Technology
12.20 – 12.40 Advances in Laser Drilling and Metallization of TGVs for Advanced Packaging
Ashley Crane, EKSPLA
12.40 – 1.50 pm Lunch, Exhibitors and Networking
1.50 – 2.10 Micro Hole Drilling for Biomedical Applications
Mike O’Key, OpTek Systems
2.10 – 2.30 High speed drilling of micro holes in metallic components
Olusola Oyelola , Winbro Group
2.30 – 2.50 High power laser drilling of 0.5 mm thick stainless steel
Jagdheesh Radhakrishnan, MTC
2.50 – 3.10 From negative to >45 Degree angles, how to control taper during cutting & drilling processes
David Bruneel, LASEA
3.10 – 3.20 Remote presentation of Luxinar USP Laser Applications Lab.
Louise May, Luxinar
3.20 – 3.40 Tea & Coffee Break
3.40 – 4.40 Tour of Luxinar facility

Venue
AURA Innovation Centre
Bridgehead Business Park
Meadow Road
Hull
Hessle
HU13 0GD
Find out more about AILU events (past and future) here: ailu.org.uk/events
Interested to join our Early Careers Group? – more here: ailu.org.uk/early-careers-group
Read about the event sponsor here: luxinar.com

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU Supported Event - PLI Conferences 2025: Latest innovations in industrial laser processes
2025-09-24 08:00 - 2025-09-25 16:00
24 & 25 September 2025
CCI Campus, Alsace, Strasbourg
Early Bird registration closes 31 July 2025

The CLUB LASER ET PROCÉDÉS, in partnership with ICUBE, IPG PHOTONICS, IREPA LASER, PRECITEC, and the PHOTONICS INSTITUTE, announces the 2025 edition of the PLI Conferences, to be held on September 24 and 25 at the CCI Campus Alsace in Strasbourg.
This key event will showcase the latest advances in industrial laser processes. “PLI Conferences is a unique event in France, bringing together industry professionals and researchers in a friendly atmosphere. It’s a privileged space for exchange where innovation meets industrial expertise” explains John LOPEZ, President of the CLUB LASER ET PROCÉDÉS and Research Engineer at CNRS.
Highlights include:

Expert conferences: Talks by specialists to unpack current and future challenges in the sector.
Exhibition space: Located at the heart of the catering area, the exhibition will feature the latest technologies and solutions from participating companies.
Networking evening: A convivial gathering, perfect for discussions, idea sharing, and innovation-driven exchanges.
Thematic panel session: An engaging discussion focused on the energy transition.

Company visits are also scheduled for September 23:
PRECITEC – Visit the new facilities in Gaggenau with live demonstrations: laser welding, high-performance cutting, additive manufacturing, and beam characterization solutions.
IREPA LASER – Tour the industrial workshops and discover additive manufacturing and laser welding with live demonstrations of industrial applications.
ICUBE – Visit the LaserSurf lab to explore ultrashort laser processes and multimodal characterisation techniques.
AERIAL – Visit the centre and learn about the Feerix experimental irradiation station and the facilities dedicated to advanced industrial applications.

Contact: Fanny VOINSON
contact@clp-laser.fr
+33 (0)3 88 65 54 26
https://www.clp-laser.fr/fr/evenement/pli-conferences-2025

AILU Free Webinar: Implementing Beam Shaping
2025-06-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Sponsored by

Thursday 19th June 2025, 14:00 – 15:00 BST

Free online webinar

Implementing Beam-shaping in the Laser Industry:
Opportunities and Challenges
Speaker: Gwenn Pallier, Product Line Manager, Cailabs
Learn how beam-shaping is used to improve performance in laser material processing applications including welding, cutting, micro-processing and additive manufacturing.
There are many methods to achieve laser beam-shaping, find out more about how they work and what the advantages and challenges are in each case.
Discover examples of applications where MPLC (Multi Plane Light Conversion) from Cailabs has enabled the following benefits:

Enhanced process quality
Increased process speed
Improved depth of focus

Beam-shaping is a hot topic in 2025, this webinar will help you understand how to access the benefits presented by the latest technology.
As well as a presentation, there will be the opportunity to have questions answered in a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.
The webinar will be recorded and accessible for free via YouTube and Vimeo.
The PDF version of the PowerPoint slides will be available after the webinar.

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU Event: Early Careers Group Event
2025-06-17 09:00 - 12:30 | Loughborough University, Epinal Way LE11 3TU, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
Tuesday 17th June
Loughborough University
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 industrial laser backgrounds including research centres and industrial manufacturers, suppliers and subcontractors.
On Tuesday 17th June the Group will host a seminar followed by a tour of the laser facilities at Loughborough University. Members of the ECG will deliver presentations highlighting the current focus of their research or laser interests.
The seminar is 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
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:05 Welcome – Jacob Lavin, Loughborough University
10:05 – 10:25
Gas Dynamic Interactions in Laser Cutting
Jacob Lavin, Loughborough University
10:25 – 10:40
Remote laser welding of Zn-coated steel to aluminium for automotive structural applications
Ali Baghbani Barenji, University of Warwick
10:40 – 10:55
Utilising spherical aberration in laser processing
Dan Wilson-University of Manchester
11:00 – 13:00 Tour of Optical Engineering Building & Emergent Photonics Research Centre
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

Venue
Sir David Davies Building
Loughborough University
LE11 3TU
See page 5 of campus map, Building 14 here and venue map here
Parking permit required for those attending by car which can be paid for in advance or on arrival – https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/fm/services/traffic-parking/visitors/

AILU's 31st Annual General Meeting 2025
2025-05-21 13:30 - 14:30 | AME, Coventry, Beresford Ave, Coventry, CV6 5LZ, United Kingdom
Notice of the 2025 Annual General Meeting
The 31st Annual General Meeting of the Association of Industrial Laser Users will take place from on 21 May 2025 at AME, Coventry.
AILU Member Event, free to attend.

Venue
AME
Beresford Ave
Coventry
CV6 5LZ

Please follow this link for information on security and parking https://ailu.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Getting-to-AME.pdf

Documents
Notice of AGM
Agenda
Minutes of the last meeting
AILU Accounts to 31 Oct 2024

Laser Safety - AILU workshop
2025-05-21 10:00 - 13:30 | AME, Coventry, Beresford Ave, Coventry, CV6 5LZ, United Kingdom
Introduction

Chair: Bethan Smith (MTC)
Laser safety is of paramount importance to ensure that the laser can be a manufacturing tool that is implemented widely and not considered a high-risk technology. Modern PPE, guarding and accessories make laser safety possible in a research or manufacturing environment.
What should be considered to enable the safe use of lasers? It is not only about the laser beam, which can be stopped using interlocks, guarding and PPE. Other risks are also significant. Laser processes, like conventional processes, generate fume that is hazardous to the operators and any personnel nearby. There are other risks to consider too.
This workshop will set out the latest amendents to the laser safety standards, discuss the latest evolutions of PPE for laser processing and consider how automation is a good alternative to reducing the skill required and the risk to operators when using hand held laser welders.
Who should attend?:
Anyone with a safety role in an organisation where lasers are currently in use (or being considered for use).
Anyone about to buy or currently using a hand held laser system.
Anyone interested in ensuring that the safety in their workplace is up to date
The 2025 AILU AGM will follow this workshop, from 13:30 – 14:30 (see here).
Programme
10:00 – 10:30 Registration
10:30 – 10:40 Welcome
Bethan Smith, MTC
Session 1

10:40 – 11:00 Forthcoming Amendments and new laser safety standards, evolutions of laser PPE and a request for laser user feedback
Neal Croxford, Dovecote Technologies
11:00 – 11:20 Automating existing hand-held laser welding systems to enhance safety
Sinan Bilgin, SS Laser Solutions
11:20 – 11:50 Laser Fume & Filtration
Richard Bloomfield, Donaldson BOFA
11:50 – 12:10 Training & PPE for Laser Safety
Preetesh Mistry, Pro-Lite Technology
12:10 – 12:30 Discussion Session – Q&A – How to promote and deliver strong laser safety in 2025
Dave MacLellan, AILU
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 AILU AGM (optional)

Venue
AME
Beresford Avenue
Coventry
CV6 5LZ
Please follow this link for information on security and parking https://ailu.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Getting-to-AME.pdf

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU Member Webinar: Advancing precision welding through process simulation (FLOW SCIENCE)
2025-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
REGISTER HERE
Learn how predictive modelling in FLOW-3D WELD can help you efficiently find process windows and optimise parameters for specific targets, enabling you to:

Accelerate weld schedule development
Resolve defects such as porosity and lack of fusion
Produce high quality joints for dissimilar metals
Optimise for throughput and joint integrity

With melt pool dynamics at the heart of process control, FLOW-3D WELD provides access to testing without needing to burn through material or use up machine time. With less scrap and more yield, manufacturers can free up resources for increased production or expanding into new markets.

AILU's Industrial Laser Applications Symposium (ILAS) 2025
2025-03-26 09:00 - 2025-03-27 16:00 | Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, CV8 2LD, United Kingdom
Full-time student rate is for those registered as a full-time student. Those salaried or on paid internships should choose a ticket at the appropriate delegate rate.
N.B. AILU has been awarded an Optica Global Meeting Grant to help students attend ILAS 2025. Universities can register ONE student to attend ILAS 2025 as a delegate, free of charge (they will still need to cover T&S costs). Free registration will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. To nominate a student please email events@ailu.org.uk
ILAS 2025 is a unique 2-day event that attracts international delegates and speakers to share the latest in laser material processing. You are guaranteed to make new contacts, expand your network, find business or collaboration opportunities, meet potential employers and employees to develop your organisation or career.
The symposium will be packed with presentations and exhibitions. It’s where academia meets industry for all things industrial laser related, so don’t miss out.
See the dedicated ILAS 2025 webpage here https://ilas2025.co.uk/
See Event Booking T&Cs here
See Events Code of Conduct here

AILU Member Event: Smart Fibre Optic High Power Photonics (HiPPo) Industry Day
2025-03-04 10:30 - 17:00 | University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, United Kingdom
The Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, is delighted to invite you to the next HiPPo Industry Day, a unique opportunity to connect with leading researchers and industry experts in the field of high-power photonics.
The event will take place on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at the University of Southampton.
Please register your attendance through this Eventbrite link – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hippos-industry-day-tickets
You can find more information about the event here. For more information about the HiPPo project, please visit our website https://www.hippo-laser.co.uk/

AILU Supported Event - Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Show 2025
2025-02-04 09:00 - 2025-02-06 17:00 | Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
4-6 February 2025
Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
This is the must-attend event for professionals in design, engineering, production, and procurement. It’s the go-to place to discover the latest in production hardware, components, consumables, and cutting-edge technology. The expo caters to a diverse range of industries, including Aerospace/Defence, Automotive, Electronics Assembly/Production, Industrial Machinery, Packaging/Handling/Logistics, Energy, Marine, Medical/PharmaBio, Mechanical Engineering, and Metal Processing.
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is your opportunity to explore a wide array of solutions all in one place. Whether you’re in Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, or any of the other mentioned sectors, you’ll find the innovations and tools you need to excel in your field.
As Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2025 approaches, we invite professionals from all industries to join us for a year of discovery, innovation, and networking. Stay tuned for updates as they prepare to showcase the latest advancements and solutions in design, engineering, production, and procurement. Mark your calendars and get ready for an immersive experience at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2025!
Find out more: https://www.southern-manufacturing-electronics.com/show-information

AILU Member Event: Dynamic Beam Shaping for High-Power Laser Beam Welding
2025-01-28 09:00 - 16:00 | University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
This workshop, part of the EU-funded Lasers4MaaS project, explores cutting-edge advancements in laser welding technologies with a focus on dynamic beam shaping. Tailored for scientists, academics and professionals in high-value manufacturing, this free event aims to review current developments and applications of dynamic beam shaping for the laser welding industry, aided by latest advances in digital manufacturing. Attendees will have a chance to see the dynamic beam shaping technology in action with live demonstrations in the “Advanced Laser Welding with Dynamic Beam Shaping Lab” at WMG, The University of Warwick.

See here for more details and to register https://epic-assoc.ac-page.com/Lasers4MaaS_workshop

Programme

09:00-09:30 Registration and welcome coffee
09:30-09:35 Introduction to the event and welcome (Pasquale Franciosa, WMG)
09:35-09:50 WMG HVM Catapult Supporting UK Advanced Manufacturing (Simon Webb, WMG HVM Catapult)
09:50-10:10 UK Laser Welding Market (Mark Thompson, Photonics Express)
10:10-10:30 Overview of CIVAN Lasers and Dynamic Beam Shaping (Ruben Cesana, CIVAN Lasers)
10:30-11:00 Coffee break
11:00-11:30 Potentials of Beam Shaping Strategies and Machine Learning in Laser Welding (Volkher Onuseit, IFSW)
11:30-12:00 Laser Welding with Dynamic Beam Shape Technology: Case Studies on Aluminium Alloys (Aleksey Kovalevsky, Israel Institute of Metals)
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-13:30 Research in Welding and Digital Technologies for Product Diversification (Domenico Stocchi, ECOR International)
13:30-14:00 Welding of Thick Sections with Pure Dynamic Beam Laser (Simone Peli, Castellini)
14:00-14:30 Presentation of the LasersMaaS Programme (Pasquale Franciosa, WMG)
14:30-15:00 Coffee break
15:00-16:00 Tour of WMG Laser Beam Welding Lab and Live Demonstration of the CIVAN OPA6

AILU's Early Careers Group Event
2024-11-19 11:00 - 2024-11-20 15:00 | Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
Early Careers Group 2-day Event
19-20 November 2024

19 November
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

Early Careers Group Seminar
Tour of the National Robotarium
ECG Meeting

20 November
Coherent, Glasgow

Site visit

AILU's Annual Job Shop Business Meeting
2024-11-14 09:45 - 16:00 | Bystronic UK, 6 Wayside Business Park, Wilsons Lane, Coventry, CV6 6NY, 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.
After this event, you will take away vital information which can make a real difference to your business. By mixing with industry peers, the AILU Job Shop Members can benchmark their performance in a number of business areas. This meeting will focus on Carbon Footprint reduction, Safety and Diversification – so that participants have the information to determine the future directions of their business. Plenty of time is set aside in the programme for networking and discussion with delegates and presenters.
As well as the above there will be the usual opportunities to catch up with the latest new technology on the market, the results of the Scrap Metal Survey and the Open Discussion Forum which allows people to ask any question that may be answered by our panel of experts or participants in the audience.
Programme
09:15 – 09:45 Registration & refreshments
09:45 – 09:50 Welcome & Introduction
Chris Waters (Chair of AILU Job Shop Group)
09:50 – 10:05 Introduction to Bystronic
Andrew Richert (Bystronic UK)
10:05 – 10:20 Why and How Should You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint?
Dave MacLellan (AILU)
10:20 – 10:40 Update on Buying Electricity in 2024
Mike Stafford (Control Energy Costs)
10:40 – 11:00 Is it Time to Invest in Solar PV?
James Cunningham (Geo Green Power)
11:00 – 11:30 Refreshments
11:30 -11:50 Safety of Hand-held Laser Systems
David Lawton (Kentek)
11:50 -12:05 Contract manufacturing of Micro Parts
Nadeem Rizvi (Laser Micromachining)
12:05 -12:20 More Than Just Laser Cutting – Processing Opportunities
Chris Waters (Micrometric)
12:20-12:40 Should You Buy a High Power Laser Cutter?
John Powell (Laser Expertise)
12:40 – 13:40 Lunch
13:40 – 14:40 What’s new – short commercial presentations
Short company pitches (10 mins each): Bystronic, Lantek, FICEP, BLM, TLM Laser, Nitrogen Supply Co
14:40 – 14:50 AILU Scrap Metal Survey Results
Dave MacLellan (AILU)
14:50-15:30 Open Discussion Forum
15:30 Close

MTC Event: Laser Matters
2024-11-06 09:00 - 16:00 | MTC, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU, United Kingdom
LIMITED SPACES – REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE
Making its return from Liverpool in 2023, the MTC is hosting our annual Laser Matters event on the Wednesday 6th November at our site at Ansty Park, Coventry.
This event is a go-to for those with an interest in laser technology and exhibits why the MTC and UK manufacturing is a global leader within this area. Hear from key experts as they discuss topics such as:
• The future directions of lasers
• Laser processing in medical, aerospace, tooling, rail and automotive
• AI laser source
• Water jet guided laser processing
• High power laser drilling/cutting
• Process monitoring
There will also be the opportunity to tour the MTC laser facilities, giving you an insight into why the MTC has been named the Centre of Excellence for Laser Processing.
Grasp the chance to conversate with like-minded individuals during the open networking sessions throughout the day, over a coffee or a bite to eat from our exquisite in-house catering staff.
There will be limited spaces available for this event, so make sure you register your interest now: www.the-mtc.org/laser-matters-2024

AILU Free Webinar: Your Path to Net Zero
2024-10-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Sponsored by

Free online webinar

Wednesday 2nd October 2024
11:00 – 12:00 BST

Net Zero Webinar
Wherever you are on your Net Zero journey, Control Energy Costs and Auditel will help you get started or take you to the next step.
In this webinar, you’ll receive simple advice and support from their expert speakers.

Why Net Zero matters
Some businesses are early adopters and are already on their Net Zero journey; they’re emotionally motivated to act to reduce their business’s impact on the environment.
However, some businesses are waiting to be pushed to act. The importance of Net Zero cannot be overstated – supply chain pressures are mounting because of suppliers’ carbon footprint.
Some businesses are being excluded from tenders due to their inaction on Net Zero. Already, plans are in place to make carbon a balance sheet item that accountants will be advising businesses to reduce. Implementing a Net Zero plan won’t cost you money – it will actually save businesses money in the long term. Control Energy Costs and Auditel can help make it simple for businesses to start their journey.
Speakers
Nigel Addison-Evans, Client Relationship Manager at Control Energy Costs.
David James, Managing Partner at Auditel.
Contact Nigel if you have any questions or for more information.

As well as a presentation, there will be the opportunity to have questions answered in a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.
The webinar will be recorded and accessible for free via YouTube and Vimeo.
The PDF version of the PowerPoint slides can be viewed here

AILU Workshop - High Power and Hybrid Laser Welding
2024-09-25 09:30 - 16:00 | Cranfield University, College Rd, Wharley End, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL
Introduction

Chair: Wojciech Suder (Cranfield University)
High power laser welding together with beam shaping has transformed the quality, speed and gap tolerance of joining thick materials. In addition, sometimes the hybrid laser-arc welding process (HLAW) is used to make single pass welds
with simultaneous laser beam welding and a MIG welding arc (GMAW) to achieve a combination of deep penetration, low heat input and perfect side wall fusion. This can allow alloy welding wires to be used, and deliver much higher throughput than multi-pass multi-layer arc welding. It also minimises distortion.
In parallel with hybrid arc welding, beam shaping is being used to improve the quality of welding, especially in reflective materials like aluminium and copper which are often used in e-mobility applications, for reasons of their high conductivity.
Other research into hybrid ultrasonic and laser welding is showing some benefits in the minimisation of inter-metallics and improvements in weld speed.
With greater laser power, comes the need for greater laser safety considerations. The challenge to build in laser safety when the raw laser beam is above 10 kW is something that the industry is only now starting to get to grips with.
This workshop is aimed at sharing the latest results from researchers and manufacturers in the field of laser welding in the multi-kW regime. As price per watt continues to fall and wall-plug efficiency improves, the inherent viability of laser welding and the ease with which it can be automated makes it more and more the process of choice.
A range of speakers will present and exhibitors offering products to this market will be on hand to share information about their capabilities. Cranfield University is situated conveniently close to the M1 and on the outskirts of Milton Keynes.

Programme
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:10 Introduction & Welcome
Wojciech Suder, Cranfield University
10:10 – 10:30 Novel Hybrid Laser Welding
David Rico Sierra, Cranfield University
10:30 – 10:50 High-Power Laser Welding: A Comparative Study involving Cu and Al
Raga Meenakshisundaram, AMRC North West
10:50 – 11:10 Laser Beam Welding of Thick-Walled Components – Technologies, Challenges & Potential
Benjamin Kessler, Fraunhofer IWS
11:10 – 11:40 Break
11:40 – 12:00 Critical Factors When Customising Cored Wires for Laser Welding
Leonor Neto, Welding Alloys
12:00 – 12:20 Safety Enclosures for High Power Lasers
David Samuel, Kyrus Automation
12:20 – 12:40 Predicting and Improving Hairpin Weld Quality with a Process Simulation
Marcin Serdeczny, Flow Science
12:40 – 13:40 Lunch
13:40 – 14:00 High Power Laser Welding and Hybrid Welding in Structural Steel
Berthold Kessler, IPG Photonics
14:00 – 14:20 Latest Developments in Laser in Vacuum Welding
Max Nentwich, Cambridge Vacuum Engineering
14:20 – 14:40 Beam Shaping for HLAW Welding of Thick Stainless-steel Plates with Multi-Plane Light Conversion
Pu Jian, Cailabs
14:40 – 15:00 Break
15.00 – 16.00 – Tour of the Welding & Additive Manufacturing Centre

Venue
Vincent Building
Cranfield University
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SITE MAP

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU Free Webinar: Melt pool simulations for welding process optimization
2024-09-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Free online webinar

Thursday 19th September 2024
15:00 – 16:00 BST

Overview
The solutions to common welding defects such as porosity, cracking, and lack of fusion can be difficult to pinpoint when relying solely on experimentation, which provides limited details about process dynamics. CFD can drive experimental analysis through simulations of melting and solidification that address challenges in controlling heat input and keyhole stability, fusing dissimilar metals, and producing desired surface roughness. In this technical webinar we review case studies including laser welding battery casings, busbars, and hairpins, and discuss how FLOW-3D WELD simulations are effectively used to:

Tune and optimize process parameters in laser welding
Identify and understand defect formation
Guide process and material decisions

Who should attend?

Welding process engineers
Welding research scientists
Machine operators
Metallurgists
Materials scientists / engineers
Laser application engineers

Topics to be covered

Melt pool simulation of laser welding
Controlling keyhole stability and porosity
Fusing dissimilar metals
Laser welding case study: battery casings
Laser welding case study: busbars
Laser welding case study: hairpins

What you will learn

What parameters affect quality when laser welding sensitive components and dissimilar materials
How melt pool modeling is used to tailor processes for optimal outcomes
How simulations can compliment experimental work to achieve better welds

As well as a presentation, there will be the opportunity to have questions answered in a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.
The webinar will be recorded and accessible for free via YouTube and Vimeo.

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

13th CIRP Conference on Photonic Technologies (LANE 2024)
2024-09-15 08:00 - 2024-09-19 16:00
LANE 2024
15 – 19 September 2024, Fürth, Germany
Modern research has to act on social, economic and environmental developments to provide solutions for the existing and upcoming global challenges. For this reason, LANE offers a platform for an international exchange of ideas, opinions, perspectives, results and solutions concerning photonic technologies. In order to give a detailed overview, the conference aims not only at scientific contributions, but integrates the industrial perspective and their relevance for application as well.

Conference Program
For the detailed conference program please see: www.conftool.com/lane-conference-2024/sessions.php
With about 200 peer-reviewed contributions on laser materials processing from science and industry, award ceremonies, an industrial exhibition as well as many side events LANE conference offers an ideal platform for discussion, networking and more. Registration for participants and exhibitors is possible until September 04, 2024.

Conference Scope & Themes
Laser Material Processing:

Additive Manufacturing
Beam Sources & Components
Laser Assisted Processes
Laser Beam Cutting & Drilling
Laser Beam Welding, Brazing & Soldering
Laser Safety
Precision Processing with Short & Ultrashort Pulses
Sensing & Control
Simulation & Modelling
Surface Treatment & Forming

Emerging Technologies & Hot Topics:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
Fast Beam Manipulation & Beam Shaping
Material Processing in the Visible Wavelength Range
Industry 4.0 & Digitalization

Special Sessions:

Laser Processes for Future Mobility (Joint Session with the AITEM LaserEMobility Community)
Solidification Cracks during Laser Beam Welding
Country Special: Laser Technology in Singapore

Exhibition
The conference will include an exhibition and different exhibition packages are available. These offer companies the opportunity to present their products and services to the conference participants (https://www.lane-conference.org/exhibitors-sponsors/book-your-package/).

Conference Venue
Stadthalle Fürth
Rosenstraße 50
90762 Fürth
Germany

Find out more about LANE 2024 here https://www.lane-conference.org/

AILU Workshop: Laser Applications in E-Mobility
2024-07-11 09:30 - 16:00 | Warwick Manufacturing Group, WMG International Manufacturing Centre, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Introduction

Chair: Pasquale Franciosa
WMG, University of Warwick
With the drive towards electrification of transport by road, air and sea this topic is a key focus for laser material processing applications right now. This event will explore the latest advances, trends, and challenges in the rapidly evolving fields of battery manufacturing technology and electric mobility.

Speakers from research, manufacturing and the subcontract industry are included in the schedule together with those in the supply chain for laser welding, cutting, texturing and drying. Optics and beam delivery as well as innovative laser sources are driving advances – often in challenging reflective materials like aluminium alloys and copper.
This event is for:

Industry professionals who are seeking to adopt laser processing in battery and related industries
Researchers and academics focused on advanced technology for battery assembly
Suppliers of products and services to the automotive, aerospace and transportation sector

There are opportunities to network with other delegates, presenters and exhibitors over generous coffee breaks and an extended lunch. After the event there is an option to tour the facilities at WMG where you can see the implementation of laser welding in e-mobility and discover the research areas that are being investigated.

Programme
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:10 Introduction & Welcome
Pasquale Franciosa, WMG
10:10 – 10:30 Effect of static laser beam shaping on gap bridging for welding copper hairpins
Lara Al Botros, WMG
10:30 – 10:50 A CFD study on laser cutting and ultra-thin copper foils for e-mobility applications
Alessandro Fortunato, University of Bologna
10:50 – 11:10 Electron beam welding for battery pack production
Colin Ribton, TWI
11:10 – 11:40 Break
12:00 – 12:20 Artificial Intelligence in camera-based online process monitoring
Axel Luft, Scansonic
12:20 – 12:40 Beam shaping to change challenging laser welding process into tolerant ones
Thibaut Atche, Cailabs
12:40 – 13:40 Lunch
13:40 – 14:00 Laser welding of aluminium alloys for battery coolers using dynamic beam laser
Eyal Shekel, Civan Laser
14:00 – 14:20 Minimising risk when welding live cells to make modules and battery packs
Phil Carr, Carrs Welding
14:20 – 14:40 Introducing laser welding to battery manufacturing
Brett Ramshaw, Alexander Battery Technologies
14:40 – 15:10 Break
15:10 – 15:30 Drying of battery electrodes: Technical & economical comparison of concepts
Andre Eltze, Laserline
15:30 – 15:50 Beam Shaping Techniques to Enhance Laser Welding of EV Components
Alex Griffiths, PowerPhotonic
15:50 – 16:50 Tour of WMG laser welding facilities

Venue
WMG
International Manufacturing Centre (IMC)
University of Warwick
Lord Bhattacharyya Way
Coventry
CV4 7AL
Entrance is indicated on the map below (click for a large version)
https://w3w.co/desire.voices.pines

Parking

Click the map for an enlarged version

You can park in any car park marked P. The closest car park is Car Park 15 ringed on the map.
The easiest way to pay is by downloading the APCOA Connect parking app – see here for full details https://warwick.ac.uk/services/carparks/general_parking/
All-day parking costs £8.00 and can be pre-booked
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/carparks/prebook/

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

TRUMPF OPEN HOUSE – 50th UK anniversary – 2nd & 3rd July 2024, Luton
2024-07-02 09:00 - 2024-07-03 17:00 | TRUMPF, Luton, President Way, Airport Executive Park, Luton, LU2 9NL, United Kingdom
This event is a prime opportunity for OEMs and subcontractors to be inspired by the latest sheet metal machines and software solutions, from design through to automated manufacture. Why not take this opportunity to see TRUMPF laser cutting, punching, welding, bending and laser marking technology in action and speak to one of their technical experts face to face and see live machine and software demonstrations.
Founded in 1974 TRUMPF Machine Tools Limited UK started with 5 employees. During 1989 TRUMPF relocated to Luton as the new UK Headquarters. Over the last 50 years TRUMPF Ltd have been proud to be a part of the ever-evolving sheet metal industry.
Register here: https://www.trumpf.com/en_GB/landing-pages/uk/trumpf-open-house-2024/

Contact: Lynda Mattingley
lynda.mattingley@trumpf.com

AILU Free Webinar: Safety of Hand-held Lasers
2024-06-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Sponsored by

Free online webinar

WATCH HERE

Thursday 27th June 2024
14:00 – 15:00 BST

Details
Are you considering purchasing a hand-held laser for welding, cleaning, marking?
Make sure you know what the safety requirements are, including:

Laser eye safety (Goggles or face-mask)
Laser skin safety (overalls, gloves, boots PPE)
Laser safety for non-users (guarding/enclosure/room interlocking)
Fume extraction (safety for the operator and environment)

Preetesh Mistry from laser safety experts Pro-Lite will guide you through the safety requirements and recommend how these systems can be used safely in a static or mobile application.
As well as a presentation, there will be the opportunity to have questions answered in a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.
The webinar will be recorded and accessible for free via YouTube and Vimeo.

PULSATE 2024: Laser Innovations Summit
2024-06-18 09:00 - 2024-06-19 17:00
Join an enlightening two-day summit designed to showcase the latest advancements and applications of laser technology in manufacturing. The PULSATE 2024: Laser Innovations Summit is set to bring together industry leaders, innovative thinkers, and pioneering researchers to explore how laser technology is revolutionising manufacturing across various sectors.
The event is free to attend – register here https://ac.epic-photonics.com/pulsate-2024

Event overview
This event will feature a robust agenda filled with insightful keynotes, comprehensive overviews, and interactive sessions. Highlights include:

A detailed exploration of the laser-based manufacturing landscape.
Engaging discussions on the role of AI in laser manufacturing.
Success stories from front-runners in the field.
A round table with stakeholders from major industry players.

Programme
Two day programme full of the latest advancements and applications of laser technologies in manufacturing. Detailed agenda is currently in preparation.

Event Venue
The Summit will take place at The Square Convention Center, Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels.

Why attend?
The PULSATE 2024: Laser Innovations Summit represents a unique opportunity to directly engage with advancements in laser technology that are setting new standards in manufacturing capabilities. Attendees will:
Gain invaluable insights into the future of manufacturing and how they can integrate these innovations into their own production processes.
Network with top-tier industry experts and form strategic alliances.
Whether you are looking to stay on the cutting edge of technological innovation or seeking solutions that can drive productivity and sustainability in your operations, the PULSATE 2024: Laser Innovations Summit is an event you cannot afford to miss. Join in to be part of shaping the future of manufacturing!

PLI Conferences 2024 Bordeaux, France
2024-06-18 08:00 - 2024-06-19 16:00
This event is organised by the Club Laser & Procédés, ALPhANOV, Alpha-RLH, Amplitude and Lasea France.
It is 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 2023 edition brought together 165 participants and 33 booths including 47% manufacturers, 17% technology centres, 17% users and 11% academics, coming from from more than 80 different companies and 13 different countries.
The conference program is organised around thematic sessions and time for discussion between participants. Simultaneous French/English translation will be provided. You will have access to coffee breaks and a lunch buffet.
Read more here

AILU Early Careers Group Seminar
2024-06-05 09:30 - 13:00 | Cranfield University, College Rd, Wharley End, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL
Wednesday 5th June 2024
Cranfield University

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 industrial laser backgrounds including research centres and industrial manufacturers.
On Wednesday 5th June the Group will host a morning seminar followed by a tour of the laser facilities at Cranfield University. Members of the ECG will deliver presentations highlighting the current focus of their research or application area.
The seminar is 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
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:05 Welcome
10:05 – 10:20 Multi-Energy System for Bead Shape Control
David Rico-Sierra, Cranfield University
10:20 – 10:35 Enhancing Mass Transfer in LPBF: A Dive into Oscillating Laser Scan Strategies and Melt Pool Dynamics
Ioannis Bitharas, Heriot-Watt University
10:35 – 10:50 Laser Material Processing of Ceramic Matrix Composites
Priyanka Ghosh, MTC
10:50 – 11:05 Surface Engineering of AM Biomedical Implants
Raja Abdullah, University of Birmingham
11:05 – 11:35 Refreshments
11:35 – 11:50 Automated Assembly of Laser Systems
Donald Risbridger, Heriot-Watt University
11:50 – 12:05 Laser Surface Texturing of Stent Materials for Cardiovascular Applications
Jialin Dong, Loughborough University
12:05 – 12:25 The Latest Developments in AM at the Welding & Additive Manufacturing Centre (Keynote)
Goncalo Pardal, Cranfield University
12:25 – 13:25 Lunch
13:25 – 14:05 Tour of laser facilities at Cranfield University

Venue
Martell House (Building 300)
1st Floor East, LR3
Cranfield University
College Rd
Wharley End
Bedford
MK43 0AL
See Site Map here
Martell House is located at the south of the map in square B6-7
Getting to Cranfield – https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/About/How-to-find-Cranfield

AILU Workshop: Laser Micro Applications
2024-05-16 10:00 - 16:00
Sponsored by PI (Physik Instrumente) Ltd

Introduction
Chair: Jack Gabzdyl (TRUMPF Lasers UK)
Recent advances in ultrafast lasers have seen them become more affordable, reliable and compact. This, combined with alternative (shorter) wavelengths is creating new applications which are able to match the needs of medical devices, consumer electronics and displays. Attend this workshop to learn more about the cutting edge of small scale applications including cutting, etching, drilling, texturing and additive manufacturing. Hosted at TRUMPF’s facility near to Luton Airport, this event will include opportunities for exhibitors, networking and sharing of research between academic and industrial manufacturing.

Programme
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:10 Introduction & Welcome
Jack Gabzdyl, TRUMPF
10:10 – 10:30 Laser production of microparts – perspectives from a contract manufacturer
Nadeem Rizvi, Laser Micromachining Ltd
10:30 – 10:50 High throughput laser drilling of high-density precision microholes in metals: challenges and future prospects
Themis Karkantonis, Oxford Lasers
10:50 – 11:10 Laser micro machining for medical device applications
Mike O’Key, OpTek
11:10 – 11:40 Break
11:40 – 12:00 Ultra-short material processing of glass
Richard Carter, Heriot Watt University
12:00 – 12:20 Surface integrity evaluation in laser micro-texturing
Manuela Pacella, Loughborough University
12:20 – 12:40 Optimisation of bio inspired Surface Texture designs in combustion systems
Samuel Bigot, Cardiff University
12:40 – 13:50 Lunch
13:50 – 14:10 Laser structuring for spectral attenuation of different wavelengths and heat management
Jack Gabzdyl, TRUMPF
14:10 – 14:30 Laser Processing with Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs)
Jim Leach, Hamamatsu
14:30 – 14:50 USP laser platform for cutting-edge solutions
Antonio Raspa, Luxinar
14:50 – 15:20 Break
15:20 – 15:40 Laser micro-machining for hydrogen applications
Mitchell Leering, MTC
15:40 – 16:00 Femtosecond glass processing using bessel beam shapers
Scott Barrie, PowerPhotonic

Venue
TRUMPF Ltd
Unit A
President Way
Airport Executive Park,
Luton
LU2 9NL

Accommodation
Recommended Hotel:
Premier Inn St Albans City Centre
1 Adelaide Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL3 5BH
Sat Nav Directions: AL3 5EB

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU's 30th Annual General Meeting 2024
2024-05-15 14:30 - 15:30 | TRUMPF, Luton, President Way, Airport Executive Park, Luton, LU2 9NL, United Kingdom
Notice of the 2024 Annual General Meeting
The 30th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Industrial Laser Users will take place from 14:30-15:30 on 15 May 2024 at TRUMPF, Luton.
AILU Member Event, free to attend.

Venue
TRUMPF Ltd
Unit A President Way
Luton
LU2 9NL
See further information here
The meeting is a Hybrid meeting so online attendance is also possible: here

Documents
Notice of AGM
Agenda
Minutes of the last meeting
AILU Accounts to 31 Oct 2023

5th Smart Laser Processing Conference 2024, Japan
2024-04-23 01:00 - 2024-04-25 09:00
Organised by the Japan Laser Processing Society (JLPS)
Laser beam processing has played an important role in industrial fields of not only macro-products but also micro-products, and its technologies are essential to open the new strategies of smart manufacturing such as highly integrated, accurate, efficient processing with low energy consumption.
SLPC2024 deals with science and technology of smart laser materials processing including micro and macro laser processing. SLPC2024 is planned as a three-day event with a plenary session, oral sessions and poster session.
The aim of this conference is to provide a forum for discussion of fundamental aspects of laser-matter interaction, the state-of-the-art of smart laser processing, and topics for the next generation with fundamental scientists, end users and laser manufacturers.
Find out more here

MACH Exhibition 2024
2024-04-15 09:00 - 2024-04-19 17:00 | NEC Birmingham
Come and visit us at MACH 2024. We will have a stand in the Lasers for Manufacturing zone, Hall 17 stand 541.
MACH 2024, the national event for inspiring, innovating and connecting manufacturing, will be one of the most important shows of its kind ever staged in the UK. Resolving the current challenges facing the industry – soaring energy prices, rising labour costs, skills shortages, the escalating price of raw materials, supply chain disruption and the need to effectively tackle the green agenda by seizing the opportunities posed by decarbonisation, will all receive special focus.
See here for more information
Contact: Dave MacLellan
dave@ailu.org.uk
https://ailu.org.uk/

AILU Event - Free Webinar: Hand Held Laser Welding
2024-03-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Online webinar
A video of this event can now be viewed on YouTube
WATCH HERE

Sponsor: SS Laser Solutions

Sinan Bilgin, Presenter

TOPICS FOR THE WEBINAR:
– What is laser welding?
– Differences of laser welding compared to TIG/MIG welding
– Details of handheld laser welding
– Components of handheld laser welding system?
– How to choose the right components for your system?
– Cooling techniques of handheld laser welding machines
– Optics are everything! How to keep an eye on them?
– Is the training essential and how long it should be?
– Safety first! What actions do you need to take?
– Questions & Answer – 15 minutes at the end to ask anything

WHO SHOULD ATTEND ?:
This webinar is aimed at the sheet metal fabrication industry. If you are currently TIG or MIG welding sheet metal and you are looking to improve the speed and quality of your in-house fabrication, this webinar is for you. Experienced welders are hard to come by, but with Handheld laser welding you can quickly learn to achieve excellent results with a short learning cycle. So, even if you don’t have an experienced welder in-house, this webinar is for you.
SS Laser Solutions are experts in the skill and suppliers of the equipment. Use this webinar to explore whether laser welding is right for your business and to find out about the differences compared to conventional welding. Not all systems are the same and not all suppliers can offer the training, service and hand-holding needed to implement this process in your facility.
Register FREE using the link on this page and the meeting will run on ZOOM on 14 March at 11.00 AM GMT.
If you can’t attend the event live, it is also being recorded and will be available to watch online (YouTube/Vimeo) after the event.
Register to receive a follow-up link to view the content at your leisure.

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU Event | Laser Processing using Machine Learning & Digital Twins
2024-02-08 10:00 - 16:00 | AME, Coventry, Beresford Ave, Coventry, CV6 5LZ, United Kingdom
Introduction
Chair: Danijela Rostohar, Coventry University
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is highly topical globally due to much-publicised developments in everything from smart listening virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa through spam filters, facial recognition, autonomous vehicles, smart walking robots and large language chatbots like Chat GPT.
In manufacturing huge changes are taking place, enabled by Machine Learning and Digital Twins. Using these techniques, processes can be improved and optimised in dramatically shorter times and the accumulated knowledge of decades of experience can be captured and exploited without the need for individual experts who previously held this know-how in their heads. As a result, smarter factories are being enabled and manufacturing becomes digitised with the result in higher efficiency and lower emissions – reducing the impact on the environment, and overcoming skills shortages in key processes.
Applications in the laser industry and in academic research establishments will be presented at this workshop. Using Machine Learning and Digital Twins, complex processes like laser welding and surface structuring can be modelled and optimised (offline) gaining insight from massive data sets which can be harnessed by high speed number-crunching to enable consistent quality in new applications.
This workshop is suited to anyone seeking to build knowledge in this field, and to add subject experts to their network. The event is live in-person with a few remote presentations. Post-event, pdfs of presenter slides and video of the presentations will be available to all registered delegates. After the event a tour of the facilities will be available to see the application of this technology to automotive battery welding.

Venue
Institute For Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME)
Beresford Ave
Coventry
CV6 5LZ
(SATNAV: Use postcode CV6 5JA)

Programme
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:10 Introduction & Welcome
Danijela Rostohar, Coventry University
10:10 – 10:30 Bridging Realities: The Impact of Digital Twins on Advanced Manufacturing Systems
Marcos Kauffman, Coventry University
10:30 – 10:50 Machine Learning vs Human – in process understanding
Jian Qin, Cranfield University
10:50 – 11:10 Laser beam shaping with diffractive neural networks
Paul Buske, RWTH Aachen
11:10 – 11:40 Break
11:40 – 12:00 High Power Laser Welding Systems in the Era of Digital Manufacturing: Trends & Emerging Needs
Pasquale Franciosa, WMG, Warwick University
12:00 – 12:20 Classification of laser welds using in process video and machine learning
Darren Williams, TWI; Peter Wilson, J4IC, Lancaster University
12:20 – 12:40 Process solutions for laser welding of EV components
Peter Kallage, Coherent
12:40 – 13:40 Lunch
13:40 – 14:00 The Power of AI in Automated Inline Quality Inspection and Provenance Control
Sebelan Danishvar, Z-Prime
14:00 – 14:20 AI for Science: Machine Learning for Laser Facilities and Applications
Jeyan Thiyagalingam, STFC
14:20 – 14:40 The role of CFD in digital twins for additive manufacturing and laser welding
Marcin Serdeczny, Flow Science Inc.
14:40 – 15:00 Seeing the unseen: Sensors with sophisticated data models enable higher manufacturing quality
Mark Thompson, Photonics Express
15:00 – 15:30 Break
15:30 – 16:30 Tour of AME & Hyperbat

Parking
Parking will be reserved in the Unipart/AME car park off Beresford Avenue. The entrance is shown below.
SATNAV: Use postcode CV6 5JA
Please also see the information sheet here – AME-Visitor-Information.docx
You will be asked to sign in at Reception.

Accommodation
There are numerous hotels in and around Coventry.
See Premier Inns here
See other hotels here

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event
