It is my great pleasure to invite you to attend this workshop on recent progress in laser materials processing technology innovations and industrial applications, particularly for high valued added products. The UK has a wealth of laser processing scientific knowledge, new materials processing technologies and a strong industry base to explore them; and this workshop provides an opportunity for the scientists, researchers and industrial engineers to share their latest laser processing technologies and applications.
Key areas addressed in this workshop include major developments in fibre and diode laser sources for materials processing and recent breakthroughs in high average power ps lasers for ultra-high speed cold machining, engraving and large area micro-texturing.
Laser welding has been applied by industry for over 40 years and continues to open up new applications in joining materials with low distortion and high efficiency. Presentations at the workshop will address the development and applications of laser welding and hybrid laser/arc welding in major industrial sectors. New industrial applications of laser cladding will also be described, including surface modification, protection and repair. At the other end of the scale, applications of laser in the context of high performance wire assemblies will be presented.
A common feature throughout all the workshop presentations is the wide range of key industrial sectors that laser processes address, making this an event of potential importance to almost all of UK manufacturing.
Chair: Professor Lin Li The University of Manchester
Who should attend?
Apart from the strong technical programme, a table top exhibition and the chance to visit a world-class state-of-the-art manufacturing research facility, a key feature of this workshop is the opportunity for delegates to meet speakers and others sharing an interest in keeping up to date with the latest developments in industrial laser sources and leading edge industrial applications. The venue itself provides a comfortable environment and the programme includes
generous lunch and refreshment breaks.
Whether an expert or novice, an engineer, research scientist or a manufacturing manager, this workshop presents a valuable learning and networking opportunity and a chance to generate new ideas and valuable contacts.
09:00 - 09:30 Registration and refreshments
09:30 - 10:25 Presentations 1
Keynote:
Leading edge industrial applications using short pulse and pico-second laser sources
Keming Du EdgeWave GmbH
Recent developments in fibre laser technology for applications in manufacturing
Stan Wilford IPG Photonics (UK) Ltd
10:25 - 10:55 Refreshment break and EXHIBITION
10:55 - 12:15 Presentations 2
Innovative Laser Materials Processing: Fundamental research leading to practical industrial applications
Lin Li University of Manchester
Process control in diode laser welding of plastics
Jörg Neukum Dilas GmbH
Lasers in specialist applications for processing high performance wire and cable assemblies
Peter Dickinson Spectrum Technologies UK plc
12:15 - 13:15 Lunch and EXHIBITION
13:15 - 13:40 Presentations 3
Laser Cladding: Current applications and future developments
Paul Goodwin Laser Cladding Technology Ltd
13:40 - 13:55 Short refreshment break
13:55 – 15:15 Presentations 3 (continued)
The current and future use of high power lasers at Tata Steel Europe
Nick Longfield and Sam Lester Tata Steel UK
Developments in laser and hybrid laser welding for pipeline applications
Stewart Williams and Wojciech Suder Cranfield University
Achieving weld quality criteria in aerospace alloy 718
Ali Khan TWI
15:15 End of formal meeting
15:15 - 16:00 Tour of AMRC Factory of the Future
The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Factory of the Future, located directly across from the workshop venue, incorporates activities in a number of research areas including:
• High-performance machining, using dynamic analysis to improve machine tool efficiency;
• Assembly of low-volume, high-value and difficult-to-handle components; including vision and inspection systems; smart tooling; and automated part recognition.
The workshop will be held in the new Knowledge Transfer Centre on The Advanced Manufacturing Park, Brunel Way, Rotherham S60 5WG. See map and Park layout here.
Delegates and exhibitors should enter the Knowledge Transfer Centre by the main entrance, where they must first sign in (building fire safety) and register.
The meeting is taking place in the first floor conference room, which is served by stairs and two large lifts.
A buffet lunch (including vegetarian options) will be provided together with refreshments throughout the day. Please advise us of any special dietary needs.
At the registration desk delegates will receive a pack containing a name badge and essential notes for the day, including a detailed programme and a delegate list. The pack will also include a name and password for downloading PDFs of the presentations, which will be made available on the AILU web site as soon as possible after the event.
The table top exhibition area is adjacent to the conference room on the first floor. Only tables (office desk size) will be provided. If mains power is required this must be notified in advance as only site-provided extension leads can be used. Access to the exhibition area for set-up is available from 08:00 on the day through the main entrance. As the programme shows, the first exhibition session begins at 10:30; the second (last) ends at 13:15. If you wish to bring unusually large or heavy items please check feasibility in advance.
Full address:
Knowledge Transfer Centre, Brunel Way, Catcliffe, Rotherham, S60 5WG.
Air: Sheffield has an airport but the closest international airport is Manchester.
Rail: Sheffield mainline station is 5 miles away.
Car: The closest motorway junction is Jn 33 of the M1, which is only 1 mile from the venue . For full directions by road see the event page on the AILU web site. There is ample free parking at the Knowledge Transfer Centre.
Details of accommodation with links to sites with full descriptions can be found on the AILU web site page for this event. Hotels include: the Aston Hotel Catcliffe (closest); and the Holiday Inn (standard and Express) that are adjacent to one another in Sheffield Centre, about 10 minutes drive away. We suggest you ask for the ‘AMRC rate’.
To register for the event please complete the registration form on the flyer or register online ( at www.regonline.co.uk/16May12AILU (credit cards accepted). Alternatively, members of AILU and/or the PPI Special Interest Group need only give their name by phone or email (T: 01235 539595; E: courses@ailu.org.uk).
AILU members and members of supporting organisations for this event receive a registration discount. Delegates who pay the full price and who decide to join the Association within 10 weeks of the event will receive this discount on their first year’s corporate membership subscription.
Fee includes a delegate pack.
Cancellations will be accepted up to 1 week before the event; otherwise the full fee may be charged.
For more information please contact us.
Help for presenters to upload a presentation prior to the meeting
AILU reserves the right to alter the programme or cancel the meeting at short notice and accepts no responsibility for the views expressed by the speakers or delegates.