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19 May 2010

Tools for the 21st Century - Recent developments in laser sources and systems for manufacturing

• Sector: lasers and beam delivery
• Location: Best Western Weston Hall Hotel, Coventry CV12 9RU
• Attendees: All welcome

 

  

 

 

Presentations and exhibition

About this workshop

Despite the downturn in the world economy over the last two years the development of laser sources has continued apace, providing new and improved tools both for the research community and for manufacturing industry. This one day event brings these two communities together. It offers researchers a comprehensive review of recent developments in laser sources and systems and, through many examples of new and improved applications, industrial users have the opportunity to review laser tools in the context of 21st century manufacturing needs.

Laser technology is playing an increasingly important role in manufacturing and 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the first working laser, developed by Theodore Maiman at Hughes Research Lab in 1960. Initially a wonder of science and then an industrial tool the rate of development of laser sources and applications continues unabated. This seminar, which concentrates on 21st century manufacturing needs, singles out recent laser developments and applications that illustrate the scope and potential of the laser revolution.

The laser community of manufacturing users, researchers, and product and service suppliers in the UK established the Association of Laser Users (AILU) to help industry make the best use of laser technology. The highly successful AILU workshops epitomize this effort, providing every opportunity for workshop delegates to ask questions and engage in discussions with the presenters and with one another. The venue for this event provides a comfortable environment, generous lunch and refreshment breaks and a tabletop exhibition.

Jim Fieret Workshop Chair

Jim Fieret has been with The Linde Group since 2005 and is currently global head of laser technology development & marketing, responsible for ensuring business growth in products for industrial lasers and laser processes. Previously, he was with Exitech Ltd, responsible for micromachining process development for solar and automotive laser applications. He started his career in 1985 at the laser technology group at Culham Laboratory.   

Who should attend?

Delegates to this workshop will include industry specialists, users and researchers in laser materials processing, especially:

• Engineers and Managers from manufacturing industry looking to improve product and/or production capabilities, considering expansion into promising new manufacturing areas or simply wishing to keep abreast of the latest developments.
• Strategists in manufacturing wishing to be appraised of new opportunities for lasers in strategically important areas of manufacturing
• Researchers in materials and laser materials processing wishing to review currently available materials processing laser sources. 

Programme

08:30 - 09:00 Registration and refreshments

09:00 - 10:40 Session 1

Welcome
Jim Fieret Chair, Linde Gas

Keynote presentation
Review of recent developments in laser sources for industrial manufacturing
Peter Loosen Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik, Germany

21st Century challenges and opportunities in UK manufacturing
Greg Dickinson Advantage West Midlands, UK

How modern laser sources enable the development of 21st Century technology
Andy May Rofin Baasel UK

10:40 - 11:10 Refreshments and EXHIBITION

11:10 - 13:10 Session 2

Recent developments and application advances in fibre laser technology
Sergei Popov IPG Photonics UK

Nanosecond pulsed fibre laser sources for industrial applications
Jack Gabzdyl SPI Laser UK

Laser source and system developments for 21st Century drilling applications
Peter Thompson Laserdyne Systems, USA

Latest developments in CO2 laser technology and their applications
Michael Kluge Coherent, Germany

Additional presentation*

The high power fibre laser:another fibre revolution
David Payne Southampton University

13:10 - 14:25 Lunch & EXHIBITION

14:25 - 15:15 Session 3

High speed galvo delivery of fibre lasers and lamp pumped lasers for welding
Simon Caiger GSI Group UK

New applications and developments in diode laser technology
Mark Daichendt Laserline, Germany

15:15 - 15:35 Refreshments

15:35 - 16:25 Session 4

Optimising recent developments in high power solid state lasers to industrial applications
Marco Holzer Trumpf, Germany

Why fibre lasers are not going to put CO2 lasers out of business
John Powell Laser Expertise, UK

16:25 End of meeting

* Presentation of the 2010 AILU Award to Professor David Payne FRS, CBE, Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at Southampton University; introduction by Malcolm Gower. The Award recognises the major contribution that David has made in the development of industrial laser materials processing in the UK, both in his inventions in the field of fibre lasers and also for his role in the establishment of SPI Lasers in 2000 to exploit the technology developed by the ORC.

Venue

The workshop will be held at the Best Western Weston Hall Hotel, Weston Road, Bulkington, Coventry, Warkwickshire CV12 9RU. Tel: 02476 312989 Email: info@westonhallhotel.co.uk Web: www.bw-westonhallhotel.co.uk

Accommodation

Delegates can stay at the Weston Hall Hotel 02476 312989 at a special rate of £65 B&B. Alternatively, click here to see nearby hotels and guest houses.

Delegates

On arrival you will receive a delegate 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. 

A buffet lunch (including vegetarian options) will be provided together with refreshments throughout the day. Please advise us of any special dietary needs.

Exhibitors

The exhibition, refreshment and lunch breaks and the presentations will all take place in the Manor Suite. 

Access to the exhibition area is available from 07:30 on the day. Exhibitors can park at the rear of the hotel where there is direct access to the Manor Suite for unloading large/heavy items. You can bring your own ‘pop up’ display (ceiling height 3 m) or backboard. A table (approximately 6ft by 2ft) will be provided on request. 240V mains power will be available.

Registration

To register for the event AILU members need only give their name by phone or email (courses@ailu.org.uk). Non members should complete the registration form attached and post/fax it to the AILU office. 

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. For further information on membership go to www.ailu.org.uk and look for the link to ‘about us’.

Clinic

As part of the mission of the Photonics and Plastic Electronics KTN, AILU Secretary Mike Green will be available throughout the day to arrange informal introductions with appropriate experts at the workshop, for discussions on any technical or business matters that delegates would like to raise.

Travel

The venue is close to the north of Coventry a short distance from M6 Junction 2.

Air: Birmingham Int'l airport are closest, about 17 miles away.

Rail: Nuneaton station is only 3 miles away (by taxi).

Car: The site is close to the M6 motorway (Jn 2) and the start of the M69. From M6 (Jn 2) follow B4065 to Shilton, take B4029 to Bulkington, then B4112 to Nuneaton. Weston Lane is a left hand turn just before the speed limit change. Sat Nav:CV12 9RU

Click here for full directions to the venue and a map

Registration Fees

* AILU and supporting organisation members: GBP 142 plus VAT

* Non members: GBP 175 plus VAT

* Concessions: GBP 75 incl VAT (retired, unemployed); GBP 50 incl VAT (full time students)

* Exhibitor (AILU and supporting orgiansation member): GBP 135 plus VAT

* Exhibitor (non-member): GBP 175 plus VAT

* Exhibitor/delegate discount: GBP 50 plus VAT

Earlybird registration

10% discount for application received before 28 April 2010

• Fee includes a delegate pack.
• Cancellations will be accepted up to 1 week before the event; otherwise the full fee may be charged.
• To book (we will invoice, send no money) e-mail: courses@ailu.org.uk.
• For more information please contact us.

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.