Presentations, Networking, Exhibition
In association with the Northern Ireland Technology Centre, Queen's University, Belfast
Workshop Chair
Mark Thompson
Director of Sales & Service
IPG Photonics
Over the past decade, the fibre laser has become increasingly dominant in laser engraving, high power laser cutting and thick section laser welding. Taking the place of the CO2 laser, and offering high wall-plug efficiency, the fibre laser is making many markets re-assess the viability of laser solutions – and in many cases the laser is now the best and right tool for the job.
Laser cutting is now possible and economically viable for cutting thick section steel as well as metals like aluminium, copper alloys, titanium and other exotic alloys. Where edge quality and automation are paramount, the laser is now often the best solution.
In welding, the laser is capable of single pass keyhole welding of more than 50 mm thick material and with multiple passes, even thicker sections can be welded.
The Northern Ireland Technology Centre at Queens University Belfast is hosting this event and there will be an opportunity to see their systems for welding and cutting, and to discuss the services they can offer particularly in TRL stages 7-9 where expert know-how can enable automation and innovative manufacturing solutions to make industry more competitive.
Targeting the off-highway, rail and shipbuilding industries – as well as those organisations making trucks and trailers for transporting goods or material - this workshop is for design and manufacturing engineers and managers in manufacturing organisations in Northern Ireland, as well as suppliers of laser cutting & welding services. Special rates are available for SMEs in the region who are involved in manufacturing and could implement laser manufacturing in their production.
09:00 - 09:30 Registration
09:30 - 09:40
Mark Thompson, IPG Photonics (Chair)
Welcome
09:40 - 10:00
Colm Higgins, NITC, Queens University Belfast
Introduction to NITC and Belf ast City Deal background
10:00 - 11:00
Chris Allen, TWI, Cambridge UK
Introduction to current capabilities in high power laser cutting & welding
Jan Pitzer, Cloos, Germany
Different applications of laser beam and laser-GMAW hybrid process an an alternative manufacturing technology
11:00 - 11:30
Refreshments
11:30 - 13:00
Wojciech Suder, Cranfield University UK
Hybrid laser welding - flexible process for high integrity joints
Mark Thompson, IPG Photonics
Adjustable Mode Beam (AMB) laser sources for improved materials processing
Leo Sexton, LaserAge
Lasers for cleaning
Fergus Dunne, Lister Machine Tools
Thicker plate cutting
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch and exhibition
14:00 - 14:30
Dave MacLellan, AILU
ReshoringUK - an initiative to map & localise UK manufacturing supply chains
Discussion Forum - what does the sector need from the laser manufacturers and sub-contractors?
14:30 - 15:00 Optional tour of NITC
Delegate Only
Delegate and Exhibitor (banner and brochures only)*
*Note for exhibitors: there will be a small scale exhibition to reflect the potentially higher travel costs incurred to attend the event. You are very welcome to bring ONE banner as a focal point for discussion and some literature to hand out, but there will be no exhibition tables.
Northern Ireland Technology Centre
Queen's University Belfast
Cloreen Park
Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 5HN
On-site parking is limited and you need to reserve a space. Please call the NITC on 028 9097 5433 to give your registration number.
Parlking is available at the nearby Wellington Park Hotel which costs £5 per day.
On-street parking is available on adjacent roads.
Through the NITC we have secured a special rate for workshop attendees at the Wellington Park Hotel. The rate is £75.00 per night including breakfast, subject to availability.
To book a room please call the hotel on +44 (0)28 9038 1111 and quote the code lizg180919
Wellington Park Hotel
21 Malone Rd
Belfast
BT9 6RU