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We are talking to a range of companies who are interested in taking that up. There is no commercial laser forming system at the moment, which is an opportunity we are exploring. “We are always thinking of new ideas, while looking ahead to see where the market is going.”
The Centre can provide support for all sizes of business, from ‘fledgling’ companies to multinationals, and offers incubation space for new businesses on its premises. In recent years, the Centre has worked with more than 60 SMEs, and larger organisations including Nissan, BAE Systems and QinetiQ. It has also been at the forefront of developing applications for laser welding and cutting technologies, now commonplace in many industries. Its researchers are now concentrating on areas like laser deposition, which involves building new material, laser forming (non-contact bending and shaping of thin sheet materials) and micro-processing. Currently, some businesses are investing in applying the group’s laser cladding deposition processes, while others are investigating the possibilities of adopting its laser forming techniques. Dr Dearden says: “We developed a control algorithm and system to adapt the laser forming process in an iterative cycle to bring a flat shape towards a real 3D shape or to correct a distortion.
The Centre has leading researchers in the field of short pulse lasers, investigating their use in areas like photovoltaics, sensors and plastic electronics. They are also developing optical techniques which will turn a single beam into dozens of beams to maximise the amount of energy utilised. If these beams can be made to work uniformly and at high speed, it could provide real benefits for industry. “Globally we are only touching the surface of an iceberg; there is much more to explore.”
To find out more about how your business can benefit from working with the Lairdside Laser Engineering Centre, visit: www.lasers.org.uk/llec or email: info
fearon@liverpool.ac.uk