Lasers are a key tool for modern manufacturing tool able to precisely cut mark join and process a wide range of materials at high speed. Lasers are fully digitally controlled and thus a key component in industry 4.0.
Lasers for Productivity: a UK Strategy contains multiple UK case studies of where lasers already add value from aerospace and 3D printing to food manufacturing. Four key recommendations are identified to accelerate the adoption of laser-based manufacturing and production: process demonstration and customisation for SMEs; increase skills and training; laser sources and process innovation; and greater access to finance
The strategy was developed with UK industry by the Association of Industrial Laser Users (AILU) and the Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes (CIM-Laser) based at Heriot-Watt University.
