Lasers & Sheet Processes

TWI has helped lead the technological development in the field of laser materials processing since the mid 1960s, providing world class support to various industries including the automotive, shipbuilding and aerospace sectors. Many variants of laser technology are currently applied in production; such as cutting, welding, marking, surface engineering and direct part fabrication. The range of applications covers metals, plastics, semiconductors and ceramics on a scale from sub-micron to several metres.

At TWI, the Lasers & Sheet Processes Group concentrates mainly on the processing of metals, using high power laser sources, such as the Neodymium YAG solid state laser and the Ytterbium fibre laser, operating at powers up to 7kW, which can be used to take full advantage of the properties of lasers for a large number of industrial applications. In addition to laser processing, the group also support industrial members in the application of resistance welding and mechanical fastening; which include resistance spot welding, seam welding and self-piercing rivet processes.

The Laser and Sheet Processes Group offer a full range of support including consultancy services, together with access to a huge amount of information to aid industrial members in successfully implementing laser, resistance or mechanical fastening processes. In addition, the group is at the forefront of ongoing research and development for single clients, groups and collaborative projects within the framework of UK and European programmes; using extensive facilities at its sites in Cambridge and Sheffield.

For more information please contact us.