Colin Glazebrook of Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd flanked by representatives of the highly commended companies with Craig Hunt (left) of Air Products and Jack Gabzdyl (right) BOC, representing the Make It With Lasers™programme sponsors
The first of what is planned to be an annual award was presented to Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd during a Make It With Lasers™ workshop held at Nissan in Sunderland on 22 October 1998.
This award has been established to recognise companies who have applied laser technology in an innovative and profitable manner thereby furthering the industrial use of lasers.
Vosper Thornycroft was awarded the trophy for the introduction of laser cutting into the shipbuilding industry. The resulting benefits are a 20% man-hour saving on building the hull and superstructure of a military ship and an improved quality product.
Three other companies were highly commended and received certificates. They are Johnston Engineering Ltd in the heavy transport sector, KeyMed Ltd who use lasers for marking, cutting and welding in medical applications and The Real Gold Card Company who manufacture a solid gold credit card which carries laser-marked details.
Future events
Make It With Lasers™ are planning six events to be held in 1999 on laser processing of precision components, non-metals, manufacturing systems, shipbuilding, surface engineering and electronics.
For more details on the Make It With Lasers™ programme or the Innovation Award, contact Carol Fielding at TWI. E-mail: carol.fielding@twi.co.uk
