Technologies
- Welding, Coating and Material Processing

Laser Processing

TWI has been at the forefront of the technological development of using lasers for materials processing since the mid-1960s, providing world-class support to many industries, including the automotive, shipbuilding and aerospace sectors.

Many variants of laser technology are currently used in production processes including cutting, welding, marking, surface engineering and direct parts fabrication. The range of applications covers metals, plastics, semiconductors and ceramics on a scale from sub-micron to several metres.

TWI has a number of laser facilities, and the development of laser processing for metals and non-metallic materials is carried out using a wide variety of laser sources operating at powers up to 7kW.

Our expertise includes:

TWI has a strong track record in the development of laser processing, including:

1967 First gas-assisted CO₂ laser cut (CO₂ cutting machine sales are now > $4 billion per annum)
1968 800W CO₂ laser developed by TWI
1973 Prototype 2kW fast axial flow CO₂ laser built by TWI
1994 High-speed (9m/s) welding plastics using CO₂ lasers
2000 Clearweld® demonstration
2003 Characterisation of plasma/plume interactions
2004 Development of Seal Segment repair procedures for Trent Engines
2007 Laser Surfi-Sculpt® - first demonstration
2010 High-quality titanium welding techniques
2010 Laser scabbling and cutting demonstration for NDA