TWI has been at the forefront of using lasers for materials processing since the mid-1960s, and provides world-leading support to many industries, including the , , , and sectors.
TWI has significant experience in the development and application of laser materials processes for metals and non-metals. Our activities are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, which include the widest range of industrial laser systems and laser sources in the UK.
Our core areas of technical expertise include:
Laser brazing
Laser surface engineering
Laser processing of polymers
Laser Metal Deposition (LMD)
Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Laser process monitoring for quality control and assurance.
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 of plastics using CO2 lasers
2000 Clearweld® demonstration
2004 Development of Seal Segment repair procedures for Trent Engines
2007 Laser Surfi-Sculpt® - first demonstration
2010 High-quality titanium welding techniques for aerostructures
2014 Development of techniques for remote laser welding 6xxx Al alloys
2015 Development and application of laser cutting for size reduction of nuclear waste