The Association of Laser Users (AILU) was established in 1995 as an independent non-profit making organisation, run by and for the laser community.
- Our PURPOSE: To grow laser adoption by connecting, empowering and guiding new and existing users of industrial lasers globally.
- Our VISION: To maximise the benefits of industrial laser technology to society.
- Our MISSION: To support the progression and acceptance of laser technology through;
Raising awareness of laser technologies and applications
Fostering research and development of new/existing laser technology and applications
Creating a more diverse and inclusive laser community
The purpose, vision and mission of AILU follow the aims and objectives set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Our Members
AILU members include laser manufacturers, suppliers of laser-related products and services, laser job shops, research organisations and academics working in the field of laser source design and material processing application development. AILU is based in the UK but has an international membership, consisting of many leading players in the industrial laser community.
Core Activities
- Promotion of member activities in ‘The Laser User’ quarterly magazine, inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter and on our social media platforms
- Events, both live and online, including the internationally renowned ILAS Symposium, one-day workshops and business meetings
- A Members’ Product & Services Directory (free listing)
- Consultancy Services & Strategy for Laser Manufacturing
- Advertising & Marketing. Advertise in our publications or consider other marketing activities to reach an audience directly participating in the field of industrial laser applications
Promotion/Dissemination of Information
Promoting business news, product news, case studies and research is a core benefit for AILU members.
We publish members’ news and articles for free online and in our flagship quarterly magazine ‘The Laser User’, widely regarded as the best source of practical laser user information available. Members receive a hard copy of the magazine and can access the entire back catalogue online.
We post our members’ news on social media channels too, helping them reach a wider audience.
We will keep you informed of the latest developments in the laser industry through our monthly E-Newsletter distributed to thousands in the industry. It will keep you abreast of key news in the laser industry. Register here to sign up for the e-newsletter, it’s free.
Our Events
AILU runs many events both live and online providing members with valuable opportunities for networking. Our events cover a wide range of hot topics in the laser industry, both application-focused and industry sector-focused. Plus, every 2 years we organise the highly regarded ILAS (International Laser Applications Symposium) which attracts 200+ delegates over 2 days.
Our annual Job Shop Business Meeting is a must for laser subcontractors, giving business owners valuable insights into making their companies more profitable.
Take a look here at some of our previous events to discover the wide range of laser topics covered. Keep an eye on our current events page for new and upcoming events. And remember AILU members benefit from a 20% discount for events.
Members’ Product & Services Directory
Members receive a free listing in the P&S Directory. Potential customers who need to find suppliers of laser equipment, other laser-related products, or services such as Job Shops will look here!
Consultancy & Strategy
We like to help members and non-members with impartial advice. Our knowledge and connections helps non-members find the right entry points into laser technology – we can advise on finding the right solution to laser processing challenges or give basic advice to answer the questions you may have. For our members, we are happy to connect them to other members where they may find partners for research, commercial activity or business. If you have a need to know more about any aspect, contact us using the info@ailu.org.uk address.
In parallel with this, we liaise with funding bodies and government to provide direction and strategy to identify and address the needs and overcome the barriers to adoption of laser manufacturing (especially within the UK). In 2017, AILU, the ESPRC-funded Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser Based Production Processes and InnovateUK’s Knowledge Transfer Network pulled together working parties from industry and academia to identify recommendations for a UK Strategy. A report “Lasers for Productivity: A UK Strategy” was produced in late 2017 and presented to a group of MPs in Westminster in March 2018.
Advertising & Marketing Opportunities
Members and non-members can take advantage of advertising with us, and AILU members receive a 20% discount on all advertising costs.
Advertising space is available in our magazine, online and in our e-newsletter – see our Marketing Guide for full information on advert costs and sizing.
Sponsor a webinar on a topic of interest, promoted as a free AILU event and delivered by AILU. See our Marketing Guide or contact us for more information.