AILU Half-Day Workshop – Handheld Laser Applications

Introduction

Chair: Paola de Bono (TWI)

Hand-held laser systems for welding, cleaning, and marking have grown rapidly in recent years, driven by falling fibre laser costs, compact and ruggedised delivery optics, and demand from industries seeking flexible, portable alternatives to fixed automation. From shipyards and oil & gas maintenance to fabrication shops and heritage conservation, these systems are being deployed across an increasingly broad range of applications — and the market shows no sign of slowing.

Yet hand-held operation introduces challenges that fixed-beam systems do not face. Operator technique directly affects process quality; fume and radiation hazards are less easily controlled; and buyers navigating a crowded supplier landscape often find it difficult to assess what a system is truly capable of.

This workshop brings together experts from across the sector to address these questions directly. Topics will include:

• Technology — how hand-held laser systems work, and how current designs have evolved
• Capability — what welding, cleaning, and marking applications are achievable, and what their limits are
• Safety — the regulatory landscape, risk assessment, and practical control measures for hand-held operation

Who Should Attend

This workshop is relevant to anyone involved in hand-held laser systems: equipment manufacturers and distributors, system integrators, safety officers, end users in manufacturing, maintenance, or conservation, and organisations considering purchasing a system for the first time. Whether you supply, specify, or operate — or are simply evaluating whether hand-held lasers are right for your business — this event will provide the knowledge and contacts you need.

The Workshop will be followed by the AILU AGM.

Programme 

09:30 – 10:00  Registration

10:00 – 10:10 Welcome
Paola De Bono, TWI

Session 1

10:10 – 10:30  Handheld Laser Welding Systems – An Aerospace End User Perspective
Mark Dodds, ITP Aero

10:30 – 10:50  Handheld Laser Cleaning Capability and Performance on Grade 5 Ti 6Al 4V
Ali Khan, TWI

10:50 – 11:10 Laser Cleaning at Scale: A Real World Case Study
Harvey Allpress, LaserTec Laser Cleaning

11:10 AM – 11:40  Break

Session 2

11:40 – 12:00 Reduced Hazard Handheld Laser Cleaning Using Retina Safe Wavelengths
Tara Murphy, Woodrow Scientific

12:00 – 12:20 Hand-held Laser Safety Standards are Changing: Are You Ready ?
Neal Croxford, Dovecote Technologies

12:20 – 12:40 Laser Safety for Handheld Laser Systems
Ross Tomlin, Pro-Lite Technology

12:40 – 13:30  Lunch

13:30 – 14:20  Tour of TWI Labs (optional)

14:30 – 15:30  AGM (optional)

Venue

TWI
Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge
CB21 6AL

Travel

Directions to the venue can be viewed here

Public transport links are here 

Directions on Granta Park

Once through the security barrier, take the second exit at the roundabout and follow the road until the next roundabout, then take the first exit on the left. Follow the road, then take the first left and park in the visitor parking area, located in front of the building with the aeroplane outside. If this car park is full, you may use the staff parking, which is on your right as you face TWI in the two-storey car park.

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