Trotec’s industrial diode laser plotter for marking and cutting

Trotec is now expanding its product range to include the Speedy 100 cross, the first industrial diode laser plotter. This innovative machine has been developed to meet the increasing demands […]

Leadership transition at Cyklop Needham

Cyklop Needham announces the departure of Aled Ellis, who has stepped down from his role as Managing Director after more than 20 years of transformative leadership.

Prima Power integrates robotics in-house

Prima Power now integrates robotics completely in-house, thanks to the recent acquisition of its long-standing partner Sistec, enhancing and bringing to a higher level of automation all technologies, from laser cutting […]

AILU’s 31st AGM approves new President and Officers team

The Association of Industrial Laser Users (AILU) held its 31st AGM on 21st May 2025, and is delighted to announce that Paola De Bono (TWI) was elected as its first […]

AILU members contribute to EU FASH project

The EU-funded FLASH project aims to revolutionise manufacturing by leveraging future-proof, highly customisable and energy-efficient laser-based production systems to achieve highly precise photon distribution, with applications in cutting, drilling, welding, […]

Metal art from Budapest: precision laser cutting with TRUMPF

Hungarian artist Márton Nemes spent two years planning and creating his exhibition “Techno Zen.” In the summer of 2024, it became the centrepiece of the Hungarian pavilion at the Venice […]

Luxinar revolutionises sample processing with its smart laboratory

Luxinar has expanded its services to customers worldwide by setting up a smart applications laboratory for its ultrashort pulse (USP) laser sources at its UK headquarters.

AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics focused on laser curing for powder coatings

A pioneering partnership has been forged between AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics focused on applying laser technology for curing powder coatings.

Cyan Tec’s 8 kW high-powered laser welding system

Cyan Tec has launched its latest cutting-edge 8 kW high-powered laser welding system. The advanced laser system features a fully interpolated 7-axis configuration, utilising a 6-axis robot on a 7th-axis […]

Prima Industrie announces sale of Prima Additive

Prima Industrie has signed a definitive agreement to sell its specialised company, Prima Additive, to Sodick Co., Ltd. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second […]

Dudley “PEACE” monument: a tribute in metal

Honouring “Remembrance Through Metalwork” is something that Midtherm Laser is incredibly proud of and it was a privilege for the company to contribute to the recently unveiled Peace Monument, organised […]

TLM Laser delivers deep laser engraving for Lindt

In partnership with Clive Smith Guittard Engineering, the TLM Laser Job Shop has engraved premium stainless steel door plates to elevate Lindt’s luxury brand experience in central London.

Micrometric’s cool solution for drinks dispenser

Brewfitt, a Yorkshire based drinks solution company, approached Micrometric with a clear vision for its CoolTube drinks dispenser. It needed a compact heat exchanger that required precision-engineered components to deliver […]

Atlas Copco’s nitrogen solution delivers 3D printing efficiencies

Paragon Rapid Technologies needed to replace its ageing on-site nitrogen generator with a new model that would be more efficient and achieve the high purity required in its selective laser […]

New Managing Director at Laser Micromachining Ltd

Laser Micromachining Ltd., supplier of laser micro-manufacturing services to industry, is celebrating 20 years of operations in 2025. As part of the continuing growth and evolution of the business, Dr. […]

AILU’s ECG secretary becomes an Optica Ambassador

Neda Baktash, from Coherent’s Glasgow site, has become an Optica Ambassador for 2025.

Optimised laser drilling solution from Aerotech

The AeroScriptPlus DrillOptimizer function, which is available in the Automation1-iSMC control configuration, enables profile-specific optimisation of the motion path and motion parameters for drilling vias with Aerotech’s AGV Galvo scanners.

Amada’s commitment in Europe

AMADA continues to grow and expand in Europe. It’s main mission is to ensure customer satisfaction, and through some recent changes, this has been maintained through commitment in Europe by […]

TRUMPF laser used to fabricate front of Real Madrid stadium

Precision work at Real Madrid – laser fabricator Lasercor manufactures thousands of stainless-steel louvers for the front of the Bernabéu Stadium.

EYE-Q automated product handling from Simpsons Technology

The EYE-Q principle is Q-Fin’s revolutionary system that combines the power of vision, automation and intelligence to achieve unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in automated product handling.

Lasermet launches new laser safety window blinds

Lasermet, the global leader in laser safety solutions, announces the launch of the Caiman Laser Safety Door Controller, engineered to set a new benchmark in high-risk laser environment safety.

TRUMPF uses AI in laser welding for automotive manufacturing

TRUMPF is using artificial intelligence (AI) to increase productivity and quality of laser welding in automotive manufacturing.

Introducing the Nukon Cross fibre laser cutting machine

The all-new Nukon Cross Fibre Laser Cutting Machine is designed to push the boundaries of efficiency, precision, and productivity.

Mazak reveals investment in plant & digital platform

Yamazaki Mazak has unveiled a major investment in its European Manufacturing Plant by fully automating its Sheet Metal Department while also launching a new website for European customers.

New FLOW-3D family of products release includes AM & welding

Flow Science, Inc. proudly announces the release of its FLOW-3D 2025R1 family of products, which now includes FLOW-3D AM and FLOW-3D WELD.

Eagle Lasers launches new American subsidiary

Eagle announces the opening of its new American subsidiary, strengthening its presence in the United States.

Spectrum Technologies achieves top SME climate rating

Spectrum Technologies Ltd is proud to announce that it has achieved a SME Climate Score of B (the highest SME rating for 2024) from the Carbon Disclosure Project, recognising the […]

Midtherm Laser maintains quality in laser cutting and forming

Midtherm Laser is proud to announce that it has passed re-certification for BS EN 1090: UKCA certification for structural steel and stainless steel up to and including Execution Class 4 […]

Donaldson BOFA’s new extendable arms extraction system

Donaldson BOFA has launched a new mobile fume extraction system with articulated arms capable of filtering emissions associated with heavy-duty laser processes, soldering and organic solvents.

LASEA welcomes Christophe Seuret as head of Swiss subsidiary

LASEA, a leading player in high-precision laser technologies, announces the appointment of Christophe Seuret as head of LASEA Switzerland.

TRUMPF is entering the market for complete solutions

TRUMPF is now offering its laser systems as automated complete solutions for end users.

Yorkshire Laser achieves BS1090 for steel structures

Yorkshire Laser & Fabrication’s commitment to achieving the highest standards of quality and safety has resulted in them being awarded BS1090 certification.

Brinell Vision launches new range of laser protection products

At ILAS 2025 next week, Brinell Vision will launch new range laser protection products for UK laser welding, cutting and Additive Manufacturing companies.

New cost-effective 2D laser processing from Prima Power

Platino Linear® is the latest addition to the Prima Power 2D laser product range, resulting from the perfect balance between Prima Power expertise and quality at affordable investment and operating […]

MKS solution for measuring ultra-high laser power levels

MKS Instruments has announced the Ophir® 70K-W Ultra-High Power Laser Sensor for accurate and cost-effective measurement in industrial and defence applications.

Obituary: Ken Watkins, retired Professor of Laser Engineering, University of Liverpool

We at AILU were very sorry to hear of the passing of Ken Watkins, who was a widely-known and well-respected figure in the world of industrial laser applications. 

Dental supplier becomes user & reseller of TRUMPF 3D printer

As a supplier of complete digital solutions to dental laboratories of all sizes, High Wycombe-based Skillbond Direct Ltd is in the business of creating healthy, confident smiles through its restorative […]

Kickoff Workshop for the Lasers4MaaS Project

The Dynamic Beam Shaping for High-Power Laser Welding workshop, held at WMG, University of Warwick, on January 28, 2025, officially launched the Lasers4MaaS project, a pioneering initiative under the European […]

Obituary: Richard Jessett, laser applications specialist, 15.03.1971 – 25.11.2024

It was with great sadness that we learned of the recent death of Richard Jessett in Rugby, UK. At the age of 16 he became an apprentice (the first) with […]

Understanding R&D pre-notification for tax relief claims

In the past few months, the landscape of R&D tax relief claims in the UK has undergone significant changes, in an attempt to tackle abuse and improve compliance.

Ekspla boosts industrial laser capabilities with FemtoLux 50

Ekspla has introduced the FemtoLux 50, the latest in its series of industrial-grade femtosecond lasers. This new system builds upon the success of its predecessor, the award-winning FemtoLux 30, pushing […]

Luxinar announces a significant addition to the Executive Team

Luxinar is pleased to announce that Stefan Hackl has been appointed the new managing director and will play a key role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives and fostering continued […]

Donaldson BOFA launches a breakthrough in fume extraction

Donaldson BOFA has launched Pro OS – a new operating platform with two-way data connectivity that aims to push the boundaries of productivity for fume extraction technology in high-output markets.

Spectra & XL Precision Technologies rebrand as Elevaris

Spectra Medical Devices (Spectra) and XL Precision Technologies (XLPT)  have announced that their newly combined brand presence as Elevaris Medical Devices.

Kickoff workshop for the Lasers4MaaS Project

The Dynamic Beam Shaping for High-Power Laser Welding workshop, held at WMG, University of Warwick, on January 28, 2025, officially launched the Lasers4MaaS project, a pioneering initiative under the European […]

AMADA: a partnership-based approach leads to success

Greenfield Engineering’s ethos of continuous investment in its valued staff, comprehensive accreditations and state-of-the-art AMADA manufacturing technology sets this progressive business apart.

Watt Laser uses laser surface structuring to improve bonding

Bonding between anodised aluminium & stainless steel can be challenging due to significant differences in their physical & chemical properties. By employing laser surface structuring, Watt Laser has been able […]

Spectrum Technologies achieves record financial performance

Spectrum Technologies, laser wire processing technology and solutions business, is delighted to announce record-breaking financial results for the fiscal year 2023-2024, with sales of £10.2M and profits of £1.4M.

Adam Ball takes over as Lantek UK Commercial Director

It is all change at Lantek UK as Rob Powell hands over the reins to Adam Ball who has taken over the role of Commercial Director for Lantek UK.

Civan laser to be used for AM research at US university

Civan Lasers is proud to announce that Mechanical Engineering Professor Lianyi Chen from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has become the first researcher to acquire a Dynamic Beam Laser (DBL) for […]

Mazak is the right partner for a true one-stop-shop

Precision machining and fabrication one-stop shop, DC Developments began its working relationship with Mazak in the late 1990s. 

Prima Industrie, with its Prima Power brand, makes acquisition

Prima Industrie SpA, through its Prima Power brand, proudly announces the acquisition of Sistec AM, a leader in industrial automation.

Mate Tooling Solutions launches biodegradable shield for laser cutting

Mate Tooling Solutions in Northampton has launched a biodegradable, 100% recyclable slat coating to reduce the frequency with which laser cutters need to change their slats.

MKS Instruments announces very high-power laser sensor

MKS Instruments, Inc. has announced the Ophir® 150K-W Very High Power Laser Sensor for measuring very high power levels up to 150 kW with exceptional accuracy and dependable performance.

Amplitude in $40 million agreement with Focused Energy

Amplitude has announced a strategic partnership to advance the field of inertial fusion energy. This collaboration focuses on the development of two high-energy, high-repetition rate laser systems.

Lasermet launches online laser safety calculator software

Lasermet is launching RealTime LSS, an online laser safety calculator software which performs to laser safety calculations to IEC 60825-1: Safety of Laser Products Part 1.

Daltons Wadkin appoints new specialist to drive laser growth

Daltons Wadkin, a UK multi-material machine solution supplier, has expanded its team by hiring a specialist to lead the company’s fibre laser and sheet metal offering.

TRUMPF expands range of aluminium types for 3D printers

TRUMPF has expanded its aluminium portfolio for additive manufacturing, to include alloys that are suitable for the automotive, motorsports, aerospace and bicycle industries.

Celebrating 25 years of Ficep UK

This year marks 25 years of Ficep UK supporting the steel processing industry. 

Lantek launches v44 with enhanced control for manufacturers

Lantek launches v44 of its sheet metal software solutions, giving the next level of connectivity, real-time insights and smart manufacturing.

PowerPhotonic is part of the ‘Soni-Shape-Laser’ EV project

PowerPhotonic is taking part in a collaborative research project with industrial and academic partners to develop a new type of laser welding process to help optimise EV (Electric Vehicle) battery […]

GF Laser provides solution for metal bracket manufacturer

Cableboss first approached GF Laser (GFL) in March 2024 regarding the potential to mass produce a powder-coated metal bracket to support the running of cables in ceiling voids and walls.

Midtherm Laser reduces energy usage by 50%

Midtherm Laser made a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint in 2018 and set its own targets.

MKS announces compact sensor for high power lasers

MKS Instruments has announced the Ophir® 20K-W High Power Laser Sensor, a compact sensor for measuring very high power lasers. 

Nukon laser cutting systems reach wider subcontractor market

A new range of flat-bed fibre laser cutting machines from Nukon Lasers UK is making high-quality, high-performance laser cutting accessible to even more subcontractors and manufacturers wanting to laser-cut in-house. 

AILU Members – send us your AILU award nominations

We are excited to be running ILAS 2025 on 26th and 27th March 2025, at which we will present five AILU awards at our Symposium Dinner. If you are, or […]

Mazak launches cost-effective 2D laser cutting technology

Yamazaki Mazak has launched the Optiplex 3015 Ez, for those venturing into 2D laser cutting technology. The user friendly CNC control with the 21,5-inc touch display and the new GUI […]

Amada creates new value for laser welding process

The new FLW-Le, mid-range robotic 3 kW fibre laser welding cell from Amada has features aimed at higher productivity and lower cost-per-part.

Oxford Lasers co-awarded semiconductor R&D grant

Oxford Lasers has announced the successful award of a collaborative research and development (R&D) grant from Innovate UK, namely the INTERPOSE-UK project (advanced INTegratEd ciRcuit interPOsers for SEmiconductor packaging in […]

Leadership change at LASER COMPONENTS UK

LASER COMPONENTS UK, provider of high-quality photonic components in the British market, announces a significant management change. After 25 years at the helm, Chris Varney is stepping down as Managing […]

Obituary: Jonathan Lawrence – Leader in Laser Engineering

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Jonathan Lawrence, a distinguished leader in laser engineering, on 14th July 2024 while on holiday in Crete, Greece. […]

Nitrogen Supply Company launches online app for nitrogen generation

Nitrogen Supply Company has recently launched an innovative online application designed to assist laser users who are considering or have already made the switch from bulk gas to on-site nitrogen […]

TRUMPF launches simple laser cutting machine

TRUMPF has launched a new laser cutting machine that is particularly suitable for customers with smaller production volumes who are looking for a reliable machine with low investment and operating […]

Spectrum Technologies celebrates 35 Years of innovation

Spectrum Technologies is excited to celebrate its 35th anniversary, marking three and half decades of innovation and leadership in industrial laser technology.

Coherent announces radical new fibre laser platform

Coherent has launched the EDGE FLTM high-power fibre laser series, tailored for cutting applications in the machine tool industry.

Photonics Express & WMG collaborate on handheld laser welding

Photonics Express and the automotive welding team at WMG, University of Warwick, have collaborated to introduce laser handheld welding to the UK e-mobility supply chain.

Aerotech provides superior performance on 5 axes

Aerotech presents the AGV5D, an innovative 5-axis laser precession scanner specially developed for laser micromachining. 

Hutchinson to create 57 jobs in multi million pound investment

Northern Ireland-based engineering company Hutchinson is making a significant investment in new equipment to further boost its productivity and support planned growth, including the creation of 57 new jobs. 

Lantek software crucial to engineering company’s plans

Kanyana Engineering has followed a policy of providing unique sheet metal services at its Greenfields, Western Australia manufacturing facility since its formation in 1997. 

TRUMPF and SiMa.ai agree to develop laser systems with AI

TRUMPF and US software company SiMa.ai have signed a partnership to develop lasers with artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to equip several TRUMPF laser systems with AI technology in […]

MKS announces Ophir® Helios Pro industrial power meter

MKS announces the Ophir® Helios Pro industrial power meter for optimising Li-ion battery welding and other high power laser production applications.

XL Precision Technologies acquired by Spectra Medical Devices

XL Precision Technologies Ltd has been acquired by Spectra Medical Devices and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spectra.

Trotec’s solution for speedier laser marking of curved objects

Without time-consuming clamping and set-up or slow mechanical turning, Trotec’s laser solution can mark round or conical parts up to 100 times faster.

BOFA becomes Donaldson BOFA in new global brand

Leading portable industrial fume and dust extraction specialist BOFA has unveiled a new global brand to reflect its closer alignment with parent company Donaldson.

Needham Group acquired by Cyklop to strengthen portfolio

Cyklop International is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Needham Group, including Needham Laser Technologies, based in UK and Ireland.

Simpson Technology facilitates Han’s Laser sale to UK job shop

Based in Stone, England, Prolazer Components is a dedicated precision engineering facility providing laser cutting, fabrication and welding services. 

Polish fabricator values Eagle’s high quality & reliability

Over decades of work and experience, KHS Ostroróg in Poland has become a leading manufacturer specialising in the assembly and renovation of production lines, machines, and equipment for the agricultural, […]

Laser subcontractor ES Precision invests in femtosecond technology

ES Precision completed its seventh year in business and has again reinvested profits in more laser technology, increasing its laser plant list to 9 industrial workstations.

Oxford Lasers: Laser Micromachining in Quantum Technology Components

Oxford Lasers has been awarded a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) collaborative Research and Development grant for the LINQED project (Linked Ion Traps for Networked Quantum Entanglement Distribution).

Yorkshire Laser & Fabrication appoints new Sales Manager

Richard Binks, who joins Normanton-based Yorkshire Laser and Fabrication to work alongside Sales Director John Miller, has worked in the sheet metal industry since leaving school at 15.

Aerotech presents its new hexapod – more compact & powerful

Aerotech presents its new hexapod. The HEX150-125HL is suitable for high-precision positioning and motion tasks down to the nanometre range. Compared to its predecessor, it has a more compact design […]

New welding head for Civan Dynamic Beam Lasers

Civan Lasers is proud to introduce its new welding head, designed exclusively for its Dynamic Beam Laser. This new product offers a standard solution for welding applications, eliminating the need […]

Reusable food containers laser marked by ES Precision

Founded in London in 2019, Cauli provides award-winning, tech-enabled reuse solutions to disrupt the disposable food & drink packaging market.

TRUMPF ends fiscal year with declining sales & order intake

TRUMPF recently presented preliminary figures for the fiscal year 2023/24: sales were down around 4% year-over-year at 5.2 billion euros. Order intake fell more sharply, dropping 10% to 4.6 billion […]

Siemens & Prima Power collaborate in the automotive industry

Siemens and Prima Power are proud to announce the result of an intensified collaboration that is redefining standards in the automotive manufacturing industry.

Industrial and academic collaboration brings big benefits

Mark Thompson of Photonics Express describes how a new UK first was achieved; in May 2024, a Civan Lasers Dynamic Beam fibre laser was installed at WMG, the University of […]

Obituary: Reinhard Kelnberger, co-founder of InnoLas GmbH

We at AILU were very saddened to hear of the passing of Reinhard Kelnberger, whom some in the industrial laser community will remember from the days of Lumonics (JK Lasers).

Mazak makes precision laser cutting simple

Yamazaki Mazak has introduced its latest innovation in 2D laser cutting machines – the OPTIPLEX Ez series.

Midtherm’s laser cut friezes installed over the River Stour

Midtherm Laser is delighted to see its laser cut panels in place over the River Stour.

Happy retirement to Micrometric’s founder and AILU ex-president Neil Main

AILU would like to join with many others in wishing Neil Main, Managing Director of Micrometric, the happiest of retirements.