Photonics & AILU
Design for Laser Manufacture - Inspiring designers to 'think laser'

Design for Laser Manufacture

Welcome to the Design for Laser Manufacture website.

The prime aim of the Design for Laser Manufacture initiative is to provide case studies, sources of information and examples of laser manufactured parts so as to inspire design engineers to 'think laser' from the outset, thereby making the best use of laser-based processing for the fabrication of world-class products.

Use the search bar at the top of the page to see what lasers can do for you.  Select any of the drop down menus to search by Process type (e.g. cutting, welding, marking, microprocessing, etc), Industrial sector (e.g. general industrial, transport, security, decoration, etc), and Material (e.g. metal, ceramics, glasses, etc).   In the text search box you can use your own search terms, but you need to put quotes around a phrase, e.g. "glass cutting".

AILU's magazine, The Laser User, had an Editorial in Issue 48 (Autumn 2007) explaining how to use the site. To download the article click on the magazine cover to the left or click here.

If you have questions, or comments please contact us. We are always looking for new material, if you would like to know more follow the Submitting Your Material link.

The Association of Laser Users

The Association of Laser Users (AILU) is an independent non-profit making organisation run by and for the laser community and dedicated to helping laser users to make the best use of laser technology. To register with AILU click here.

 AILU is registered with the BERR Manufacturing Advisory Service.

AILU Technology workshops

AILU offers Technology Worshops throughout the year.  Full details of all the scheduled meetings, workshops and events together with those sponsored or supported by AILU are shown on the AILU events page.

AILU Advertising Opportunities

Click here for a comprehensive guide to advertising opportunities in AILU publications. This guide provides all you need to know, whether a member of AILU or not, including opportunities for free advertising for Members.

The AILU office staff will help you place your advertising, press releases, technical articles and application stories to gain optimum exposure in the community, of laser users and suppliers of lasers and laser-related technology in manufacturing, which we serve in the UK and worldwide.

Download or print the Media Guide and prices here

Electronics, Sensors, Photonics (ESP) KTN

Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) are vehicles to drive the flow of knowledge within and in and out of specific communities. These have been set up to improve industrial performance through facilitating innovation and brokering collaborations by connecting the UK's research base, its business and government policy.

AILU’s interests lie principally with the following Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs): Electronics, Sensors, Photonics (ESP) , Materials, Nanotechnology, Additive Manufacturing and Health Technology. See here for full list.

The Technology Strategy Board supports the KTNs progress, see here for more details. KTNs are designed to stimulate innovation in the UK’s key technology sectors by promoting collaboration, best practice and knowledge sharing between industry and academia.

Thanks to support from the Photonics KTN (now part of the ESP KTN), the Association of Laser Users (AILU) has been able to establish three Special Interest Groups (SIGs): Medical, Micro:Nano and Product and Process Innovation (PPI).

The AILU committee feels that it could well be in the best interests of many members to join the ESP KTN, and if you haven’t already done so, I’d like to encourage you to sign up.

Membership is free.