AILU - The Association of Laser Users

AILU Member Webinar: Advancing precision welding through process simulation (FLOW SCIENCE)
2025-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | Online
REGISTER HERE
Learn how predictive modelling in FLOW-3D WELD can help you efficiently find process windows and optimise parameters for specific targets, enabling you to:

Accelerate weld schedule development
Resolve defects such as porosity and lack of fusion
Produce high quality joints for dissimilar metals
Optimise for throughput and joint integrity

With melt pool dynamics at the heart of process control, FLOW-3D WELD provides access to testing without needing to burn through material or use up machine time. With less scrap and more yield, manufacturers can free up resources for increased production or expanding into new markets.

Laser Safety - AILU workshop
2025-05-21 10:00 - 13:30 | AME, Coventry, Beresford Ave, Coventry, CV6 5LZ, United Kingdom
Introduction

Chair: Bethan Smith (MTC)
Laser safety is of paramount importance to ensure that the laser can be a manufacturing tool that is implemented widely and not considered a high-risk technology. Modern PPE, guarding and accessories make laser safety possible in a research or manufacturing environment.
What should be considered to enable the safe use of lasers? It is not only about the laser beam, which can be stopped using interlocks, guarding and PPE. Other risks are also significant. Laser processes, like conventional processes, generate fume that is hazardous to the operators and any personnel nearby. There are other risks to consider too.
This workshop will set out the latest amendents to the laser safety standards, discuss the latest evolutions of PPE for laser processing and consider how automation is a good alternative to reducing the skill required and the risk to operators when using hand held laser welders.
Who should attend?:
Anyone with a safety role in an organisation where lasers are currently in use (or being considered for use).
Anyone about to buy or currently using a hand held laser system.
Anyone interested in ensuring that the safety in their workplace is up to date
The 2025 AILU AGM will follow this workshop, from 13:30 – 14:30 (see here).
Programme
10:00 – 10:30 Registration
10:30 – 10:40 Welcome
Bethan Smith, MTC
Session 1

10:40 – 11:00 Forthcoming Amendments and new laser safety standards, evolutions of laser PPE and a request for laser user feedback
Neal Croxford, Dovecote Technologies
11:00 – 11:20 Automating existing hand-held laser welding systems to enhance safety
Sinan Bilgin, SS Laser Solutions
11:20 – 11:50 Laser Fume & Filtration
Richard Bloomfield, Donaldson BOFA
11:50 – 12:10 Training & PPE for Laser Safety
Preetesh Mistry, Pro-Lite Technology
12:10 – 12:30 Discussion Session – Q&A – How to promote and deliver strong laser safety in 2025
Dave MacLellan, AILU
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 AILU AGM (optional)

Venue
AME
Beresford Avenue
Coventry
CV6 5LZ
Please follow this link for information on security and parking https://ailu.publishingbureau.dev/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Getting-to-AME.pdf

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU's 31st Annual General Meeting 2025
2025-05-21 13:30 - 14:30 | AME, Coventry, Beresford Ave, Coventry, CV6 5LZ, United Kingdom
Notice of the 2025 Annual General Meeting
The 31st Annual General Meeting of the Association of Industrial Laser Users will take place from on 21 May 2025 at AME, Coventry.
AILU Member Event, free to attend.

Venue
AME
Beresford Ave
Coventry
CV6 5LZ

Please follow this link for information on security and parking https://ailu.publishingbureau.dev/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Getting-to-AME.pdf

Documents
Notice of AGM
Agenda
Minutes of the last meeting
AILU Accounts to 31 Oct 2024

AILU Event: Early Careers Group Event
2025-06-17 09:00 - 12:30 | Loughborough University, Epinal Way LE11 3TU, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
Tuesday 17th June
Loughborough University
Founded in 2017, AILU’s Early Careers Group (ECG) represents the next generation of laser industry and academic professionals. Members of the Group are from a variety of industrial laser backgrounds including research centres and industrial manufacturers, suppliers and subcontractors.
On Tuesday 17th June the Group will host a seminar followed by a tour of the laser facilities at Loughborough University. Members of the ECG will deliver presentations highlighting the current focus of their research or laser interests.
The seminar is open to AILU members and non-members and would be of interest to those who might like to join this group or would benefit from networking with this enthusiastic and talented pool of individuals.

Programme
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:05 Welcome – Jacob Lavin, Loughborough University
10:05 – 10:25
Gas Dynamic Interactions in Laser Cutting
Jacob Lavin, Loughborough University
10:25 – 10:40
Remote laser welding of Zn-coated steel to aluminium for automotive structural applications
Ali Baghbani Barenji, University of Warwick
10:40 – 10:55
Utilising spherical aberration in laser processing
Dan Wilson-University of Manchester
11:00 – 13:00 Tour of Optical Engineering Building & Emergent Photonics Research Centre
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

Venue
Sir David Davies Building
Loughborough University
LE11 3TU
See page 5 of campus map, Building 14 here and venue map here
Parking permit required for those attending by car which can be paid for in advance or on arrival – https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/fm/services/traffic-parking/visitors/

AILU Free Webinar: Implementing Beam Shaping
2025-06-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Sponsored by

Thursday 19th June 2025, 14:00 – 15:00 BST

Free online webinar

Implementing Beam-shaping in the Laser Industry:
Opportunities and Challenges
Speaker: Gwenn Pallier, Product Line Manager, Cailabs
Learn how beam-shaping is used to improve performance in laser material processing applications including welding, cutting, micro-processing and additive manufacturing.
There are many methods to achieve laser beam-shaping, find out more about how they work and what the advantages and challenges are in each case.
Discover examples of applications where MPLC (Multi Plane Light Conversion) from Cailabs has enabled the following benefits:

Enhanced process quality
Increased process speed
Improved depth of focus

Beam-shaping is a hot topic in 2025, this webinar will help you understand how to access the benefits presented by the latest technology.
As well as a presentation, there will be the opportunity to have questions answered in a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.
The webinar will be recorded and accessible for free via YouTube and Vimeo.
The PDF version of the PowerPoint slides will be available after the webinar.

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU Supported Event - PLI Conferences 2025: Latest innovations in industrial laser processes
2025-09-24 08:00 - 2025-09-25 16:00 | Burbach
24 & 25 September 2025
CCI Campus, Alsace, Strasbourg
Early Bird registration closes 31 July 2025

The CLUB LASER ET PROCÉDÉS, in partnership with ICUBE, IPG PHOTONICS, IREPA LASER, PRECITEC, and the PHOTONICS INSTITUTE, announces the 2025 edition of the PLI Conferences, to be held on September 24 and 25 at the CCI Campus Alsace in Strasbourg.
This key event will showcase the latest advances in industrial laser processes. “PLI Conferences is a unique event in France, bringing together industry professionals and researchers in a friendly atmosphere. It’s a privileged space for exchange where innovation meets industrial expertise” explains John LOPEZ, President of the CLUB LASER ET PROCÉDÉS and Research Engineer at CNRS.
Highlights include:

Expert conferences: Talks by specialists to unpack current and future challenges in the sector.
Exhibition space: Located at the heart of the catering area, the exhibition will feature the latest technologies and solutions from participating companies.
Networking evening: A convivial gathering, perfect for discussions, idea sharing, and innovation-driven exchanges.
Thematic panel session: An engaging discussion focused on the energy transition.

Company visits are also scheduled for September 23:
PRECITEC – Visit the new facilities in Gaggenau with live demonstrations: laser welding, high-performance cutting, additive manufacturing, and beam characterization solutions.
IREPA LASER – Tour the industrial workshops and discover additive manufacturing and laser welding with live demonstrations of industrial applications.
ICUBE – Visit the LaserSurf lab to explore ultrashort laser processes and multimodal characterisation techniques.
AERIAL – Visit the centre and learn about the Feerix experimental irradiation station and the facilities dedicated to advanced industrial applications.

Contact: Fanny VOINSON
contact@clp-laser.fr
+33 (0)3 88 65 54 26
https://www.clp-laser.fr/fr/evenement/pli-conferences-2025

AILU Workshop - Micro Drilling
2025-10-02 10:00 - 15:30 | AURA Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Meadow Road, Hull, Hessle, HU13 0GD, United Kingdom
Sponsored by Luxinar

Introduction
Chair: Mike Wakeham (Winbro)
The latest laser sources bring higher power and ultrashort pulse widths. These parameters increase the quality and throughput of laser drilling in a number of materials including metals and glass. Automotive, medical device, semiconductor and consumer electronics manufacturers are looking for this quality and speed. Small hole diameters and minimal heat input (low distortion) are benefits that laser micro drilling can bring.
Learn from a range of presenters who are using and manufacturing solutions in micro laser drilling. If you are contemplating the use of laser micro drilling in manufacturing or research, this workshop is for you.
Meet laser drilling application experts and suppliers over this full day workshop. The venue is a short walk from Luxinar’s UK facility. During the event there will be a networking lunch where a few exhibitors will be available to discuss the products and services they offer.
At the end of the workshop there will be a short tour of Luxinar’s facility. A live “remote” demonstration of their lasers in action will also be included in the agenda for the day.

Programme:
9:30 – 10:00 am Registration and Coffee
10.00 – 10.10 Welcome
Yannick Galais, Luxinar

10.10 – 10.30 Microelectronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing: A Paradise for Laser Drilling?
Ben Fulford, Luxinar
10.30 – 10.50 High Speed Micro Drilling of Metals and Glasses
Dimitris Karnakis, Oxford Lasers
10.50 – 11.10 ns pulsed fibre laser: a versatile tool for drilling applications
Jack Gabzdyl, TRUMPF
11.10 – 11.40 Tea & Coffee Break
11.40 – 12.00 Laser selective etching of transparent materials with modified Bessel beams
Jakob Gueye, Heriot Watt University
12.00 – 12.20 High aspect ratio micro-drilling in glass and SiC using percussion and single-pulse processes
Artur Stabrawa, Fluence Technology
12.20 – 12.40 Advances in Laser Drilling and Metallization of TGVs for Advanced Packaging
Ashley Crane, EKSPLA
12.40 – 1.50 pm Lunch, Exhibitors and Networking
1.50 – 2.10 Micro Hole Drilling for Biomedical Applications
Mike O’Key, OpTek Systems
2.10 – 2.30 High speed drilling of micro holes in metallic components
Olusola Oyelola , Winbro Group
2.30 – 2.50 High power laser drilling of 0.5 mm thick stainless steel
Jagdheesh Radhakrishnan, MTC
2.50 – 3.10 From negative to >45 Degree angles, how to control taper during cutting & drilling processes
David Bruneel, LASEA
3.10 – 3.20 Remote presentation of Luxinar USP Laser Applications Lab.
Louise May, Luxinar
3.20 – 3.40 Tea & Coffee Break
3.40 – 4.40 Tour of Luxinar facility

Venue
AURA Innovation Centre
Bridgehead Business Park
Meadow Road
Hull
Hessle
HU13 0GD
Find out more about AILU events (past and future) here: ailu.org.uk/events
Interested to join our Early Careers Group? – more here: ailu.org.uk/early-careers-group
Read about the event sponsor here: luxinar.com

AILU EVENT T&Cs
See AILU Event Terms and Conditions here.
____________________________________
By registering for this meeting you agree that you are happy for AILU and Sponsors to contact you after the event

AILU Member Event - LVD UK Technology Days 6-8 October 2025
2025-10-06 10:00 - 2025-10-08 15:00 | LVD UK, XP Centre, Banbury, OX16 3JU, United Kingdom
LVD UK is holding an Open House event from 6-8 October 2025
Click image to expand

Contact: Maryse McHale
sales.uk@lvdgroup.com
+44 1295 676800

AILU Supported Event - ICALEO 2025
2025-10-13 14:00 - 2025-10-16 22:00 | Burbach
Orlando, Florida
https://icaleo.org/

ICALEO® brings together the brightest minds, seasoned professionals, and pioneering researchers from around the globe. With a laser-focused agenda, ICALEO offers an exceptional platform to explore cutting-edge advancements, diverse applications, and transformative research in lasers and electro-optics.
Participants will be immersed in a dynamic environment that fosters collaborative learning, networking, and idea exchange. Through engaging plenary presentations, technical sessions, an industry business panel, and networking events, attendees gain insights into the forefront of laser technology. Covering the entire spectrum of laser-related disciplines—from industrial applications and medical breakthroughs to additive manufacturing and materials processing—ICALEO provides comprehensive coverage of the field. Additionally, the event serves as a launching pad for synergistic partnerships, enabling professionals to forge connections that shape the future of our industry.

AILU Supported Event - Advanced Engineering 2025
2025-10-29 09:00 - 2025-10-30 17:00 | NEC Birmingham
29 & 30 October 2025
NEC, Birmingham
Advanced Engineering is the only UK event connecting all industrial ecosystems, driving high-value manufacturing and supply chain solutions.
Here, the brightest minds in design, engineering, and manufacturing come together to solve real-world challenges, accelerate innovation, develop skills, and build a more sustainable future.
From net-zero composites to energy-efficient processes, visit the future of engineering.
This year’s theme delves into a new era of engineering, where breakthrough technologies and bold ideas converge to redefine what’s possible. Across dynamic show zones, visitors will explore the latest innovations, real-world applications, and trends driving the industry forward.
From advanced materials and electrification to sustainable manufacturing and next-generation automation, explore the entire manufacturing ecosystem in full display.

Read more here https://www.advancedengineeringuk.com/

AILU Member Event - Laser Matters 2025
2025-11-05 09:00 - 16:00 | MTC, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU, United Kingdom
LASER MATTERS
MTC, Coventry
Wednesday 5th November 2025
Free to attend.
Hosted by MTC, this free event is an opportunity to see how the latest innovations in laser processing are transforming manufacturing and unlocking new growth opportunities.
Breakthroughs in laser processing have enabled precision, speed and flexibility to transform production and accelerate new product development – enabling manufacturers to boost productivity, cut emissions and innovate faster.
Join Laser Matters for demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and insights from laser and manufacturing experts to help advance your laser journey.

Find out more here the-mtc.org/laser-matters-2025

AILU Supported Event - Manufacturing Revenue Growth Summit
2025-11-12 12:00 - 17:00 | Burbach
12 November, 12-5pm
National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, Birmingham, B92 0EJ
For Leaders, Engineers & Technical Sales
AILU is proud to partner with the premier event for revenue leaders, VPs, sales directors, account managers, business development and technical sales executives working in complex industrial, engineering and manufacturing environments.
Join AILU and master how to boost your sales pipeline, harness AI for efficiency, and sharpen your bid and proposal strategies. This summit delivers the tools, knowledge, and connections to drive real growth in today’s competitive market.
Admission…
Members: £10 charitable donation. Please contact the AILU team for registration details, info@ailu.publishingbureau.dev.
Non-Members: £95+VAT. Register here: www.RevSummit.co.uk

Included in ticket admission…

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Points & Certificate of Learning
Free car parking, WiFi, Lunch & Refreshments
Playback Keynote Sessions post-event
Free access to a CPD accredited video library of 250+ hours of content that will help you win & retain more business

AILU Event - Early Careers Group Seminar & Tour
2025-11-19 10:00 - 14:30 | Burbach
AILU’s Early Careers Group Seminar & JET Fusion Tour
Wednesday 19th November
UKAEA, Culham, Oxfordshire

Founded in 2017, AILU’s Early Careers Group (ECG) represents the next generation of laser industry and academic professionals. Members of the Group are from a variety of laser backgrounds including universities & research centres, and industrial manufacturers, suppliers and subcontractors.
On Wednesday 19th November the Group will host a seminar followed by a tour of the JET fusion facility.
The seminar and tour are open to AILU members and non-members, and would be of interest to those who might like to join this group or would benefit from networking with this enthusiastic and talented pool of individuals.
IMPORTANT: Attendees must bring photo ID.

Programme
10:00 – 10:30 Registration & Refreshments
10:30 – 10:50 Welcome and Introduction to Fusion Energy Research at UKAEA
Chris Peters, UKAEA
10:50 – 11:05 Laser Repair Processes for Remote In-Situ Operations in Future Fusion Power Plants
Sean Roche-Watson, University of Manchester
11:05 – 11:20 Exploring Microstructural Evolution Induced by Dynamic Beam Shaping in Autogenous Laser Beam Welding of AA6082
Reshad Bakhtari , Warwick University
11:20 – 11:35 Commercial Thinking for Technical People: Understanding Value, Not Just Specs
Tom Kerrigan, TLM Laser
11:35 – 11:55 Cutting Edge Laser Processing and Micro-Machining Tools
Mike O’Key, OpTek Systems
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 14:30 Tour
14:30 – 16:00 ECG Members’ Meeting

Tour
Joint European Torus (JET) was the world’s largest and most powerful fusion machine – it operated for over 40 years, setting a series of fusion performance records until closing in late 2023. The project was hosted by UKAEA for labs around Europe and laid the foundation for many of the advances we see in fusion research today.
Now JET is becoming a pioneer in the decommissioning of large fusion facilities. The techniques and knowledge from UKAEA’s JET Decommissioning & Repurposing (JDR) programme will help to develop future fusion plants that are sustainable from both an environmental and financial perspective.
The tour will allow individuals to gain an appreciation of the scale and complexity of this large device and the systems required to operate and maintain it.

Venue
UK Atomic Energy Authority
Culham Campus
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 3DB
Click on the links below for:
Travel details – Visitor-travel-information-UKAEA.pdf
Site map – Site-map-UKAEA.pdf
Tour information – Tour-information-UKAEA.pdf

AILU 2025 Annual Job Shop Business Meeting
2025-11-27 10:00 - 16:00 | TRUMPF, Luton, President Way, Airport Executive Park, Luton, LU2 9NL, United Kingdom
Sponsored by Laser Trader

Introduction
The laser manufacturing sector contains over 150 subcontractors in the UK. If you are a member of this community or in the supply chain, this meeting is for you!
Not a member of AILU? No problem! Non-members are welcome too. Talk to us about special offer tickets for non-members in the laser subcontract industry – especially if you have never experienced this meeting before.
After this event, you will take away vital information which can make a real difference to your business. By mixing with industry peers, the AILU Job Shop Members can benchmark their performance in a number of business areas. This meeting will focus on Carbon Footprint reduction, Cyber Security, Cost of Metals and Scrap, Micromachining, Welding and much more – so that participants have the information to determine the future directions of their business. Plenty of time is set aside in the programme for networking and discussion with delegates and presenters.
As well as the above there will be the usual opportunities to catch up with the latest new technology on the market, the results of the Prime and Scrap Metal Survey and the Open Discussion Forum which allows people to ask any question that may be answered by our panel of experts or participants in the audience.
Programme
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & refreshments
10:00 – 10:05 Welcome & Introduction
Chris Waters (Chair of AILU Job Shop Group)
10:05 – 10:20 Introduction to TRUMPF
Lee Moakes (TRUMPF UK)
10:20 – 10:40 Reducing Carbon and Costs with Real Solutions
Matthew Roberts (Energise)
10:40 – 11:00 Buying Energy in 2026
Liam Conway (Greenfields Energy Group)
11:00 – 11:30 Refreshments
11.30 – 11.50 Drivers and Challenges in the UK Steel Market 2026
Kaye Ayub (MEPS International)
11:50 – 12:10 How Cyber-secure is Your Business?
Paul Crumpton (IASME)
12:10-12:30 Laser & Ultrasonic Welding
Phil Carr (Carrs Welding)
12:30 – 12:40 AILU Prime & Scrap Metal Survey Results
Dave MacLellan (AILU)
12:40 – 13:40 Lunch
13:40 – 14:40 What’s new – short commercial presentations
Short company pitches (10 mins each): Bystronic, Ficep, SS Laser Solutions, Mate Tooling Solutions, World Machinery, TRUMPF
14:40-15:20 Open Discussion Forum
15:20 Close

Directions:
Directions to venue on Google Maps
PLEASE PARK IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING AND ENTER VIA THE MAIN ENTRANCE

AILU Member Event - AMADA Christmas Exhibition 2025
2025-12-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Burbach
Join AMADA on December 2nd–5th for a live, four-day showcase of its advanced machine range. See the latest in Bending, Blanking, Automation, Cutting, Consumables, and Software in action.
Featuring the fully automated EM-ZRTe punching machine with MP-SheetCat and PR-III.

Schedule:
9:30-10:30 Arrival
10:30-12:30 Demonstrations
12:30 Christmas Lunch

For more information contact AMADA
01562 749 500 | info@amada.co.uk

AILU Supported Event: Southern Manufacturing & Electronics
2026-02-03 09:00 - 2026-02-05 17:00 | Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
3–5 February 2026
Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
Connect with the manufacturing community and supply-chain across 3 days at the UK’s leading annual industrial event.
Find out more here https://www.southern-manufacturing-electronics.com/en/

AILU Workshop: Optics & Beam Delivery
2026-02-12 09:00 - 16:00 | MTC, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU, United Kingdom
Sponsored by Laser Trader

Introduction

Chair: Bethan Smith (MTC)
Material processing applications such as cutting, drilling, welding, and surface structuring rely heavily on advanced beam delivery and control to achieve high productivity and consistent quality across metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, and other industrial materials. Innovations in optics for beam shaping, fiber-optic delivery, articulated arms, scanning heads, and welding and cutting heads have played a central role in enabling higher throughput, easier integration, improved reliability, and greater overall efficiency.
This workshop will feature presenters discussing recent developments in optical components, beam-shaping methods, and beam-delivery hardware—including galvo scanning heads, articulated arms, and processing heads for welding and cutting. These insights will be valuable to beam-delivery manufacturers, optics suppliers, system integrators, and end users of laser material processing, as well as researchers working to advance the field.
As well as listening to the presenters, there is plenty of time for networking with the other delegates and a handful of exhibitors. The meeting includes tea/coffee breaks and a buffet lunch.

Programme
9:30 – 10:00 am Registration and Coffee
10:00 – 10:10 Welcome
Bethan Smith, MTC
10:10 – 10:30 Novel Optical Coating Techniques for High Power Laser Material Processing Applications
Samuel Thienel, Laser Components
10:30 – 10:50 Flexible mechanisms for free-space delivery of laser energy
Nick Clark, Alban Laser Systems
10:50 – 11:10 Single-Step AI Control of Coherent Beam Combination for Agile Beam Shaping
Ben Mills, University of Southampton
11.10 – 11.40 Tea & Coffee Break
11:40 – 12:00 A stable beam for a stable process
Fabrice Meier, Cailabs
12:00 – 12:20 Agile Femtosecond Lasers for Precision Multi-Material Manufacturing
Nicolas Valero, Amplitude Laser:
12:20 – 12:40 Innovative hollow core fibre beam delivery solutions for Ultrashort Pulsed Lasers
Benoît Beaudou, GLOphotonics
12.40 – 1.50 pm Lunch, Exhibitors and Networking
1:50 – 2:10 Beam Shaping for Advanced Laser Manufacturing
Andrea Geltrude, PowerPhotonic
2:10 – 2:30 Example applications in laser beam manipulation for micro-structuring of materials
Olivier Allegre, University of Manchester
2:30 – 2:50 Keyhole stabilisation and spatter-free welding with Adjustable Mode Beam fibre lasers
Mustafa Coskun, IPG Photonics
2:50 – 3:20 Tea & Coffee Break
3:20 – 3:40 UK Laser Damage Assessment and IBD Coatings for High-Power Applications
Andrew Ritchie, BRL Laser Damage Ltd.

Venue

Manufacturing Technology Centre
MTC Events
AMTC Building
Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre
Airfield Drive
Ansty Business Park
Coventry
CV7 9JU
What3Words: encodes.backed.balancing
Go to Google Maps

Travelling by car
The MTC in Coventry is located minutes away from Junction 2 of the M6.
Head into the Ansty Business Park through a set of traffic lights. Go straight over the next two roundabouts and then take the first exit at the third roundabout. From here, take the first right for the AMTC Building car park.
Parking at the AMTC building
Located within our beautiful grounds, the parking facilities at our AMTC building in Coventry have 275 complimentary car parking spaces and 10 large disabled parking bays. The parking is secure with barrier control, and we have dedicated EV parking for electric vehicles.
Please only use dedicated car parking when travelling by car. Stopping and parking on the roundabout in front of the venue is prohibited at all times, including for dropping off and picking up. Please be aware that regular law enforcement patrol the area and issue fines in accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Travelling by train
Just 20 minutes from Coventry Railway Station, rail is a popular transport option for our delegates. The X30 bus travels from Coventry railway station to the Ansty Business Park every 20 minutes. Alternatively, there’s a taxi rank situated just outside the station.
Travelling by air
Birmingham Airport is less than a 30-minute drive from Ansty Business Park. If you’d like us to arrange Taxis or Ubers from the airport, please let the MTC know.

Travelling by bus
There’s a dedicated bus service that runs frequently between Ansty Park and the centre of Coventry.
The X30 stops at Pool Meadow Bus Station in Coventry, and travels via Coventry train station.
From the city centre, the bus route follows the main artery roads past the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, before arriving at Ansty Park.

AILU Member Event: LASEA's online webinar for R&D Centres and Universities
2026-03-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Thursday, March 12 at 4:00 PM CET (3:00pm GMT)
This session will present how advanced laser micromachining solutions can address complex industrial and research challenges. The session will showcase how LASEA’s LS-Lab accelerates laser process development with versatility and precision.
LASEA is delighted to host special guest speakers from the CEIT, a leading Spanish research centre, who will share firsthand insights into how they have optimised their laser process development using the LS-Lab and the impact it has had on their research outcomes.
See here for more details
Register here for free

AILU Supported Event - MACH 2026
2026-04-20 09:00 - 2026-04-24 16:00 | NEC Birmingham
Taking place from 20-24 April 2026, MACH will be the event to connect the world of manufacturing technologies and be the destination of choice for companies looking to adopt and invest in the digital revolution.
MACH is a fantastic event for both exhibitors and visitors. Showcasing live, digital production systems in one space, under one roof, hundreds
of millions of pounds worth of business is discussed, secured and completed at the event.
Attracting 26,000 attendees and in excess of 600 exhibitors, MACH is the platform to connect UK manufacturing engineers, decision makers, buyers and specifiers with suppliers of new technology, equipment, services and processes.
MACH is owned and organised by The Manufacturing Technologies Association, the voice for the manufacturing technologies industry, committed to driving innovation, creating value and helping UK manufacturing to thrive.
https://www.machexhibition.com

AILU Half-Day Workshop - Handheld Laser Applications
2026-06-04 09:30 - 12:30 | TWI, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL, United Kingdom
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

The 2026 AGM will follow this workshop, see here.

AILU AGM 2026
2026-06-04 14:30 - 15:30 | TWI, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL, United Kingdom
Thursday 4th June 2026
14:30-15:30
Members only.
Follows AILU’s half-day workshop on Handheld Laser Applications
Venue
TWI
Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge
CB21 6AL

Notice of AGM
Agenda
Minutes of last meeting
AILU accounts to 31.10.2025

AILU Event: Early Careers Group Seminar & Tour
2026-06-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Micrometric, Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 3RX, United Kingdom
Early Careers Group Seminar & Tour
Monday 8th June 2026

Programme to follow

Venue
Micrometric Ltd,
Doddington Road,
Lincoln,
LN6 3RX

AILU Supported Event - PLI Conferences 2026
2026-07-01 07:00 - 2026-07-02 16:00 | Burbach
PLI Conferences will be held from July 1st to 2nd, 2026 at the stade Beaublanc in Limoges (France).
This event is organized by the CLUB LASER & PROCÉDÉS in partnership with ALPHANOV, with support from ALPHA-RLH and the EUROPEAN CERAMIC CLUSTER. This year, collaboration is strengthened with the FRESNEL INSTITUTE for the poster session and with CAILABS for the thematic panel meeting.
PLI Conferences is the unmissable event dedicated to industrial laser processes and their advances. An overview of the latest innovations in the field is presented through a rich program of expert conferences.
The 2025 edition brought together 162 participants and 34 booths, 79% of which were industrial and 23% from foreign countries.
The conference program is organized around thematic sessions and time for discussion between participants. Simultaneous French/English translation will be provided. To eat, you will have access to coffee breaks and a lunch buffet.
The programme is available here and registration is open
Find out more www.clp-laser.fr/event

High Power Laser Applications Workshop
2026-07-02 09:00 - 17:00 | IPG Photonics GmbH, Carl-Benz-Straße 28, Burbach, 57299
** SAVE THE DATE – 2 July 2026 **
Introduction
High power fibre lasers have transformed modern manufacturing — delivering exceptional beam quality, energy efficiency, and reliability across an ever-expanding range of industrial applications. This event brings together leading engineers, researchers, and technology providers to explore what today’s high power fibre laser systems can do, and where they are headed next.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into laser applications spanning cutting, welding, cladding and more. From thin sheet to heavy section, from precision micro-processing to high-throughput production, the full capability of modern fibre laser technology will be on display.
Whether you are looking to adopt fibre laser technology for the first time, scale up existing processes, or stay ahead of the latest developments in beam delivery, system integration, and process optimisation, this showcase offers the connections and knowledge to move your work forward.
AILU is proud to collaborate in this event with IPG Photonics GmbH who are hosting the workshop at their European Customer Centre, in Burbach, Germany. This event is open to all AILU members and non-members who will be able to experience some of the latest developments in high power laser sources and applications.
Tickets are available from IPG and more details will follow shortly as we arrange the programme of speakers and exhibitors. As the event takes place in Germany, all delegates and exhibitors will be invoiced by IPG, the official host of the event.

PROGRAMME AND FURTHER INFORMATION TO FOLLOW

AILU Supported Event - COLA 2026 International Conference on Laser Ablation
2026-09-14 09:00 - 2026-09-18 16:00 | Radisson Blu Hotel, Vilnius
14-18 September 2026, Vilnius, Lithuania
Since 1991, COLA has played a pivotal role in advancing laser ablation technologies and fostering collaborations among researchers and industry experts. COLA2026 is an interdisciplinary conference and the topics cover a wide range of scientific research that bridges the gap between basic science and applications / technology.
The 18th COLA conference will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from September 14-18, 2026, and promises to be an exceptional gathering of laser scientists, end-users, students and industry professionals from around the world.
Find out more at https://www.cola2026.org/

Important Dates

Abstract Submission opens: 12 January 2026
Abstract Submission closes: 31 March 2026
Author notification: 1 June 2026

Conference Topics

• Fundamentals of Laser-Material Interactions
• Emerging Applications of Laser Ablation
• Quantum Electrodynamics in Extreme Laser Fields
• Pulsed Laser Ablation and Deposition
• Laser Ablation in Liquids
• Laser Ablation in Bulk Materials
• Laser-Based Analytical Methods
• Ultrafast Phenomena
• Applications of Laser Materials Processing
• Laser Direct Writing
• Surface Micro/Nano Structuring
• Laser Micro/Nano Machining
• Laser Applications in Biology and Life Sciences
• Lasers in Nanoscience
• Smart Beam Shaping and Manipulation
• Emerging Photon Sources and Applications

AILU Supported Event - LANE 2026
2026-09-21 09:00 - 2026-09-25 16:00 | Burbach
14TH CIRP CONFERENCE ON PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGIES (LANE 2026)
21-25 September 2026

Venue
Heinrich-Lades-Halle Erlangen
Rathausplatz 2
91052 Erlangen
Germany

Contact
info@lane-conference.org
www.lane-conference.org

The Call for Contributions for the LANE 2026 conference is open.
There are two submission lines in LANE 2026:
(A) Scientific contribution (paper & presentation):
Submit your manuscript until 28.02.2026. Please note that there is no preceding abstract phase. Your scientific paper (with a total length of 4 pages) will be reviewed by an international review committee of renowned experts. In case of a positive review result, the paper will be published online as a special issue of Elsevier’s open access journal ‘Procedia CIRP’ and presented live at LANE 2026. Papers published in Procedia CIRP will be available online on ScienceDirect. Procedia CIRP is indexed in the EI Compendex and Scopus databases.
(B) Industrial contribution (presentation only):
Industrial abstract submission deadline is 28.02.2026. Abstracts should consist of about 150 words and must be written in English. Your abstract on your industrial presentation at LANE will be reviewed on its relevance for application. In case of a positive review result, your presentation will be scheduled at LANE 2026.
As the first step on the way to your LANE contribution, please create an account at our conference management system ‘ConfTool’:
https://www.conftool.com/lane-conference-2026
Scientific contributors will receive the paper template in December 2025.

AILU Supported Event - Advanced Engineering 2026
2026-11-04 09:00 - 2026-11-05 17:00 | NEC Birmingham
4-5 November 2026
NEC, Birmingham
Advanced Engineering is the only UK event connecting all industrial ecosystems, driving high-value manufacturing and supply chain solutions.
Here, the brightest minds in design, engineering, and manufacturing come together to solve real-world challenges, accelerate innovation, develop skills, and build a more sustainable future.
From net-zero composites to energy-efficient processes, visit the future of engineering.
Find out more here www.advancedengineeringuk.com

AILU's Industrial Laser Applications Symposium (ILAS) 2027
2027-03-24 08:00 - 2027-03-25 17:00 | Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, CV8 2LD, United Kingdom
ILAS 2027 is a unique 2-day event, attracting international delegates, speakers and exhibitors from around the world to share the latest in laser material processing technology and applications.
Enjoy plenary presentations from renowned international speakers, keynote speakers on a range of topics covering the whole of industrial laser technology, and around 80 high-calibre presentations from industry and academia. On top of this, 30 exhibitors will represent the latest in laser technology and the complete supply chain. Whether you’re a researcher, engineer, business owner, student or technology supplier, the programme is built to inform and inspire across the full breadth of laser applications.
Make new contacts, expand your network, find business or collaboration opportunities, meet potential employers and employees to develop your organisation or career.
2027 marks the tenth Industrial Laser Applications Symposium
It’s where academia meets industry for all things industrial laser related, so don’t miss out.

See the dedicated ILAS 2027 webpage here: https://ilas2027.co.uk
