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 Union’s HORIZON Europe program. Gathering leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals, the event highlighted breakthroughs in dynamic beam shaping technology and digital technologies, paving the way for next-generation manufacturing solutions.
The Lasers4MaaS (Lasers-as-a-Service) project is designed to accelerate the adoption of dynamic beam shaping in smart, decentralized, and sustainable manufacturing. By leveraging Dynamic Beam Lasers, the initiative aims to transform industrial laser applications, improving efficiency, precision, and adaptability across multiple sectors, including automotive, aerospace, food packaging and renewable energy.
As the kickoff event for Lasers4MaaS, this workshop set the foundation for collaborative research, industry engagement, and technological innovation in the field of high-power laser welding.
Key Presentations and Insights
The event, chaired by Pasquale Franciosa (Lasers4MaaS’s coordinator at WMG), featured a lineup of industry experts and researchers, presenting cutting-edge advancements in laser beam shaping, AI integration, and real-world applications:
Simon Webb (WMG HVM Catapult): Supporting UK Advanced Manufacturing – Exploring the role of laser technology in enhancing UK manufacturing capabilities.
Mark Thompson (Photonics Express): UK Laser Welding Market – Insights into market trends, technological advancements, and industry growth.
Ruben Cesana (Civan Lasers): Overview of Civan Lasers and Dynamic Beam Shaping – Presenting next-generation dynamic beam lasers and their impact on high-precision industrial applications.
Volkher Onuseit (IFSW): Potentials of Beam Shaping Strategies and Machine Learning in Laser Welding – Highlighting how AI and machine learning optimize laser welding for superior quality and efficiency.
Aleksey Kovalevsky (Israel Institute of Metals): Laser Welding with Dynamic Beam Shape Technology – Case Studies on Aluminium Alloys – Demonstrating the advantages of dynamic beam shaping for complex welding applications.
Simone Peli (Castellini): Welding of Thick Sections with Pure Dynamic Beam Laser – Showcasing deep penetration welding techniques using high-power dynamic beam control.
Domenico Stocchi (ECOR International): Research in Welding and Digital Technologies for Product Diversification – Discussing digital transformation in laser welding and its implications for manufacturing efficiency.
Live Demonstrations and Hands-On Learning
A highlight of the workshop was the live demonstration of the dynamic beam laser, showcasing its real-time beam shaping capabilities. Attendees also participated in a guided tour of the new Advanced Laser Welding with Dynamic Beam Shaping Lab at WMG - the first of its kind in the UK.
Looking Ahead
The Lasers4MaaS project aims to bridge the gap between research and industrial adoption, ensuring that these innovations translate into tangible benefits for manufacturers worldwide.
The Lasers4MaaS initiative will continue to foster collaboration between industry leaders, research institutions, and technology developers, driving forward a new era of smart, data-driven laser manufacturing. This kickoff workshop has set a strong foundation for ongoing research, industrial partnerships, and future breakthroughs in high-power laser processing.