NEWS FROM AILU


Celebrating 25 years of AILU in 2020


By Dave MacLellan, AILU executive director


AILU was founded on 1 November, 1995, with a kick-off event at the National Motorcycle Museum in the UK, so 2020 represents a milestone ‘silver anniversary’ for the association. To celebrate serving the laser material processing community for 25 years, the seventh Industrial Laser Applications Symposium (ILAS) will be held on 20-21 May, in between the regular pattern of holding ILAS every two years. ILAS has become an internationally-


recognised symposium that brings together industry and academia to share information, make new connections, and keep abreast of the latest in laser material processing equipment and applications. This year, the special ILAS takes place at the Daventry Court Hotel in rural Northamptonshire, in the centre of the UK. As well as the usual presentations, exhibition and networking, there will be a celebration dinner on 20 May where some special awards will be presented as we recognise this important milestone.


Looking back and looking forward ILAS 2020 will be an opportunity to look back over 60 years since the laser was first demonstrated, and across 25 years since AILU was formed, at how lasers, applications and markets have developed in that time. In the past quarter of a century lasers have


become cheaper per watt, more efficient, brighter and versatile. Pulses and wavelengths are shorter and new applications have been introduced in which the capabilities of lasers have been enhanced. In additive manufacturing, the process of building parts with laser beams and powder has moved from a novelty application with a lot of promise, to a tool for the rapid manufacturing of bespoke lightweight structures. Four plenary speakers represent


experienced professionals in their field with 28 LASER SYSTEMS EUROPE SPRING 2020 @LASERSYSTEMSMAG | WWW.LASERSYSTEMSEUROPE.COM


different perspectives on lasers material processing. Tatsuaki Furumoto, of Kanazawa University, Japan, will discuss additive manufacturing, Silke Pflueger, from the US, will review the progress of fibre lasers and ultrashort pulsed lasers, Bill O’Neill, from Cambridge University, will be looking at high- precision laser applications, and Dirk Petring, of Fraunhofer ILT, Germany, will review the past milestones and future possibilities of laser cutting.


REGISTER FOR ILAS 2020 NOW


Don’t leave it too late to register for ILAS 2020 on 20/21 May – you can register and pay online, or contact the AILU office for invoicing options. AILU now accepts online payment for credit and debit cards. Hotel accommodation is limited, so reserve a room promptly.


www.ailu.org.uk/events • www.ilas2020.co.uk info@ailu.org.uk • +44 1235 539595


launched as a result of informal conversations at ILAS between delegates over a coffee or beer.


With only a short time left to register, coming


to ILAS in May will offer a rare opportunity to meet with the vast majority of researchers, manufacturers and end-users of laser material processing equipment – all in one place.


ILAS 2020 plenary speakers (from left to right): Tatsuaki Furumoto, Silke Pflueger, Bill O’Neill and Dirk Petring


The unique flavour of ILAS At ILAS in particular (and AILU in general), attendees represent an equal mixture of industry and academia, which enriches both communities significantly. Industry delegates get to see the latest topics of research and find partners to collaborate with, on areas of mutual interest. Academic delegates gain knowledge of industry needs and challenges and find practical applications that need to be addressed through applied research, as well as sources of funding and resources to undertake the work required. Many a project has been


Exhibition and poster presention A major part of ILAS is the exhibition at the heart of the event, where around 30 organisations have table-tops to present their products and services. The exhibition is co-located with the refreshment stations and lunch, so there is always a very lively buzz of conversation and networking during both days. If you are interested to exhibit at ILAS 2020 there are still some tables unallocated. Another networking opportunity is the poster


presentation with a drinks reception on the evening of the first day. Posters are assessed and there is £75 for the poster judged to be the best. There are still opportunities to submit abstracts for posters, make sure to apply to the AILU office by the end of March. The layout of sessions for ILAS is below.


The programme layout for ILAS 2020


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