Research on the theory and key technology of laser processing and system optimisation for low carbon manufacturing (LASER-BEAMS)

Completed

Energy Efficiency(Industry)

Basic and strategic applied research

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr P Mativenga
Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
University of Manchester

Standard

EPSRC

01 April 2019

31 December 2022

45 months

£812,910

Manufacturing

North West

Energy : Energy

Dr P Mativenga, Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester

Dr L C R Jones, Wolfson Sch of Mech, Elec & Manufac En, Loughborough University
Professor L Li, Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester
Dr Z Liu, Materials, University of Manchester
Professor JR Tyrer, Sch of Mechanical and Manufacturing Eng, Loughborough University
Dr E Woolley, Sch of Mechanical and Manufacturing Eng, Loughborough University

Project Contact, Laser Optical Engineering Ltd
Project Contact, Advanced Laser Technology Ltd
Project Contact, Teer Coatings Ltd

Laser based processing technologies have great potential to bring new innovations to manufacturing while at the same time disrupting traditional energy and carbon intensive processes. Lasers enable selective processing and unique but complex material energy beam interactions. However, there is currently a limited understanding of the energy intensity and carbon emissions associated with the use of lasers in manufacturing. New knowledge, understanding, process models and resource metrics, and industry case studies are urgently needed to optimise laser materials processing technologies for low carbon manufacturing. This project brings together leading groups from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and Chongqing University (CQU) in China, and The University of Manchester and Loughborough University in the UK, to co-create the scientific base and technologies for low carbon manufacturing with lasers. The proposal has a focus on laser cleaning and welding reflecting areas that are distinctive in the UK and China and have the greatest potential for bringing new innovations to growing areas of industry as well as greater potential for impact on low carbon manufacturing

19/08/19