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INTERREG IIIA
Transfer of Laser and Optical Technology to Industry
The National Centre for Laser Applications, in partnership with the
Welsh Development Agency (WDA ) has just launched a major programme of
photonic technology transfer targeting the South and Eastern regions of
Ireland and West Wales. The project aims to provide companies with an
introduction to laser technology and a low-risk assessment of laser
process viability in their manufacturing operations. This project
builds on a number of highly successful projects and initiatives in
technology transfer including projects with Laser Ouest in France and
ISQ in Portugal.
Laser technology is successfully employed in a
large number of industries in a range of applications, from drilling
and cutting of engineering materials, to marking and welding of
advanced polymers. Lasers are a key enabling technology in the
automation of high precision industrial processes. Many Irish
companies, both indigenous and multi-national, benefit significantly
from the improved product quality, greater efficiency, and higher
throughput, which laser tooling can provide.
The technology transfer programme provides an
opportunity for participating companies to:
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Identify
areas in which laser technology could improve existing processes
or enable new products and processes in their production lines.
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Obtain
training for personnel in laser technology at a day-long workshop
featuring seminars and demonstrations.
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See
demonstrations of a number of key laser technologies in action.
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Have
laboratory-based laser trials carried out on their materials at
the NCLA’s comprehensive facility.
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Have
an expert techno- economic appraisal of the potential applications
for laser-based processes in their manufacturing operations.
The programme is part financed by the ERDF via
the Interreg IIIA programme and will provide subsidised access to the
programme. The programme will provide participating companies with an
on-site visit and consultation on production processes as well as a
number of days of laboratory-based feasibility trials on specific
manufacturing processes. Seminar topics will be tailored to the needs
of the participating companies, and full notes will accompany the
course. Lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments will be provided on the day.
The programme also provides access to experts in
lasers and optical technologies in research laboratories in Wales.
A project recruitment and information phase is
ongoing, but any interested companies should contact the NCLA at any
time to discuss how laser processes could help their company, and
whether they are eligible to avail of this opportunity. |
