POWERLASE boosts its research capacity

Posted on 31 Jan 2008 by The Manufacturer

POWERLASE, winner of the Design & Innovation Award at The Manufacturer LIVE 2007, has announced a new research partnership with the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI).

As part of the new partnership agreement, POWERLASE will work with leading academics from the National Centre for Laser Applications (NCLA) to develop novel techniques for laser materials processing
The NCLA was founded in Galway in the West of Ireland in 1989 and champions the use of lasers in Irish manufacturing industry. The Centre works with companies in a wide range of sectors including medical devices, electronics, precision engineering and aerospace. POWERLASE is partnering with the NCLA to improve wider industry understanding of techniques in materials processing.
This agreement is the latest in a series of global research initiatives from POWERLASE as it aims to take advantage of its world leading laser technology by working with the world’s finest research institutes.
POWERLASE’s successful research collaborations include groundbreaking work in EUV Lithography at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and University College Dublin (UCD), and the study of thin film patterning for Flat Panel Display (FPD) manufacture at Osaka University.
Matt Henry, Head of Applications Engineering at POWERLASE comments: “The NCLA is a renowned centre of excellence in laser technology. Its commitment to providing real-world industrial solutions for the Irish manufacturing industry is well-documented. Our innovative development work with leading academic institutes such as the NUI ensures that we continue to stay at the forefront of research in the laser industry. Ultimately, it is helping provide our customers with innovative techniques which will meet their needs, both now and in the future.”
Alan Conneely, Centre Manager at the NCLA, comments: “The importance of a strong R&D base to Irish manufacturing industry has never been more critical. NCLA continues to help Irish industry to innovate new products and processes using laser technology. This partnership with POWERLASE acknowledges the considerable reputation NCLA has established within the manufacturing community and underpins our ongoing efforts to bring the benefits of laser-based manufacturing to as wide an industrial base as possible.”