Fiber lasers are having a profound impact on manufacturing. The Future Photonics Hub at the University of Southampton is developing new technologies that will be used in the digital manufacturing era. The unique properties of these novel lasers are resulting in a 30 percent increase in speed, using half the power.

High- fiber laser technology boasts many unique features that set it apart from other other technologies and could be the key to making manufacturing more efficient and sustainable—potentially resulting in a reduction of two hundred thousand tons of CO2 per year. High-power fiber lasers are now routinely produced around the world and widely used in the most advanced production lines for cutting, welding and 3D printing.

Professor Michalis Zervas, Head of the Advanced Laser Lab at the hub explains shares his expertise on the environmental benefits of fiber technology and its potential as the industry enters the digital manufacturing era.

Credit: University of Southampton