Lasers are a crucial component of modern manufacturing, with the global laser processing market projected to grow from $4bn (£2.8bn) in 2020 to $5.8bn (£4.1bn) by 2025 (according to a 2020 report from MarketsandMarkets). Lasers are used widely by industry to produce precise incisions and mould materials into specific shapes.
However, this approach to laser-based manufacturing depends on melting or vaporising the material, which means the laser’s energy must be focused on the right points. The standard laser beam shape makes it difficult to tailor this for specific manufacturing processes, decreasing efficiency and limiting what can be made.
The 3D laser innovation could transform the manufacturing and healthcare technology industries, making it easier and cheaper to produce products that require highly-precise manufacturing, such as medical equipment and mobile devices.
The funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, part of...