Lasers in manufacturing: a review of technologies and applications

Purpose - This paper aims to provide details of the role that lasers play in manufacturing processes. Design/methodology/approach - Following an introduction, this paper first considers laser technologies used in welding, cutting and drilling. Techniques which add material or modify material's properties, namely, pulsed laser deposition, laser cladding, heat treatment and laser peening are then discussed. A number of specific applications are cited and finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings - This paper shows that many laser-based processes are used to conduct a range of critical functions in the automotive, electronics, aerospace, power generation, medical and other industries. Originality/value - This paper illustrates the importance of lasers in a diversity of manufacturing processes.