New partnership brings in-house laser expertise to Modular Automation

Citation

(2006), "New partnership brings in-house laser expertise to Modular Automation", Sensor Review, Vol. 26 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2006.08726aab.006

New partnership brings in-house laser expertise to Modular Automation

New partnership brings in-house laser expertise to Modular Automation

Keywords: Lasers, Automation

Warwick Laser Systems Ltd has joined forces with assembly equipment manufacturer Modular Automation in what is described by Modular as a major boost to its manufacturing operations. The new equity partnership means that Modular now has in-house expertise in this highly specialised field and will no longer have to rely on advice from its suppliers when developing new laser applications. Engineers from Warwick Laser Systems will be based at Modular's Birmingham factory and will work side by side with the design team (Plate 2).

With over 25 years experience in laser technology Warwick Laser Systems is acknowledged as one of the world's leading authorities in the application of laser systems in industry.

Plate 2 Warwick Laser Systems has joined forces with Modular Automation

The company's application laboratory based at the University of Warwick has access to a range of lasers with which to carryout its development work. Warwick Laser's Managing Director Richard Icke said: “We have over 1 million pounds worth of lasers at our disposal from a variety of manufacturers. This means we can experiment using different types of equipment and demonstrate to the customer that the process we have developed works, right here in the lab.”

Although there are many roles for lasers in production technology, a particular area of expertise likely to be employed by Modular is the welding of plastic materials. The laser welding techniques developed at Warwick offer a number of advantages over more traditional methods, such as hot plate, vibration and ultrasonic welding.

“The whole team at Modular is delighted to have Warwick Laser Systems as our new housemate,” said Modular's managing director Trevor Dixon. “Developing laser applications is always a challenge, partly because of the difficulty of providing suitable test equipment. This new partnership will bring a lot of benefits to both companies and will allow Modular Automation to take the industry lead in laser technology.”

Modular Automation International supplies a range of bespoke and standard products, including the advanced easy-link conveyor and the new MAC all purpose assembly machines for use throughout the industrial, medical, pharmaceutical and food and drink manufacturing industry.

All business enquiries to: Mark Hendry, Modular Automation International Ltd, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HJ. Tel: 0121 766 7979; Fax: 0121 766 6385; E-mail: hendry@modular.co.uk; web site: www.modular.co.uk