Together, the partners will build a substantial body of experience in the use of the new technique, as well as a significant volume of test data. A central objective of the project is to document this experience, and to disseminate it in the scientific literature and at medical conferences ahead of a massive distribution effort. Professor Nilsson predicts that the first take-up will be for the testing of skin cream, and to replace conventional patch testing for allergies. Based in a region once dominated by large car-makers, a British IRC has joined with other Centres active in the automotive sector to help small component suppliers reach markets in the car assembly plants of mainland Europe. The transfer of a new laser welding technology exemplifies the transnational impact of the IRC Thematic Groups.
Laser welding is fast, and produces results of consistently high quality.
But the equipment is expensive and the technique requires careful joint preparation and alignment, adding significantly to process costs. PALW's ability to reduce the costs of high volume sheet metal welding makes it especially attractive to the car industry. We arranged some of the novelty verification work, and helped them to prepare and submit both British and international patent applications. Then we needed to find partners to manufacture the new laser heads, and end-users willing to licence the technology. A new engineering company was set up to build the equipment in the UK, and the IRC negotiated a technology transfer agreement with a German manufacturer, which is producing the laser components.