PowerPhotonic’s lead engineer, Dr. Alex Griffiths, has won the 2025 prestigious, Innovation Award (Individual) from the Association of Industrial Laser Users (AILU), as announced on 26th March 2025 at this year’s AILU Industrial Laser Applications Symposium (ILAS). The award is for his invention of the company’s new ‘Tailshaper’ beam shaping product; a refractive, freeform optic that enhances laser welding processes. When applied to the welding of electric vehicle battery packs, the structural integrity and safety of lithium ion batteries is improved, making it safer for drivers and passengers.
During ILAS, Alex also presented his paper about the Tailshaper, entitled, “Asymmetric Beam Shapes for Improving Laser Welding Performance,”which was well received. This examined the advantages of laser welding over resistance, arc or ultrasonic methods in terms of speed, precision and reduction of unwanted heat transfer. It also considered challenges, such as accuracy, functional performance and aesthetics; critical in reducing post-weld finishing.
Alex Griffiths explains, “Beam shaping enables tailored laser spot geometry, creating beam profiles which pre-heat and cool metal on either side of the weld spot. Results with Aluminium AA 6082, the aluminium most commonly used in the automotive industry, showed that weld quality improves, and many common weld faults are avoided. Independent testing by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), an innovation centre of the Innovate UK Catapult Network , verified the improvements and performance benefits.”
The innovation award was presented to Alex at the ILAS Symposium Dinner on 26th March.
For more information on the ILAS conference here
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