Laser Based Manufacturing

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of lasers as tools for advanced manufacturing, including laser cutting, drilling, welding, surface treatment, marking, laser-assisted additive manufacturing, microprocessing, nanoprocessing, modeling and optimization, machining and fabrication, along with case studies. The chapters provide a clear description of main topics with recent developments and advanced information.

• Provides the recent research and development in the field of laser based manufacturing
• Covers innovation in laser development technology, process mechanism, development of variants, and machine tools
• Discusses sustainability interventions in laser manufacturing and intelligent modeling and optimization of laser based processes
• Includes laser-based measurement and characterization of laser processed materials
• Covers laser for surface engineering, laser based additive manufacturing, and laser machining

This book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in manufacturing and materials engineering, as well as laser technologies.

Juan Pou is Full Professor of Applied Physics at the University of Vigo and expert in laser materials processing and laser-based additive manufacturing. He began working with laser technologies in the mid-1980s and played a key role in establishing one of the largest laser materials processing research groups in Spain, which he currently leads. His research spans laser macro-, micro- and nano-fabrication, including laser-assisted additive manufacturing of advanced metallic, ceramic, and glass materials. He has supervised numerous doctoral theses and authored over 200 scientific publications in high-impact international journals. He is co-editor of international books and co-inventor of more than 30 national and international patents. He has also held major academic leadership roles and carried out research stays at leading institutions in Europe and the United States. He is ranked among the world’s top 2% most cited scientists according to the Stanford University ranking.

Fernando Lusquiños is Full Professor of Applied Physics at the University of Vigo, where he has developed his research career in laser-based materials processing since the mid-1990s. He learned the fundamentals of laser cladding technique with Professor Bill Steen at the University of Liverpool. He has made significant contributions to laser cladding, surface modification, and production of bioactive coatings for implants. He has participated in numerous national and European research projects and has led multiple industry-funded research contracts. Author of over 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications and co-author of more than 20 patents, he has supervised several doctoral theses. He is recognized among the world’s top 2% most cited scientists according to the Stanford University ranking.

Mohamed Boutinguiza is Full professor at the Applied Physics department, School of Engineering of the University of Vigo. His research career began in 1996, specializing in laser processing of materials. His expertise spans laser cutting, drilling and surface modification. In recent years, his work has focused on laser-assisted production of nanoparticles. He has carried out research stays at several international institutions (such as University of Liverpoo (UK), University of Aveiro (Portugal), Institute of Microelectronics and Microsystems, CNR (Italy), CNRS, ICERLYON (France)). He has participated in numerous national and European R&D. Author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications and holder of multiple patents, he is ranked among the world’s top 2% most cited scientists according to the Stanford University ranking.

Félix Quintero Martínez is an Associate Professor at the University of Vigo, where he conducts research in laser processing of materials, with a particular focus on ceramics and glasses. He holds a PhD in Applied Physics and a degree in Mechanical Industrial Engineering from the University of Vigo. His doctoral research on laser cutting of advanced ceramics received both the Extraordinary Doctorate Award from the University of Vigo and national recognition. He has carried out international research stays as a Marie Curie fellow, including work at Rutgers University, as well as visiting positions at Imperial College London and the University of Minho. He is co-inventor of the Laser Spinning technique and the Cofiblas process for the continuous production of glass nanofibers. Author of over 130 peer-reviewed publications and co-inventor of multiple national and international patents, his current research focuses on high-performance glass nanofibers for structural, biomedical, and optoelectronic applications.

Antonio Riveiro Rodríguez is an Associate Professor at the Department of Materials Engineering, Applied Mechanics and Construction, School of Engineering, University of Vigo. His research focuses on laser macro- and microprocessing, including laser cutting, laser surface microtexturing, and the synthesis of nanomaterials for biomedical and functional applications. He has carried out research stays at leading international institutions, including the University of Manchester (School of Materials), Imperial College London (Department of Materials) and University of Minho (3B’s Research Group in Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics). Author of more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and co-inventor of multiple national and international patents, he has also co-edited a major handbook on additive manufacturing. He is recognized among the world’s top 2% most cited scientists according to the Stanford University ranking.

Rafael Comesaña is an Associate Professor at the Department of Materials Engineering, Applied Mechanics and Construction, School of Engineering, University of Vigo, with expertise in laser processing, additive manufacturing, and biomaterials engineering. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and a PhD focused on laser-based rapid prototyping for functional bone implants, awarded with the European Doctoral Award by the European Society for Biomaterials. His research integrates laser additive manufacturing of glasses and ceramics, mechanical testing, and structural integrity. He has led and participated in numerous innovation and technology transfer projects with multinational companies and is co-inventor of multiple national, European, and PCT patents. He currently co-coordinates the European Innovation Council Pathfinder project EVERGLASS, with a strong emphasis on early-stage results exploitation. Author of over 120 peer-reviewed publications and editor of an international book, his work bridges fundamental research and industrial application in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Jesús del Val is Assistant Professor at the Defense University Center, Marin, Spain. He holds a PhD in Advanced Industrial Technologies and a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Vigo. His research focuses on laser surface modification, nanoparticle synthesis, and additive manufacturing. He has carried out research stays at leading international institutions, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Imperial College London and Columbia University (New York). He has received several international recognitions for his contributions in the development of advanced laser-based manufacturing processes.