RENISHAW ENCODERS DELIVER LASER PRECISION AT WATT LASER
Founded in 2020, Watt Laser is a Glasgow-based UK engineering company specialising in high-precision laser systems. The company was born from the vision of a highly experienced laser expert who, after leaving his previous role, wanted to produce innovative surface engineering machines using ultra-short pulse lasers. Starting with just three people, Watt Laser has grown into a dynamic team with a strong emphasis on innovation and agility.
Background
Watt Laser’ s core mission is to transform highprecision manufacturing by replacing traditional chemical and mechanical processes with cleaner, more efficient laser-based solutions. Its systems are used across sectors including electronics, semiconductor packaging, automotive( including Formula 1), MedTech, and energy. The company’ s culture is built around empowering young engineers, fostering creativity, and maintaining a startup-like agility even as the company grows.
Central to Watt Laser’ s success is a commitment to precision. Its machines operate at micron and submicron levels, where even the smallest deviation can lead to significant downstream failures. To achieve this level of accuracy and repeatability, Watt Laser relies on Renishaw’ s encoder technologies, particularly the ATOM™ encoder series and the ADTpro-100 Advanced Diagnostic Tool.
Challenge
Watt Laser’ s engineering challenges are rooted in the extreme precision required by its customers. Whether manufacturing surface-mount technology( SMT) stencils for circuit boards or welding multi-layer stencil structures, the tolerances are unforgiving.
As Declan Brannagan, Operations Manager at Watt Laser, explains:“ In the SMT stencil industry, they cut holes and if that hole is out of position by the width of a human hair, the process falls apart. iPhones don’ t get made; smartwatches don’ t get made.”
26 MACHINERY, AUTOMATION, CONTROL & ENGINEERING