One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions will be hosting a Laser Welding and Laser Cleaning Workshop
on Tuesday 11 March 2025 at The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.
ahead of Africa’s Inaugural Root Cause Analysis Conference
Laser Welding & Laser Cleaning Workshop Itinerary
| Time | Session | Speaker |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Welcome & opening remarks | Dr Janet Cotton Pr.Eng |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Presentation: Laser welding: Principles, practice, benefits, and risks across various materials, geometries, and filler materials | John-Owen Welgemoed |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Tea break & networking in exhibit hall | |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | The meaning and use of ISO 15614-11 for the development of laser welding WPS and WPQRs for various materials and filler combinations | Robert Lawrence |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Laser Welding and Stainless Steel – Game changing Technology Michel Basson SASSDA | Michel Basson |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | SAIW and training Industry for Laser Welding | Confidence Lekoane |
| 12:00 – 12:30 | Panel Discussion with Q & A Session | |
| 12:30 – 13:15 | Lunch & Networking in Exhibit Hall | |
| 13:15 – 14:00 | Laser cleaning: practical examples of applications in the industry | Dirk Uys |
| 14:00 – 14:30 | Nitrogen generation for laser welding and laser cleaning | Tom Sowry |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Travel to One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions | |
| 15:00 – 17:00 | Live demonstrations at One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions | |
| – Laser welding demo | ||
| – Laser cleaning demo | ||
| – Nitrogen generation demo | ||
| – Additional demos to be announced | ||
| 17:00 | Grand Opening of One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions’ new offices and laboratories – all invited |
Cost of workshop:
R3 500 excl VAT
Speaker Bios
Robert Lawrence
International Welding Expert
Robert Lawrence is an industry-leading welding expert, specialising in welding safety, consulting, and risk auditing. His vast experience has shaped industry best practices, ensuring weld integrity, quality, and compliance across multiple sectors. With a deep understanding of welding processes and materials selection, Robert has contributed to the development of industry standards and advanced welding methodologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and performance.
Tom Sowry
Managing Director, Nitralife Southern Africa
Tom Sowry is the Managing Director of Nitralife Southern Africa, a leading manufacturer of custom nitrogen gas generators for applications such as laser cutting and laser welding. With over 28 years of experience in the gas industry, Tom started his career at Air Liquide before joining Nitralife in 1999. His expertise in on-site nitrogen generation has revolutionised efficiency in industrial processes, reducing costs and increasing productivity. He has worked extensively with manufacturing and engineering industries, helping companies improve precision and operational reliability through innovative nitrogen solutions.
John-Owen Welgemoed
Business Development Manager, Factory Smart
John-Owen Welgemoed is a leading advocate for laser welding technology and its transformative impact on manufacturing and fabrication. As Key Accounts Manager at Factory Smart, he is dedicated to equipping industries with cutting-edge laser welding solutions that enhance efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
With a deep understanding of advanced welding technologies, John-Owen is actively involved in promoting laser welding as an accessible and innovative alternative to conventional welding methods. He has been instrumental in collaborating with industry experts, training institutions, and manufacturers to drive the adoption of this technology across various sectors.
Dirk Uys
Laser Cleaning Specialsist, UTM Processing
Dirk Uys is an expert in laser cleaning technology, specialising in non-abrasive surface cleaning solutions for industrial applications. Based at UTM Processing in Somerset West, Cape Town, Dirk has extensive hands-on experience in the practical benefits and real-world implementation of laser cleaning for rust removal, surface preparation, and material preservation.
In his session, Practical Experience on the Advantages and Applications of Laser Cleaning: A Real-World Perspective, Dirk will explore how laser technology enhances efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cleaning methods.
Confidence Lekoane
Acting Executive Director, SAIW
Confidence Lekoane is a qualified Welding Technologist, Welding Metallurgist, and NDT specialist, currently serving as the Acting Executive Director at the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW). With extensive experience in developing and reviewing welding procedure specifications and qualifying welders, Confidence plays a key role in advancing industry standards and promoting excellence in welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) practices. Her expertise ensures the implementation of best practices in welding technology, metallurgy, and quality assurance across various sectors.
Michel Basson
Executive Director, SASSDA
Michel Basson is the Executive Director of the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA), leading the organisation’s efforts to promote innovation, sustainability, and growth in the stainless steel industry. Based in Paarl, Michel is passionate about advancing new technologies, fostering industry development, and supporting the next generation of leaders through training and mentorship. His commitment to the sector ensures that stainless steel remains a key driver of industrial progress in Southern Africa
Dr Janet Cotton
Founder & Director, One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions
Dr Janet Cotton is a renowned metallurgical engineer and expert in root cause failure analysis, with over 22 years of experience leading complex investigations across industries. As the founder of One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions, she has played a pivotal role in advancing materials engineering, failure analysis, and litigation support in Africa. Dr Cotton has worked extensively with global industries, applying cutting-edge materials science and forensic engineering to solve complex technical challenges
More about Laser Welding and Laser Cleaning
Laser Welding
Attending a laser welding workshop can offer numerous benefits for professionals involved in manufacturing, engineering, or fabrication. Here are some key reasons to attend:
- Advanced Knowledge and Skills
- Cutting-Edge Techniques: Learn about the latest advancements in laser welding technology and techniques.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain practical, hands-on experience with laser welding equipment and processes.
- Improved Welding Quality
- Precision and Accuracy: Discover how laser welding provides high precision and control, leading to better weld quality and reduced defects.
- Material Compatibility: Understand how laser welding can be used effectively on a variety of materials, including metals and alloys.
- Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency
- Faster Processing: Learn how laser welding can increase processing speed and reduce cycle times compared to traditional welding methods.
- Automation and Integration: Explore how laser welding can be integrated into automated systems for greater efficiency.
- Cost Savings
- Reduced Material Waste: Understand how the precision of laser welding can minimize material waste and lower overall costs.
- Lower Energy Consumption: Learn about the energy efficiency of laser welding compared to other welding methods.
- Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
- Common Issues: Gain insights into common challenges and problems in laser welding and how to address them effectively.
- Troubleshooting Techniques: Develop skills to troubleshoot and resolve issues that may arise during the welding process.
- Innovation and Application
- New Applications: Discover new and emerging applications for laser welding in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
- Innovative Solutions: Learn about innovative solutions and practices that can be applied to improve welding processes in your organization.
- Networking Opportunities
- Industry Experts: Connect with industry experts, instructors, and peers to exchange knowledge and experiences.
- Professional Growth: Build valuable relationships and expand your professional network within the welding and materials engineering communities.
- Staying Competitive
- Industry Trends: Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in laser welding technology.
- Competitive Edge: Enhance your skills and knowledge to stay competitive in the industry and apply cutting-edge techniques in your work.
- Certification and Recognition
- Professional Development: Obtain certification or recognition for completing the workshop, which can enhance your professional credentials.
- Career Advancement: Use the skills and knowledge gained to advance your career and take on more complex welding projects.
- Enhanced Safety
- Safety Protocols: Learn about best practices and safety protocols specific to laser welding, which can help ensure a safer working environment.
Attending a laser welding workshop can significantly benefit professionals by providing them with advanced skills, improving process efficiency, and keeping them informed about the latest technology and industry trends.
Laser Cleaning
Laser cleaning is a non-contact process that uses laser irradiation to remove contaminants, coatings, or residues from the surface of a material. This technology offers a precise and controlled method of cleaning, making it suitable for a variety of applications across different industries. Here’s how it works and its key features:
How Laser Cleaning Works:
- Laser Beam Generation: A laser source generates a high-intensity beam of light.
- Surface Interaction: The laser beam is directed onto the surface to be cleaned. The energy from the laser interacts with the contaminants or coatings.
- Absorption and Vaporization: The contaminants absorb the laser energy, causing them to heat up and vaporize or sublimate (transition directly from solid to gas).
- Removal of Particles: The vaporized contaminants are then blown away by an assisting gas or vacuum system, leaving the underlying material clean.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Precision: Laser cleaning can be finely controlled, allowing for the removal of specific layers of contaminants without damaging the underlying substrate.
- Non-Abrasive: Unlike mechanical cleaning methods, laser cleaning does not involve physical contact, reducing the risk of wear and tear on the material.
- Environmentally Friendly: It typically does not require chemicals or solvents, making it an eco-friendly cleaning option.
- Versatility: Effective on a wide range of materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites.
- Efficiency: Can be automated for large-scale cleaning processes, improving productivity and consistency.
Applications:
- Industrial Cleaning: Removal of rust, paint, and other coatings from metal surfaces in manufacturing and maintenance.
- Cultural Heritage Conservation: Cleaning and restoration of artifacts, sculptures, and historical buildings without damaging the original material.
- Surface Preparation: Preparing surfaces for processes like welding, bonding, or coating by removing contaminants that could affect adhesion.
- Precision Cleaning: Cleaning delicate components in electronics, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing where precision is crucial.
Advantages Over Traditional Methods:
- Reduced Waste: Minimal production of secondary waste compared to abrasive or chemical cleaning methods.
- Lower Operational Costs: Reduced need for consumables such as chemicals and abrasives.
- Safety: Lower risk of chemical exposure for workers and reduced environmental hazards.
Laser cleaning is a versatile and efficient technology, offering significant advantages for various industrial and conservation applications.