Cutting waste, not corners – how advanced lasers are shaping eco-friendly manufacturing

A new generation of lasers using ultrashort bursts of light is showing great potential for the sustainable manufacturing of precision parts.

By Gareth Willmer

German mechanical engineer and research manager Martin Osbild is a fan of avoiding waste. At home, he would far sooner repair than replace broken household items – from washing machines to food blenders and bicycles. At work, the same environmental principles are high on his agenda.