Laser material-processing research pioneer inducted as an Honorary Fellow of the Institution

Professor William Steen was inducted as an Honorary Fellow of the Institution at the Ordinary Meeting held at the Institution on 1 November 2017.

Professor William Steen founded the world’s first laser material-processing research group at Imperial College in 1968 and pioneered scientific research in this field. This developed into a major manufacturing field including laser cutting, drilling, welding, surface hardening, surface cladding, material surface modification and additive manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing). He is commonly referred to as the ‘Father of Laser Materials Processing’ within the laser processing community.

Professor Steen invented the process of laser chemical vapour deposition. The process is now widely used worldwide for thin film deposition, and the production of nano-materials.

Professor Steen invented and patented laser arc hybrid welding in 1975. The technology is now used in many industrial sectors worldwide, generating £millions for the economy.

He and his research group invented the process of blown powder laser cladding in 1983, a process that is now used worldwide for component repairs, and surface modifications.

They also invented the laser direct casting process, i.e. additive manufacturing of 3D metal components in 1997. The process is the foundation of laser additive manufacturing for metallic materials – commonly known as 3D printing.

Professor Steen pioneered methods for measuring high power laser beam characteristics by scanning metallic wires in 1982, an instrument known as the Laser Beam Analyser (LBA) that has been successfully commercialised.

He co-founded the Association of Industrial Laser Users (AILU) and was its president for the first eight years. The Association has played a very important role in driving the innovations in laser processing technologies and industrial take-ups in the UK.

Professor Steen’s book “Laser Material Processing” is the first textbook on the subject and has been the “Bible” for students, researchers and engineers learning laser material processing and has inspired many generations of researchers and engineers in the field.

He has over 280 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences and 15 patents.