The Club Laser et Procédés (CLP) highlights the expertise of its members and their commitment to serving the laser industry. As part of our Premium interview series, we give the floor to companies that benefit from the specific advantages linked to Premium status: privileged access to CLP events, priority promotion of their news on the website and social networks, double voting rights at General Assemblies, as well as enhanced networking and communication opportunities.
Today, we meet Julien Granier, Technical Manager at MANUTECH USD, an economic interest group based in Saint-Étienne. He introduces us to his organization’s unique expertise in femtosecond lasers, its recent achievements, and his vision of future trends in the laser sector.
Can you introduce your company and its area of expertise?
“Manutech USD is an Economic Interest Group (EIG) based in Saint-Étienne. It was created more than 10 years ago by its members, some of whom are industrial and others academic, around a unique expertise: the use of femtosecond lasers for surface functionalization or component manufacturing. Our shared technological platform stands at the crossroads of research and industry, supporting technology readiness level (TRL) development. We help companies develop innovative processes while relying on the scientific excellence of our member laboratories.”
What recent innovations or achievements are you most proud of?
“We are particularly proud of having successfully integrated femtosecond laser technology into everyday products, replacing a ‘dirty’ technology with ours in one of the manufacturing steps of items we all have in our kitchens. We have also supported several industrial companies in integrating laser solutions directly into their production lines, demonstrating that femtosecond laser technology is not limited to laboratories.”
How long have you been a member of the Club Laser et Procédés, and what does this membership bring you?
“MANUTECH USD has been a member of the CLP for more than 5 years. This membership allows us to be part of a dynamic national network and gives us strong visibility on a national scale. The CLP also enables us to share our feedback with other members, particularly during the PLI Conferences, giving us access to collaboration opportunities both on national and European projects.”
Why did you choose Premium member status, and what benefits do you gain from it?
“This status gives us increased visibility within the ecosystem and privileged access to certain strategic actions. It allows us to communicate through the different tools provided by the CLP, notably via the ‘News’ section of the website, which is exclusively reserved for Premium members.”
In your opinion, what are the upcoming innovations or trends in the laser sector?
“We see several strong trends emerging:
- The rise of ultrafast (femtosecond) lasers, which will be able to address more industrial challenges.
- Large-scale surface functionalization, with applications in health, mobility, energy, and more.
- The integration of lasers into Industry 4.0, with automated, connected systems optimized by artificial intelligence.
- Sustainable development, with laser processes capable of replacing more polluting chemical or mechanical treatments.”
Through this testimony, Julien Granier perfectly illustrates the key role of Premium members in developing and promoting the laser industry. Their involvement fosters connections between research and industry, stimulates innovation, and strengthens synergies within the CLP network.
Premium status allows companies to benefit from exclusive advantages that increase their visibility and impact within the laser ecosystem.
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