The market for laser welding equipment is expected to grow by 5 percent per year through 2011, as laser-welding technologies are developed for new applications, according to a recent market study.

The uses of laser welding techniques are expected to grow beyond the automotive market, the current primary market for the technology today.

"Research into new technologies for novel applications is adding to market momentum," a market study from the Frost & Sullivan market research firm said. The study is available at www.industrialautomation.frost.com

It says new applications are being found for laser welding in the auto industry, and those developments are helping to extend the use of the technology to new areas. Additionally, developments and improvements in laser sources, beam delivery and work handling are combining to make the uses of lasers easier for a wider number of welding applications, the study said.

The study cited heavy industrial manufacturing, especially steel production and railways, shipbuilding, and light industrial manufacturing as the areas in which significant use of laser welding will increase over the next five years.