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Our Goal

We specialise in the design, development, and manufacturing of custom industrial lasers and laser-based processes tailored to your needs.

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With over 60 years of expertise in industrial laser technology and applications, we create bespoke and serial production machines capable of cutting, marking, welding, drilling, or illuminating virtually any material.

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Our mission is to provide innovative laser solutions that enhance precision, efficiency, and versatility across industries. Let us help you bring your vision to light.

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Specialising in laser beam delivery systems including galvo beam steering, beam profile modification, and integration with production equipment and motion systems, Dovecote can design and provide high-speed processing solutions which optimise both quality and throughout.

 

Our extensive experience in designing and building safe laser enclosures and production cells combined with our laser safety assessment expertise can provide you with advice to build your ideal laser process environment, as well as provide the necessary documentation and procedures to ensure compliance with the Machinery Regulation and CE/UKCA marking requirements.

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Neal Croxford

With over three decades of experience in laser engineering and technology, Neal has been at the forefront of designing, developing, and commercialising advanced laser systems for industrial applications. Neal's expertise spans laser welding, marking, cutting, and safety compliance, strongly focusing on innovation and product development. Neal is a member of the International Laser Safety Standards Committee.

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Professional Journey

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Early Innovations in Laser Development (1986-1994) – Lumonics/JK Lasers (now SPI Lasers)
 

  • Designed and operated the world’s first 2kW pulsed solid-state laser for welding.

  • Led the design and project management of 1kW laser systems for drilling, cutting, and welding.

  • Developed a compact ‘desktop’ laser system for precision drilling and welding.
     

Expanding Industrial Laser Applications (1994-2012) – Electrox (The 600 Group Ltd.)
 

  • Advanced from Senior Laser Engineer to Technical Director over 18 years.

  • Designed and launched multiple industrial laser welding and marking systems, including side diode-pumped YAG and end-pumped vanadate systems.

  • Led a multi-disciplinary team across software, electronics, mechanical, and optical engineering.

  • Ensured full EU and FDA compliance, including risk assessments and accession filings.

  • Conducted laser risk assessments for bespoke installations and acted as Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
     

Entrepreneurship & Laser Product Innovation (2012-2021)
 

  • Founded Halo Lasers Ltd. (2012-2015) – Designed and manufactured low-cost, CE-compliant fiber laser marking systems, expanding production to over 40 standard and bespoke systems yearly.

  • Directed DeBe Lasers Ltd. (1997-2018) – Designed custom beam delivery systems, developed direct diode lasers for plastic welding, and led a UK Innovate-funded project to advance fiber laser technology and laser marking databases.

  • Led Needham Laser Technologies (2018-2021) as Technical Director – Developed high-volume, high-quality laser marking systems for international markets and expanded Needham’s product range while overseeing laser risk assessments.
     

Pushing the Boundaries of Laser Technology (2021-Present)
 

  • Founded Dovecote Technologies Ltd. to provide advanced laser and laser-control solutions for industrial laser integrators and users.

  • Active AILU representative on BSI’s TC76 committee, contributing to international laser safety standards.

  • Works as an independent laser safety advisor, conducting risk assessments for various laser installations.


Expertise & Contributions
 

✔ Laser System Design & Development (Welding, Marking, Cutting)
✔ Product Innovation & Commercialisation
✔ Laser Safety & Compliance (EU, FDA, CE Marking)
✔ Multidisciplinary Team Leadership
✔ Custom Beam Delivery & Optical Systems
✔ Independent Laser Safety Consulting
 

With a career built on innovation, problem-solving, and leadership in laser technology, Neal continues to develop cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of industrial laser applications.

Wendy Shearer

With over four decades of experience in electronics, laser technology, and embedded systems, Wendy has dedicated her career to designing, developing, and optimising high-performance laser systems, control electronics, and automation solutions. Wendy's expertise spans PCB design, embedded programming, digital circuit design, and product development, with a strong focus on innovation and efficiency.
 

Technical Expertise
 

✔ Embedded programming (PIC & Atmel in C)
✔ PCB design using various CAD tools
✔ Digital circuit design & prototyping
✔ PLC programming (Allen Bradley, Direct Logic, Omron)
✔ 3D modeling with SolidWorks
✔ Laser control systems & automation
 

Professional Journey

 

Early Career
 

  • British Aerospace (1979 – 1989) – Advanced from Technician Apprentice to Senior Design Draughtsman, specializing in PCB design for military and ground-based equipment.

  • Contract PCB Design (1989 – 1993) – Worked on military-grade PCB designs for leading defense contractors.

    MOD RAFSEE Henlow (1993 – 1998) – Equipment Design Engineer
     

  • Led a multidisciplinary team designing specialized electronic equipment for the RAF’s communication systems.

  • Provided expert technical guidance to contractors and MoD divisions.

    Watkiss Automation Ltd. (1998 – 2005) – Senior Development Engineer
     

  • Developed control electronics for paper collators and handling machines, integrating PowerPC processors, CAN, SPI, and Atmel microcontrollers.

  • Designed firmware and PCB layouts for touch-screen controllers and automation systems.

    Electrox (2005 – 2010) – Operations Director & Senior Development Engineer
     

  • Led production, testing, engineering, and technical support, optimizing manufacturing processes for increased efficiency and reliability.

  • Designed and built next-generation laser marker control electronics, integrating ColdFire processors, SoC, SDRAM, CAN, SPI, CPLD, and Altera Shark DSP.

  • Developed firmware for PIC18 microcontrollers and designed low-level drivers for Altera DSPs.

    DeBe Lasers & Halo Lasers (2010 – 2018) – Director
     

  • Designed control electronics and firmware for laser workstations and plastic welding diode laser systems.

  • Developed laser illuminator control electronics, working closely with clients to meet custom specifications.

  • Engineered safety interlock, motion control, and system control boards for new laser technologies.

  • Designed control systems for integrating third-party laser scanning systems into custom workstations.


Needham Laser Technologies Ltd. (2018 – 2021) – Director & General Manager
 

  • Established Needham Laser Technologies in partnership with the Needham Group.

  • Developed and launched the N-Lase range of UK-built marking laser systems.

  • Led both business operations and product development, focusing on control electronics, embedded firmware, PCB design, and motor control.

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Education & Certifications
 

🎓 MSc Computer Science (Distinction) – University of Hertfordshire
🎓 BSc Electronic Engineering (First-Class Honours) – University of Hertfordshire
🎓 HNC & ONC Electronics, Mechanical & Production Engineering – Stevenage College
🎓 GCSEs (Maths, Science, English) – Barnwell School, Stevenage
 

Current Focus
 

As the Founder of Dovecote Technologies Ltd., Wendy provides advanced laser and laser-control solutions to industrial laser integrators and users. â€‹

Wendy is also an Independent Laser Safety Advisor, conducting risk assessments for complex laser installations.

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