There have been a number of laser developments in recent years that are quite staggering in their simplicity, that are so powerful in their operation that engineers and scientist have to rethink the laser future. One such is the high power fibre laser, born out of the optical telecoms revolution. It challenges currently held views on how to make things, how to repair things, and how to destroy things. With small size, maintenance-free operation, high thermal and electrical efficiency and outstanding beam quality, it has the potential to change every industry and discipline it encounters