How it works

The Laser Key machine is operated by an ASDA employee, entirely by use of a touch screen. The operator is guided at every stage of the process by audio and video clips showing exactly what to do.  

First the operator takes the customer's key and removes any rings or plastic identifiers. The key is then placed onto a glass plate in the scanning chamber in a similar fashion to a photo-copier
            
Using unique patented imaging technology, the machine scans the customer's key with a laser to measure its precise dimensions. This information is compared to a database of keys to find the correct match and the required key blank is displayed on-screen as a simple three digit number.  

The operator takes this blank from a storage unit and places it into the cutting chamber.

After closing the cutting chamber door the computer takes over to precisely cut the new key.

With 4-axes of movement and 12 different cutters the machine is able to cope with an enormous range of different key types and with the computer controlling both the identification and physical cutting processes, human error is almost entirely eliminated, thus producing a finished key that is extremely accurate.