The Industrial Laser Group is now represented as the Industrial Laser Community within the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Technical Community Network. The purpose of the merger is to bring together large and small laser companies, integrators, OEMs and suppliers to advance the use of laser technology in North America.

The network provides a framework for supplying information to manufacturing engineers and their companies. The Industrial Laser Community is expected to include technical groups that will address such areas as welding, marking and the medical sector. SME is based in Dearborn, Mich.