The Industrial Laser Community of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has established a laser cutting certificate program in response to the industry need for skilled technicians. Targeted to product designers, manufacturing engineers, and laser OEMS, operators, technicians and integrators, the interactive hands-on program is designed to build on the participants’ fundamental knowledge of computer numerical control operations and part design for CO2 laser cutting. Safety and ISO standards will be considered. Knowledge gained will be documented through pre- and post-program assessment.Co-sponsored by SME of Dearborn, Mich., and the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association of Rockford, Ill., and endorsed by OEMs and various organizations, the first program will be Nov. 12 through 14 during the Fabtech International and AWS Welding Show 2007 in Chicago.