"With this new Industrial Laser Community, we will be able to effectively update the various manufacturing sectors on the problems that can be economically solved with a laser technology solution," he adds.
Over the past year numerous laser manufacturers and related suppliers had met informally as a group. As the group grew in number and became more prominent within the manufacturing sector, the ILG volunteer leadership decided to seek a formal relationship with an established industry association. The selection of SME was unanimous.
"The group's goal is to channel the energy of competitors to work together in promoting the use of lasers in the manufacturing arena," says Susan Land Sprentall, Optronik Sales and Marketing Manager for Precitec, Inc., New Hudson, Michigan. "Removing the mysteries of laser processing along with uniting the number of exhibitions and conferences is a task each ILG company initially identified, but concluded working together is more efficient and cost effective. However, to accomplish our goals will take more resources than the volunteer efforts can assemble, by aligning our group with SME we will move this effort exponentially."
Beginning this month the ILG will be represented as the Industrial Laser Community within SME's Technical Community Network. The Technical Community Network provides a flexible framework for meeting the current information needs of manufacturing engineers and their companies. The network consists of eight technical communities that represent key knowledge areas within the manufacturing enterprise. Each community includes a number of highly focused tech groups addressing specific processes, methods or applications of manufacturing technology. The Industrial Laser Community is expected to include tech groups for medical, welding, marking, and other areas.
By becoming affiliated with SME, the ILG is moving closer to fulfilling its mission to "Establish a means to promote Laser Technology in North America with high intensity by educating the market and advancing the technology base".
For more information contact SME customer service at (800) 733-4763 or email [email protected].
About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing engineers and executives annually. The Society has members in 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of chapters worldwide.