LIA unveils LASER U for online training

Orlando, FL - The Laser Institute of America (LIA) has unveiled Laser U, a simple way for laser professionals from beginner to expert to access some of the best presentations from LIA's conferences and workshops.

Based on cutting-edge sessions from the Lasers for Manufacturing Event (LME), Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM) Workshop, International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC) and LIA's annual ICALEO conference, Laser U offers a convenient way to learn when travel isn't an option.

"Laser U gives you practical education that you can apply in your job" says LIA executive director Peter Baker. "Each module is taught by an expert in the field and can be enjoyed at your home or office."

As with LIA's other online courses, the modules of Laser U will provide flexible access to the information. Users will be able to listen to audio of each speaker's presentation at their own pace, over the course of several hours or even several days, with the option to follow each slide in order or jump forward or backward as they wish. Any demonstrational videos used by the presenters will appear in the course as well.

Some of the upcoming courses are:

• The Basics of Ultrafast Laser Machining, presented by: Reinhart Poprawe, Fraunhofer ILT
• Impact of Lasers in Manufacturing, presented by: David Belforte, Industrial Laser Solutions
• Main Laser Types Used for Manufacturing, presented by: Tom Kugler, Laser Mechanisms, Inc

The idea for the upcoming crop of about a dozen online modules, with more on the way, came at the successful second-annual LME in October, Baker says.

"The reviews were so positive," he recalls, "I figured if there were 200 people in the course, there might be as many as 2000 who would need it and benefit from it, but couldn't get there for one reason or another."

Even more important, Baker stresses, is the need to continually educate veteran employees vital to the continued adoption of laser technology in automotive, aerospace, medical, energy, and defense applications.

"It has always been clear to me, when I used to design and sell laser systems, that the biggest barrier to the adoption of laser technology is education and training," Baker says. "We can help manufacturing in this country to adopt laser technology by trying to overcome the barriers for those people who are already in the workforce."

Educated with information from Laser U, he says, online "attendees" can feel more confident interacting with major players in the laser industry and discussing how different lasers and systems can benefit their manufacturing operations.

For further information or to sign up for modules as they become available, visit http://www.lia.org/education/laseru.

Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968; ph 407-380-1553.