Laser-Based Manufacturing

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to laser-based manufacturing.  Students will learn the fundamentals of laser operation, beam delivery optics, and the governing equations of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with materials. The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with practical knowledge drawn from over 50 years of combined industry and research experience. Real-world manufacturing examples illustrate system implementation, troubleshooting, and process optimization. This course is ideal for newcomers to laser manufacturing or professionals looking to deepen their understanding of laser applications.  The 15-week format allows you to learn and apply materials each week.  The one hour live session is interactive allowing you to learn from your instructors and other participants implementing laser equipment.

Upcoming dates coming soon!

Take course number RA00085 when it’s offered next.

What You Will Learn:

Explore the fundamentals of laser-based manufacturing with a focus on metal part fabrication, plus key applications in polymers and ceramics. This course blends theory with real-world examples to build a strong foundation in laser processes, system implementation, and troubleshooting across industries including aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.

Who Should Attend:

  • Design Engineers
  • Manufacturing Engineers
  • Senior Operators
  • Technicians
  • Supervisors

Keep Up With This Course

Course Details: RA00085

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Course Outline

  1. History of lasers and their applications
  2. Laser Safety
  3. Principles of laser operation and types of lasers
  4. Electromagnetic (EM) radiation and wave propogation
  5. Optics
  6. Laser-material interactions
  7. Laser implementation considerations and trouble shooting
  8. Industrial manufacturing process applications of lasers:
    1. Marking
    2. Cleaning
    3. Heat treating
    4. Peening
    5. Forming
    6. Sintering and Welding
    7. Polishing and Structuring
    8. Cutting

Program Director & Instructors

  • Frank Pfefferkorn

    Dr. Frank Pfefferkorn is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His teaching and research are focused on discrete metal part manufacturing processes, and heat transfer as it applies to manufacturing processes. His goals are to: (1) educate/develop manufacturing engineers/workforce, and (2) build a scientific understanding of advanced manufacturing processes, develop physics-based models that can be used to improve and control these processes, and to transfer this fundamental knowledge to industry. In his lab he conducts research with a focus on where the tool meets the workpiece, whether that tool is a laser, mechanical cutting tool, friction stir tool, etc. Currently, his lab is conducting research on: friction stir welding and processing, placing sensors in the coatings of cutting tools for smart manufacturing, solid-state metal additive-subtractive manufacturing (including friction surfacing), and laser remelting surfaces for polishing, structuring, and hardening.

    In addition to being an Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering he serves as the Academic Director of the online MS Manufacturing Systems Engineering Program at UW-Madison.

  • Kevin Klingbell

  • Program Director

    Susan Ottmann

Total Credits:
CEU 3
PDH 30

Course Administration

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Payment Options

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

  • Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
  • Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
  • You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

  • Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
  • Provide the registrations representative with:
    • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
    • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
  • You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

  • Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
  • Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
  • Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
  • You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Create a custom learning experience

We can deliver this course as an on-site learning experience tailored to your organization’s specific training needs.