Laser-Based Manufacturing

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

This course is part of the Manufacturing Excellence Certificate. Course may be taken individually as well.

This course meets once per week during the 2025 fall semester:

• Class will not meet on 11/27/2025

This is a live online course that uses the Zoom and Canvas platforms. The registration confirmation will guide students through accessing the Canvas course site.

Students will create and log in to the Canvas course site with a NetID. Course assets such as instructional materials, participation certificates, and course evaluations will be available to all students through the Canvas course site.

The course materials are all digital and only available on the Canvas course website. 

Online attendees will access sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform. The Zoom link will be provided a few days before the course.

Please watch the email address you provide during registration for release dates and pre-course information.

• Program Director

  Susan Ottmann

• 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 Klingbeil

  Kevin Klingbeil is a seasoned expert in laser manufacturing processes with over 25 years of experience in process engineering, quality management, and technology leadership. He began his career after earning a physics degree from UW–Madison, initially working in automated circuit board inspection before advancing into laser-based manufacturing. His expertise spans laser welding, cutting, scoring, cladding, and heat treating across both metallic and non-metallic materials using a wide range of laser systems and wavelengths.

  Kevin has consistently taken on both technical and leadership roles, including managing quality systems, developing embedded controls for galvo scanners, and directing multidisciplinary teams. He has also contributed to industry knowledge through conference presentations and client education. Currently, he leads his own consulting firm, Cross Product Solutions, helping manufacturers optimize laser processes and system integration.

   

When three or more sign up from the same employer, your fee is $2316 per person.

10% discount per person for participants registered in the Manufacturing Excellence Certificate series. Promo code needed during registration.

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

• Request Purchase Order information from interpro@union.wisc.edu
  • If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
• You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

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.