I am currently employed with a European builder of advanced CO2 & Diode based laser/TIG/Hybrid welding systems. I am a sales person and began my career in the manufacturing environment programming, operating, and setting up early CO2 based fabricating lasers from manufacturers such as Amada, Mazak, and Trumpf. I began my sales career with Amada America in the late 80's. In addition to lasers my sales concentration included factory automation and robotic systems. After Amada I became a dealer for Mitsubishi laser, this arrangement lasted until 2006. Along with selling many systems, having reached 'dealer of the year' status in 1998, my fascination with lasers has never ceased and has grown to include the newest advancements in diode based systems in the welding industry as my current post involves these sorts of applications. I've also kept a keen eye hoping for suitable advancements in the fabrication realm for diode based lasers. My current understanding is that while these systems have reached the multi kW range of output, cutting capabilities have not shared a linear relationship with CO2 cutting capabilities and tend to only address cutting applications of <.250". My goal is to build my knowledge regarding diode laser advancements, and I hope to return to my days as a independent rep as an expert in the sales of diode based systems for the sheet metal industry.