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01 Nov20170

The Different Types of CNC Machines

adminCNC Automation Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processcnc equipment, cnc machine, cnc machine shops, cnc machines, cnc machining, cnc manufacturing, machine shops denver, manufacturing in usa

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) refers to how engineers and operators control and operate production tools using a computer program. These machines use a language known as g-code, which guides the machine on how to mold, cut, shape, grind, or melt different materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. There are various types of CNC machines in the market, with some of them being prominent due to their wide range of uses. Below are some of the available types of CNC machines.

Milling Machine
Often, milling machines are retrofitted with CNC technology whereby the process involving removal of all mechanisms built into the machine making it easy to operate. Some of the mechanisms which are removed include Digital Read Out electronics and hand wheels. Also, the old lead screw is replaced with high accuracy ball screws, and new mounts are built to enable mounting of the actuators to the machine.

Lathes
These machines rapidly rotate the material on a spindle. During the rotation, the material is pressed against a grinding or carving tool which cuts it into the desired shape. Lathes are mostly used to cut symmetrical objects such as spheres, cones, or cylinders.

Router
The CNC router is a very common type of machinery which is built exclusively to be operated using CNC technology. Typically, this machine has no human interface other than the computer. Routers are used in the production of large dimension parts of wood, metal sheets and plastics. They are mostly designed in a three-axis Cartesian coordinate which allows cutting in three dimensions. However, there are routers which designed in 4, 5, or 6-axis which are mostly used to cut prototype models and complex shapes.

CNC Plasma Cutter
Plasma cutters are very similar to the routers both in size and setup. However, CNC plasma cutters don’t require a powerful setup since they fly above the table with a plasma torch rather than dragging a spinning tool in the material. Mostly, the plasma cutters are designed to cut two-dimensional profile shapes into sheet metal.

CNC Laser Cutter
The laser cutters use the same principle as the plasma cutters with the only difference being the fact that a powerful laser is used to do the cutting rather than plasma torch. These cutters are good for cutting metal, plastic, and wood. Depending on the material being cut, a different strength of laser is used since every material has a unique thickness and hardness.

3D Printer
This printer has a similar setup to the CNC router and laser cutter. However, unlike these machines, the printer does additive machining rather than subtractive machining. Instead of beginning with a piece of materials and removing bits to attain the desired shape, the printer starts with a blank canvas and builds the object layer-by-layer. The printer does this either by using a laser which quickly solidifies a liquid or powder or by using an extruder which pushes material out of a tiny nozzle.

Pick and place Machine
This machine has a similar setup as the laser cutter or CNC router. The difference is that instead of cutting material, the machine has many small nozzles which pick up electrical components using a vacuum. Afterwards, the machine places the electrical component on a printed circuit board hence getting the name pick and place. These machines move very fast and can place hundreds or thousands of electrical components. Pick and place machines are used to make devices such as tablets, computer motherboards and other devices which have a printed motherboard.

In a nutshell, there are different types of CNC machines which are designed with the aim of easing the operating process. These machines replace the human interface with a computer program thus all the operations are controlled using a computer.

27 Sep20170

Can a Manufacturing Company Benefit from Having a Black Belt Sigma on Staff?

adminCNC Automation Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processblack belt sigma, cnc automation, cnc manufacturing, lean machining denver, lean manufacturing, machine shops denver, manufacturing benefits, manufacturing in usa, six sigma

Modern CNC companies manufacturing in USA have taken up Six Sigma training for their staff, in an effort to boost productivity. The rigorous process employees undergo before receiving a Six Sigma certificate is essential in creating an all rounded company that not only has customer loyalty but generates numerous profits.

CNC manufacturing is a steadfast cornerstone of the manufacturing industry. Having taken root in the aerospace industry, automotive, bike, electrical, drone, health, music and environmental monitoring, CNC manufacturing is part of our day to day lives. Like any other company, a CNC automation company in the US seeks to increase profits and reduce costs. For this reason, the implementation of the Six Sigma is imperative in any US manufacturing company.

How Will a Black Belt Sigma Benefit your Manufacturing Company?

The Six Sigma training has six levels, hence the name. In second place from the top, is the Six Sigma Black Belt. This means that a trainee under the black belt program has already completed four stages. Here are some of the advantages of having the Black Belt certified employee in your CNC manufacturing company.

1. Improved Communication Skills.

A Black belt trainee is aware of the client’s importance to the CNC manufacturing industry. This means that the client’s satisfaction should be the company’s aim. Good client feedback creates goodwill for the company, an intangible asset that lures more clients in.

More importantly, a Black Belt trainee is skilled in communicating changes that need to be effected. Instead of merely pointing out what needs to be done, the Six Sigma training advocates for coaching for precision.

2. New Business Practices.

A Black Belt trainee has deep process knowledge, which makes him/her most suitable for coming up with better strategies to improve CNC manufacturing strategies. With advanced college degrees and years of experience in the industry, a Black Belt will demonstrate his critical thinking skills in managing resources within the industry to increase productivity without an increase in costs.

Team Leadership.

With years of experience and previous training, a black belt can lead a team towards a specific goal through constant motivation and effective listening skills. A Black Belts role in CNC manufacturing is indisputable, given the different contracts of manufacturing that are taken up.

More importantly, Six Sigma Black candidates are fun loving and passionate about what they do, which makes them effective team leaders. Remember that a team in a CNC automation is diverse and a neutral leader that recognizes every employees’ skills and capacity is crucial.

In the initial stages of developing a computer program, a Black Belt will keep a sharp eye to ensure that the program is accurate to minimize errors during manufacture.

Conclusion

With the right leadership, a Black belt will help the team achieve the intended goal within a planned time. Accurate programming ensures that all the stages of manufacturing are error-free since a computer gives what it receives. Apart from that, the team is put on high alert to watch out for any malfunctions and identify products that unsuitable for the market.

CNC machining companies should also remember that a Black belt candidate is a link between the company and the client. Any US manufacturing company should take up the Six Sigma training for their employees and reap numerous benefits.

13 Sep20170

What are the Highest Ranked Mechanical Engineering Schools in the U.S.?

adminCNC Automation Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processcnc machine shops, cnc machining, cnc manufacturing, denver cnc manufacturing, denver manufacturing, machine shops colorado, machine shops denver, manufacturing in usa, mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering schools, top mechanical engineering schools

Though it’s a broad field of engineering, mechanical engineers are generally tasked with the design, construction and testing of everything from thermal sensors to engines to heavy-duty equipment and machinery. But before mechanical engineers can enter the workforce and contribute to the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing, it’s first essential for them to acquire the professional skills and knowledge required by employers. By earning a degree from one of the nation’s prestigious mechanical engineering schools or U.S. manufacturing schools, students will have the necessary know-how on essential skills like CNC manufacturing, CNC automation and CNC machining to propel them to success in the workforce. With that said, here’s a look at the highest ranking mechanical engineering schools in the U.S.

Top 5 Highest Ranking Engineering Schools in the U.S.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Engineering education is somewhat synonymous with MIT. And when it comes to mechanical engineering, the school is the top ranked, according to a report from College Factual, which lists it No. 1 out of 270 colleges with such programs. In fact, at MIT, nearly 15 percent of all undergrads are working toward a mechanical engineering (ME) degree. But first you have to get in – and getting into MIT is highly competitive. According to U.S. News, only about 8 percent of all applicants are admitted.
Georgia Institute of Technology: College Factual slots the Georgia Institute of Technology, or GIT, as No. 2 on its list of schools with the best ME programs in the country. Like MIT, about 15 percent of all undergraduate students enroll at GIT to pursue an ME degree.
Stevens Institute of Technology: Located in the Hoboken, New Jersey, area, the school doesn’t just pride itself on having one of the safest campuses in the country, but with producing some of the best ME graduates in more of an intimate setting than the top two school on this list. For instance, in 2016, only about 150 students graduated with a degree in the program.
California Institute of Technology: One of the neat things about those who graduate with an ME degree from the California Institute of Technology is that they typically see a 12.6 percent average earnings increase compared to other ME graduates. Oh, and you can’t beat the Pasadena, California, location of the school, making for great year-round weather. Another great thing about the California Institute of Technology is its extremely favorable 3:1 student-faculty ratio.
Stanford: Stanford University rounds out our top 5 mechanical engineering schools list, as it offers both undergraduate and advanced degrees in the field of study. Stanford, an Ivy League school, also happens to be among the most prestigious colleges in the nation, coming in at No. 7 out of a possible 1,383 universities, per College Factual. It’s also the best university in the state of California.

Though we’ve detailed the top 5 mechanical engineering schools above, there are several more worth mentioning. Just think of these as our honorable mentions, a list that includes Kettering University (Flint, Michigan), the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, New York) and Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).

28 Jun20170

What OEM expectations from vendors have changed in the past 5 years?

adminCNC Automation Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processcnc machine shops, cnc machining, cnc manufacturing, denver manufacturing, machine shops denver, OEM, oem expectations, original equipment manufacturer, tag team manufacturing

As competition increases in machining across the world, it is essential to pay a great deal of attention to OEM standards – both minimum regulations and market standards. Over the past five years, OEM expectations from vendors have changed quite dramatically. Here are just a few of the modifications that you should keep in mind when you are assessing your quality control variables.

Quality Assurance

Led by the luxury automobile industry, the proliferation of precision automation manufacturing has created a higher standard for quality in OEM parts in many industries. Deliverables are now expected to maintain an extremely high rate of integration with factory parts, and OEM manufacturers are always competing to lower the error rate in batch deliveries.

Most quality assurance errors occur in high-volume production lines; however, as automation takes over for other forms of machining and general manufacturing, you can expect the QA standard to move up for bulk orders as well. In heavily regulated industries such as medicine and the automotive industry, vendors are becoming hardline about remaining in compliance with their various industry standards. Before choosing an OEM company within these industries, it is recommended to fit that company for an understanding of regulatory policy.

Continuous Improvement

Chief among new expectations from vendors is a dedication to continuous improvement. Fully accessible big data is now the norm for even the smallest startups in all major industries. It is a simple thing to quickly survey vendors on their opinions and quantifiable problems with a delivery. OEM companies now also have the luxury of surveying vendors ahead of time to take the temperature of market conditions and new product iterations.

Savvy OEM partners are gearing up for production runs on new product iterations years in advance, sometimes concurrently with the original manufacturer. When two sets of eyes are sharply focused on the market under the banner of continuous improvement, the result is usually much better for the end client.

High Volume Production

Being able to handle high volume production while maintaining a time to market and QA standard that is competitive in an industry is a feat not to be underestimated. When volume ramps up, small problems quickly become big problems. Close interdepartmental cooperation is necessary to ensure that a product does not veer off course before production takes its course.

Design Capabilities

More than ever, OEM partners need to have fit-for-purpose design development capabilities. The tenants of precise QA and continuous improvement can be quite a shock to a traditional production system. It is not enough to locate problems more quickly; the production capabilities of a company must be robust and flexible enough to handle any changes that need to be made on the fly.

The total capabilities of an OEM company become even more prevalent during high volume seasonal orders that require a high degree of precision. Vendors are being held to a just-in-time standard more often than ever, and they must demand it of their partner companies as well.

26 Apr20170

How Machinists Can Use Tools Like Tooling University for Continuing Education

adminCNC Automation Manufacturingcnc machines, cnc machining, cnc machinist, cnc machinists, cnc manufacturing, continued education, denver manufacturing, machine shop, machine shop schools, machine shops denver, machinists

Over the past few years, online education has blossomed into a fully-fledged option for learning new skills and trades. People from all walks of life are using the Internet to learn new careers, or enhance existing ones. New tools have enabled machinists to make the most of available courses and learn new skills or trades.

Traditionally, many machinists learn through an apprenticeship program with a journeyman. Tooling University has turned this practice on its head by making all of their training publicly available. No longer do you have to wait for a journeyman to accept you as an apprentice to learn a new trade. Now, you can simply start.

Existing machinists may wish to enhance their knowledge base or learn a new skill in order to advance their careers. Fortunately, Tooling University (and sites like it) have developed a training system for those in manufacturing and machinery.

A Plethora of Learning Options

You have plenty of options for pursuing continuing education courses. When it comes to machinery and manufacturing jobs, Tooling University has cornered the market on applicable training. Tooling University offers over 500 courses and classes that cover a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge. They’ve separated their courses into the following ‘functional areas’:

Additive Manufacturing
Assembly / Final Stage Processes
Composites Processing
Design and Engineering
Foundational
Leadership
Machining
Maintenance
Stamping / Forming / Fabricating
Welding

Each of these topics reveals entire courses and programs designed for new and existing machinists. Students will receive all of the training they need to advance their careers, ask for a raise or even get started with a new career entirely.

Increase Your Pay with Continuing Education

Machinists all around the world are being drawn to continuing education as way to increase their pay. Education a great way to earn more money, and Tooling University makes it easy for machinists to do just that.

Learn a new trade. Are you an existing welder who wants to get more into fabrication? Or perhaps you’re in maintenance and want to get started with engineering? If you’re looking for a new trade, look no further than Tooling University. You’ll be able to learn an entirely new trade with their courses. You’ll learn everything you need to know in order to start working in a new profession.
Pursuing continuing education courses. Of course, many machinists are happy with their existing trade. For such individuals, Tooling University can be used as a source of continuing education. Machinists can hone their skills, specialize in advanced roles and start earning more money. Tooling University and other online education platforms have made continuing education easier than ever before.

Anyone looking to increase their pay will be wise to invest in advancing their education. This is true for everyone, but it’s especially true for those in manufacturing and machinery. You’ll need to remain competitive with your training in order to climb the ranks. Don’t wait until you’ve already been passed up for a promotion to start training.

19 Apr20170

Reasons for Optimism in the Manufacturing Industry under President Trump

adminCNC Automation Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processamerican manufacturing, colorado machine shops, denver cnc manufacturing, denver manufacturing, machine shops colorado, machine shops denver, manufacturing in usa, new manufacturing in usa, tag team manufacturing, usa manufacturing

One of the most polarizing elections in American history is now over and Donald Trump is the President of the United States. Trump promised to boost the American economy by bringing back jobs; however, the manufacturing industry has a right to remain skeptical of this promise. After all, it has been decades since American manufacturing was a strength of the economy. On the other hand, there are numerous reasons for Americans in the manufacturing industry to remain optimistic that manufacturing is on the rise. Numerous polls have already demonstrated that Americans are optimistic about the manufacturing outlook. Why is that?

President Trump has Promised to Lower Corporate Taxes

One of the biggest problems with the loss of manufacturing jobs to overseas is the high corporate tax rates imposed on American corporations, notably 35 percent. President Trump has promised to lower this tax rate to around 15 percent. This translates into more money in the pockets of the companies that they can then use to hire more employees and invest in the company. Companies may be interested in investing money in CNC automation technology. With lower corporate taxes, this can happen.

President Trump has Said he will Increase Infrastructure Spending

An increase in infrastructure spending will demand an increase in American manufacturing jobs because, without the increase in manufacturing, there will be nothing to build this infrastructure out of. This means that companies will need to produce the materials used to build this infrastructure. This means more jobs in the manufacturing sector and more dollars heading into CNC manufacturing. There will be a significant amount of pressure on manufacturing companies to deliver the goods to fulfill the promises of the new president. This means a heavy investment in manufacturing jobs and manufacturing technology.

President Trump is Going to Renegotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Also called the TPP, this agreement has drawn the ire of the entire manufacturing industry because this is seen as the culprit that led to the massive job loss and movement of manufacturing opportunities overseas. President Trump has promised to renegotiate this deal, leading to bigger benefits for US corporations that keep their jobs at home. This means that more companies are going to need to hire skilled manufacturing workers to fill these positions. Those interested in positions in the manufacturing industry should keep their eyes open for changes to this agreement.

President Trump will Alter the North American Free Trade Agreement

This deal has been called NAFTA and has led to a significant trade deficit with our trading partners. This deficit has placed a significant amount of pressure on American manufacturing companies, specifically the manufacturing industry, because they feel they are fighting an uphill battle in the global market. A renegotiation of this deal in favor of American manufacturing could help to keep more companies in business, keeping more jobs available in the American economy. All of these reasons have combined to generate a positive outlook for the manufacturing industry under the new President.

Contact Tag Team Manufacturing today for all your cnc manufacturing needs. 303.841.5697.

30 Mar20170

Making Every Component Once and Making It Correctly

adminCNC Automation Manufacturingautomation manufacturing, cnc automation, cnc machining, cnc manufacturing, denver manufacturing, machine shops colorado, machine shops denver, make it once make it right, manufacturing automation, robotic automation manufacturing

Your clients require, indeed demand, quality and minute accuracy in the parts you provide for them, as well as timely delivery. And you try to do your best to provide that for them, because the future of your business depends on it.

That’s why you have to have suppliers that can deliver every time, the first time. And that’s what Tag Team Manufacturing can do for you.

The Cutting Edge Of CNC Manufacturing

When you need quality machining, Tag Team Manufacturing is your go to source. We are devotees of the cutting edge of manufacturing automation technology. It’s what we do. We utilize current technology, including robotics, to produce the perfect OEM part, with continuing and consistent quality. We represent the future of CNC manufacturing.

The secret to our success is our highly qualified team of professional machinists, quality inspectors, and finishers. We only hire the best, people who not only understand the intricacies of CNC manufacturing automation and business processes, but who also understand the technology behind it all that makes it work. That’s a hard order to fill, but we’ve put together a team that is second to none in the industry. They combine their knowledge and expertise together into a highly coordinated whole to provide you with the high quality OEM parts you need to keep your business running at the peak of success, and your customers happy.

Superior Quality Management

Tag Team Manufacturing utilizes a sophisticated and highly effective Quality Management System that is fully compliant with the guidelines of ISO 9001, ensuring that our products meet all customer requirements consistently. We do this using a variety of advanced software and manufacturing automation.

Our E2 software system comprehensively tracks every phase of the manufacturing process, and clients can log into the system to check the status of their order at anytime.

The automated coordinate measuring machine (CMM) constantly checks to make sure parts have been manufactured with the required tolerances, and a report showing key measurements can be generated for the client and submitted upon delivery if desired.

These, in conjunction with the MasterCam CAD/CAM CNC programming software, and the SmartScope Flash 200 automatic measuring system, ensure the highest quality parts achievable by current technology, with much less scrap and at a lower per-piece cost.

Excellent Customer Service Is A High Priority At Tag Team Manufacturing

Customer service is more than just manufacturing the highest quality parts at the lowest cost, delivering them on schedule, and being available to consult and answer questions at any time. It also means protecting a client’s documents, digital files, parts, and all intellectual property with the highest level of security 24/7, both inside and outside the facility, and providing near flawless document control. We go to great lengths to provide the best customer service we possibly can, because we care about our clients, and our reputation within the industry.

We believe Tag Team Manufacturing is your best choice for CNC manufacturing. Let us show you what we can do for your business. Call us at 303-841-5697 or contact us online for more information.

22 Mar20170

Why Consider Adding Shop Classes Back into High Schools?

adminCNC Automation Manufacturingeducation, high school shop class, machine shop education, machine shops colorado, machine shops denver, precision machining degree, shop class, shop classes, vocational school

Lots of folks have different opinions about the nature of a quality education. For instance, some people narrowly define their expectations for high school students when they design academic standards and programs. Though new programs get justified by claiming they help make graduates employable, they may only concentrate on building a tight set of academic skills that are needed to get accepted to a four-year college.

While everybody values this sort of academic readiness, it’s also important to make certain that many students have skills and experiences that will help them find employment right after high school. Every student won’t choose college. Even many of those who do pursue higher education can benefit from more hands-on training and experiences during their high school years.

Why Reintroduce on Shop Classes in High School?

The American workplace needs skilled workers with vocational training as much as it needs students who are prepared for college or graduate school. In fact, it’s not impossible to argue that traditional classes like home economics and shop provide useful educational opportunities for all kinds of students. However, the sensible path to grooming the next generation of people who are competent inside and outside of their homes may not offer a strong enough defense when public school budgets are tight. Consider some ways that a shop class can and have been modernized to better suit today’s students.

Modernizing Shop Classes for the 21st Century

Do high school students need to learn traditional skills that shop class teaches? The argument could go either way. In any case, these classes could be modernized to also introduce students to modern manufacturing methods that can serve them well if they end up working in a shop floor or in the engineer’s office. A few years ago, Time Magazine reported that there were almost six million people between 16 and 24 who did not work or attend school. At the same time, companies were begging for skilled labor to employ and advance.

One large problem is the gap between the things that high school students learn and what these companies seek. Manufacturers, for instance, don’t necessarily need to recruit people with two- or four-year degrees. However, they do want to find recruits who have demonstrated some aptitude in their industry. At the very least, these companies need eager recruits that have had enough exposure to know that it’s the type of job they would like to do.

The Time Magazine article mentioned a school that transformed an almost totally unused old shop room into a modern vocational setting. High school students could still learn how to cut vinyl and saw wood, but they also got to experiment with robotics, CNC automation, 3D printers, and other electronics. Not only did a modernized shop class attract students who wanted vocational shop training, they also became popular with students who had seats in honors math and science classes. In this school, shop classes became popular and valuable places to learn again.

Tag Team Manufacturing is Here for Tomorrows’ Students

Tag Team Manufacturing specializes in CNC manufacturing and automation. As a growing company, they have room for tomorrows’ high school, vocational school, and college graduates. To learn more about how Tag Team Manufacturing values clients and employees, contact them today with your questions.

30 Jan20170

What OEM’s should know about Quality CNC Machining

adminCNC Automation Manufacturingcnc machine shops, cnc production, denver manufacturing, machine shops colorado, machine shops denver, OEM manufacturing support, OEM partner, original equipment manufacturer, quality machining denver

Quality Machining Denver

Your quality manufacturing customers depends on you for quality. In today’s competitive OEM manufacturing environment, there is very little room for error. You certainly have choices when choosing a CNC machining shop. Because your customers demand quality, precision and timely delivery, you need to select the best CNC manufacturing and CNC production OEM partner available in the Denver area.

OEM Manufacturing Support

That is exactly why we are in business; to help you meet your commitments to deliver on time, within budget and with absolute precision. We take our role as your OEM partner very seriously. We’ve been in business for over 30 years and we understand the CNC manufacturing environment and quality machining Denver better than anyone else in the area.

As you well know, CNC Manufacturing, or Computer Numerical Control, Manufacturing involves operating lathes, mills, drills, and other devices from a computer. That is the world we live in, every day. We are committed to your success.

OEM Partner

Here are some of the things you need to know when selecting your CNC quality machining Denver OEM partner:

Commitment to Excellence – How long has your potential OEM Partner been in business and what is their commitment to excellence? Do they have a proven track record when it comes to delivering high quality solutions on time and within budget?
Ability to Handle High Volume Production – Can your CNC manufacturing partner handle high volume production? Can they quickly ramp with you from prototype to production and are they available to quickly trouble shoot issues?
Staffing – Who are the people behind the solutions? Do they have proven expertise and demonstrated experience in delivering quality machining Denver solutions. Do they have the depth to support your efforts when working with both small and large customers?
ISO 9001 Compliant – Tag Team Manufacturing’s Quality Management System follows ISO 9001 guidelines and is fully quality compliant. We deliver quality product every time, on time and within budget. We use electronic billboards to communicate with our staff to deliver consistent results with minimal scrap and on time delivery.
Quality Management Program – Tag Team’s quality management program helps meet Customer, Statutory and Regulatory requirements, ensures consistency of product and adheres to specifically designed processes and procedures that are well controlled and easily repeatable.
Continual Improvement – We work closely with our customers and often with their customers to gain efficiencies in operating cost with less scrap while avoiding non- conforming product and delivering ultimate customer satisfaction.
Customer Service – service in the manufacturing industry is vital to your success and ours. We continually train our staff to have a sense of urgency and to deal with potential issues quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Tag Team Manufacturing is your best choice for a Quality Oriented OEM Partner in Denver. We’ve been providing quality OEM manufacturing support for over 30 years. We built our reputation as an OEM partner, providing CNC production and CNC manufacturing solutions to CNC Machine shops. Contact us today to learn how we can help you meet the demands of your quality manufacturing customers.

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A Plethora of Learning Options

Increase Your Pay with Continuing Education