GRUMMAN'S LASER CUTTING MAKES IT IN PRODUCTION.

The experience at Grumman Aerospace Corp. with laser cutting of metals is detailed. The company has used laser cutting for more than four years to cut over 5000 parts out of titanium and steel. The experience acquired is based on a 250-w, continuous wave, carbon dioxide laser. The laser has reduced rough trimming costs by 60-80%. Several advantages for laser trimming are cited, including its high cutting rate, low heat output, the absence of mechanical forces, narrow kerf and operating costs at the low power level of 250 w of about 1 per hour.