October 1, 2002

2 Min Read
Machining Firm Adds Laser R&D Lab

Originally Published MPMN October 2002

INDUSTRY NEWS

Machining Firm Adds Laser R&D Lab

Norbert Sparrow

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The addition of a laser R&D department will help Norman Noble Inc. to offer customers innovative machining solutions.

A supplier of micromachining services recently established a laser machining research and development department. The lab's mission is to optimize the capabilities of the laser machining center at Norman Noble Inc. (Highland Heights, OH; www.nnoble.com) and to help develop novel processes to solve customer problems.

The company operates one of the largest laser machining centers in the world, according to Jeff Miller, laser R&D manager. "We know that the full potential of this process is limited only by our experience," says Miller. A full-time R&D department will help to achieve the company's goal of "meeting every laser machining challenge." Several proprietary processes developed at the center already have benefited customers faced with challenges in micromachining subminiature components, according to the company.

Equipped with five proprietary laser systems, the lab is located in a restricted area adjacent to the laser production department. The proximity to the manufacturing site is designed to enable immediate hands-on project assistance as required. Production problems that may arise are immediately addressed, minimizing downtime.

Lab personnel routinely design tooling and develop, test, and refine project parameters. The company has also engaged in extensive in-house testing and experimentation on a wide range of metals, plastics, acrylics, and quartz to further its knowledge of laser processing capabilities.

In addition to lasers, Norman Noble is equipped with EDM and Swiss automatic equipment, multispindle lathes, and water-jet and high-speed CNC milling machines. Cleanroom assembly and packaging, as well as finishing services through partner company Electrolizing Corp. of Ohio, are available. The company targets its microprecision machining services to the medical, aerospace, and other industries.

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