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August 15, 1998

WILSHIRE PURCHASES A PRC LASER SYSTEM TO REVOLUTIONIZE THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESS

TAUNTON, MA - Wilshire Manufacturing recently purchased a PRC Laser System which is capable of cutting custom designed lighting components within a .003" tolerance. This new system allows for greater precision and eliminates costs associated with custom dies, therefore making their existing fully integrated manufacturing process more efficient.

This new technology offers Wilshire customization capabilities not currently found in the decorative lighting industry, while decreasing manufacturing lead times. The memory capability and ease of programming the system reduces the need to carry heavy component and custom die inventory.

The PRC system allows a designer to create a new design using a CAD system and then transfer that design to the laser machine electronically. This electronic transfer of information is cost-effective, saves time by eliminating the need to wait for a die to be made and allows designers and engineers to make changes to the design as needed. The system also guarantees high repeatability thereby insuring consistent, accurate results.

Advantages of the laser cutting process

The relatively small focus of heat in the laser process allows for narrow, straight-edged kerfs, a minimum number of heat affected zones adjacent to the cut edge and minimal part distortion.

Lasers are considered non-contact cutting tools, because they do not exert force. This lack of force offers the following benefits. One, no mechanical distortion of the workpiece. Two, an absence of tool wear and hence no replacements, which equates to customer savings. Three, the ability to cut materials regardless of their hardness.

Beams of light from a laser have a high degree of control and flexibility, providing ease of integration with automation equipment allowing for a smoother transition from design to finished product. In addition, this flexibility provides unlimited profiling capability due to the absence of a cutting edge, therefore making it easier to customize parts to meet individual customer needs.