TRW's DP-11A is a 500-watt, diode-pumped, solid-state laser (DPSSL) incorporating advances in speed, power, brightness and beam quality that make it uniquely suitable for precision drilling, cutting and welding processes. The laser has been installed at the University's Center for Laser-Aided Intelligent Manufacturing in the School of Engineering.

"We are looking forward to tests that will demonstrate the laser's utility for the automotive industry," said Len Marabella, manager, Precision Laser Machining, TRW Space & Electronics Group. "The DP-11A is commercially available, and we expect it to have a major role in high-precision manufacturing because of its performance characteristics."

The DP-11A has already proven its ability to drill holes as small as 25 microns in diameter and 1,500 microns deep in a variety of metals, and to drill at higher speeds and produce edge quality that equals or exceeds electric discharge machining. It has also demonstrated its ability to cut graphite epoxy to polished edge quality.

"We have two goals for this laser," said Jyoti Mazumder, professor, University of Michigan. "One goal is to develop a fundamental understanding of how lasers of high brightness work on engineering materials.

"The second goal is to determine the suitability of the laser for automotive applications, especially for precision drilling of fuel injector orifice disks and welding of aluminum for lightweight auto bodies."

The DP-11A is the product of 10 years of research and development into Nd:YAG diode-pumped solid-state lasers. It is based, in large part, on development work performed by TRW as a part of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's (DARPA) Precision Laser Machining (PLM) Consortium.

The PLM Consortium was formed in 1994 to develop a new generation of machine tools, advanced laser systems and laser-assisted manufacturing processes using DPSSL. The objective of the program is to extend the laser's brightness and power to levels needed for advanced industrial applications.

TRW has been engaged in laser research and development since 1961. The company produces solid-state lasers for defense and industrial applications, and designs and develops a variety of high-energy chemical lasers for space, ground and airborne applications, including hydrogen fluoride, deuterium fluoride and chemical oxygen iodine lasers.

With headquarters in Cleveland, TRW Inc. provides advanced technology products and services for automotive, space and defense, and information technology markets worldwide. Its 1998 sales totaled approximately $12 billion.

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