Lights-out laser cutting benefits grill manufacturer

City of Industry, CA—Robert H. Peterson Co., manufacturer of high-end stainless barbecue grills and fireplace products, utilizes unmanned laser cutting to deliver, overnight, parts with quality edges and surface finish.

The company utilizes a Cincinnati Incorporated CL-707 laser cutter controlled by that company's new user-friendly programming and nesting software and fitted with an automated material handling system.

According to Bryan Auslam, Peterson Co. plant manager, "We strive for continuous product improvement, and the laser allows us to implement any changes quickly and easily."

Peterson staffs its facility for one shift using the automated laser cutter, with its linear motor drives, to provide superior speed while turning out quality parts. The company cuts grill parts from 5-ft. × 10-ft. sheets of film-coated, #4 stainless steel fed into the cutter by one of the unit's dual tables. Overnight management is by a digital camera that allows the process to be monitored from home.

Laser versatility and programming ease enable Peterson to make minor changes and adjustments to fine-tune existing designs. The company introduces from two to four new grill products each year so the laser is key to fast prototyping.

Jon Bridgewater, Peterson senior vice president says, "We can run the laser all night without hiring a second or third shift, and without buying additional lasers. The laser's 20 hours per day of uptime is mostly at night, on its own."

Access www.e-ci.com to look at the Cincinnati line of laser cutters. —DAB