Abstract: In a method and system for slitting thin strip magnetic steel such as transformer core material, a laser is mounted above the material and the material is wound from a pay-out reel to one or more take-up reels.

Abstract: In a transformer core and transformer, a wound transformer core is formed from magnetic steel strips that are wound into multiple rings of different widths and arranged to define a ring-like structure having a stepped, substantially circular cross-section without any cuts or gaps in the magnetic path, or the core is wound from one or more tapered strips that are wound to define a cross-section that is circular, oval, egg-shaped, or square-shaped with truncated corners.

Abstract: Machine tools utilized in precision machine operations require tool support structures which exhibit minimal deflection, thermal expansion and vibration characteristics. The tool support structure of the present invention is a graphite fiber reinforced composite in which layers of the graphite fibers or yarn are disposed in a 0/90.degree. pattern and bonded together with an epoxy resin. The finished composite possesses a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a substantially greater elastic modulus, stiffness-to-weight ratio, and damping factor than a conventional steel tool support utilized in similar machining operations.