Tool Tested as a Bomb ‘Can Opener’-December 2, 1960

An “ultrasonic can opener” for opening steel-encased unexploded bombs without generating excessive heat is being studied by engineers at its commercial apparatus and systems division plant in Norwood, the Raytheon Co. announced this week.

The engineers are experimenting with what is called a “silent sound” tool under a contract from the U.S. Navy’s Bureau of Weapons.

Ultrasonic impact grinders are now widely used in industry to cut hard and brittle materials. A tooltip, moving up and down 25,000 times a second, drives an abrasive liquid against the work to be cut. Although the tool itself never touches the work, the tiny particles in the liquid cut the work to an accuracy of two 10,000ths of an inch.

Fri, Dec 2, 1960 – The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts)

More Norwood Business History

Norwood Selectmen Mandate Uniform Meter Rates for Local Taxi Companies-August 8, 1973

Ending a two-month debate, Norwood selectmen voted to establish uniform meter rates for Bob’s Taxi Co. and Norwood Taxi Co., setting fares at 60 cents for the first sixth-mile and 10 cents thereafter.
Seeds Of Vast Industrial Development Planted-July 10, 1973

On July 10, 1973, the industrial committee in Norwood underwent a significant reorganization, appointing local developer Robert L. Rizzo as chairman and establishing a five-member steering committee to promote business and industry within the town. ⠀ The committee’s primary focus was to advance a plan for “garden-type industrial development” on a large parcel of land…
Norwood Plastics Firm Starts Full Operations-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1969,

The dawn of a new era in Norwood’s industrial landscape unfolded on July 21, 1969, as the Gamma Platics Corporation embarked on its full-scale manufacturing operations. Nestled at 370 Lenox St., this pioneering plastics firm was poised to revolutionize the industry with its custom injection molding services. At the helm of this innovative venture stood…
Polaroid Begins Production At Norwood Complex-July 9, 1969

In 1969, Polaroid began producing goods in their newly constructed facility on the former Forbes Estate in Norwood.
Goodyear Store Approved for Nahatan Street Alongside Town School and Church Updates-October 20, 1967

Board of Appeal Approves Goodyear Tire and Service Store-October 20, 1967 The Norwood Board of Appeal voted unanimously to approve a special permit requested by 153 Realty Trust to construct a $135,000 Goodyear Tire and Rubber sales and service store at 153 Nahatan St., subject to final review and approval by the Board of Selectmen.…
Polaroid Corporation Conducts Site Studies on 220-Acre Forbes Estate in Norwood and Westwood-August 8, 1967

Partnering with landscape architects Sasaki, Dawson and Demay, the Polaroid Corp. is actively surveying its 220-acre Forbes Estate in Norwood and Westwood to draft revised facility and manufacturing plans.
Uptown Shoppers Mall Suggested in Norwood-September 7, 1966

Norwood selectmen and parking commissioners discuss urban renewal and the possibility of creating a pedestrian shoppers mall to combat downtown retail vacancies.
Norwood Shoe Warehouse To Be Built-July 16, 1964

As the sun rose over the quaint town of Norwood on July 16, 1964, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. The residents of this charming community were abuzz with news that Consolidated Shoe Inc., a prominent manufacturer of several renowned brands, had finally reached an agreement to construct a state-of-the-art warehouse on…
Medical Center Plans Expected-July 10, 1964

The development of a proposed medical building on Walpole Street reached a significant milestone on July 10, 1964, as organizers announced that final preliminary plans were approximately one month from completion. ⠀ Once this rough draft is finalized, the project will be handed over to an architect—who had not yet been designated as of that…
James H. McManus Ice Cream Company Opens Norwood Pilot Store-July 8, 1964

In June 1964, the James H. McManus Ice Cream Company opened a new pilot location in Norwood, featuring over 40 flavors of traditional ice cream, sherbets, and water ices.