Abstract: In a machine for cutting sheet material by means of a laser beam, the sheet material is placed on a support constituted by a container which moves on a table of the machine while rolling on support balls provided on the table. Thus, the work sheet is not directly in contact with the table, which enables the cutting operation to continue without it being necessary to remove the cut-out members from the sheet as the cutting takes place, as would be the case if the sheet were to rest directly on the table, in which case the cut-out members would risk catching on the edge of an opening provided in the table in line with the axis of the laser beam.

Abstract: In a laser beam cutting device the focussing of the laser beam (1) and the adjustment of the focal spot (4) in respect of its vertical position is made swing free, and is achieved without subsequent correction of the workpiece coordinates, with the focussing lens (2) guided strictly parallel and coaxial with the optical axis. By active cooling of the surface of the workpiece in the immediate area of the focal spot (4), the critical heating-up zone is reduced and the accuracy and surface finish of the cut edge is improved.