Abstract: A laser-cutting machine produces slots of computer-controlled size and pattern in workpieces of cylindrical-shell configuration, the workpieces being mounted for incrementally controlled rotation about the axis of each workpiece, in coordination with incrementally controlled longitudinally guided displacement of the laser along a path parallel to the workpiece-rotation axis. The thus-slotted workpieces become locators for knife elements and indentation-tool elements, so that when secured to the cylindrical body of a cutting roll, the resulting tool will find use in a rotary printing process for continuously printing, cutting and creasing cardboard or other box material. The computer-control of slot pattern enables a user shop to quickly adapt its cutting and creasing operation to the custom size and configuration requirements of different customers.

Abstract: The laser tube (14) of a gas laser is arranged in an electrically grounded metallic housing (11) which forms the one electrode of a capacitor. The second electrode (41) of the capacitor is arranged, together with a helically wound wire (53) for the formation of an inductance, in the annular space between the laser tube and the housing. The capacitance and the inductance form an LC-circuit for adapting the impedance of the laser to that of a high-frequency generator. To adjust capacitance, the distance between the two capacitor electrodes (11 and 41) can be adjusted via a first setting device (43 to 45) and the length of the coil formed by the helical wire (53) can be adjusted to set the inductance via a second setting device (56 to 58).