Abstract: In order to be able to detect a possible loss of cut during the thermal separation of a workpiece as early as during the separation, the invention proposes a method for detecting an impending loss of cut or a loss of cut that has already occurred, in which energy is input into a cutting region and which comprises the following method steps: a) applying a first alternating signal to the workpiece, b) identifying a second alternating signal caused by the first alternating signal in a measurement electrode spaced apart from the workpiece, c) ascertaining the phase shift between the first and second alternating signal by outputting a phase shift signal, d) comparing the phase shift signal with a prescribed upper limit value and a prescribed lower limit value for the phase shift signal, wherein, when the phase shift signal exceeds the upper limit value or undershoots the lower limit value, the energy input is changed, for example, by stopping the thermal separation of the workpiece.

Abstract: Known methods for the mechanical thermal cutting of a workpiece using a plasma cutting torch include the steps of: a) igniting a plasma jet, b) producing a lead-in cut into a metallic, strip- or plate-type semi-finished product using the plasma jet and c) cutting a contour into the semi-finished product by guiding the plasma jet along a predefined contour line at a cutting speed in a cutting direction. Provided herein is such a method which further includes, after cutting the contour according to step c), guiding the plasma jet in the opposite direction to the cutting direction along at least a portion of the cut contour at a return speed, in order to achieve a high cut quality and high dimensional precision.

Abstract: In known methods for through-cut detection in the thermally assisted through cutting of a workpiece, the workpiece is subjected to a first alternating signal. A method that allows a fast and accurate detection of a through-cut made comprises the method steps of detecting a second alternating electrical signal caused by the first alternating electrical signal in a measurement electrode spaced from the workpiece, determining the phase shift between the first and second alternating electrical signals to output a phase shift signal, and detecting a temporal evolution of the phase shift electrical signal or a measurement variable derived therefrom in a predetermined time interval. When a workpiece through-cut is made, it is detected in that the phase shift signal or the measurement variable derived therefrom is in the time interval within a predetermined fluctuation range.

Abstract: The relevant regulations in the field of automated flame-cutting technology stipulate various safety devices for the process-gas supply of a cutting torch. The invention relates to the simplified installation and maintenance of the safety devices and to a compact structure thereof. Proposed is a multi-functional safety module, in the module body of which there are integrated a first and a second safety element to prevent flame- or gas-blowout, and in which there is provided a mechanical plug-type connection for establishing a gas-tight connection between the safety elements and the corresponding gas lines of the cutting torch.

Abstract: A laser beam machine has a laser head (3) for emitting a laser beam onto a workpiece which is to be treated, and a movement unit (1, 2, 9) for physically moving the laser head (3), which movement unit has a linearly moving machine portal (1) and a transverse carriage (2) which is held such that it can be moved on said machine portal in a transverse manner, wherein a flexible fiber cable (10) with a minimum permissible bending radius enters at an inlet point on the upper laser head end for transmitting the laser beam, and wherein a cable guidance system (12, 13) is provided in order to guide the fiber cable (10) at least over a portion of its length.

Abstract: In the thermal cutting of a workpiece by means of a laser beam, said beam is generated by means of a laser source and supplied to a movable laser head. In the laser head, an optical deflection element is provided for deflecting the laser beam such that, when viewed in working direction, it encloses a tilt angle (?) differing from 0 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the laser head. Starting therefrom, to produce the inclination of the collimated laser beam to the vertical with a very small number of optical components if possible, the invention suggests that the laser beam is supplied to the laser head by means of an optical fiber and the laser beam is collimated, passes through the deflection element laterally offset to the longitudinal axis of the laser head and is deflected by means of said element onto the workpiece surface and focused at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal processing of a workpiece with a thermal processing tool that is adjustable perpendicularly to the workpiece surface has a drive for adjusting the work distance. The drive is in operative communication with the processing tool or part of it, and is configured as a voice coil actuator, comprising a magnet producing a magnetic field, and a coil in the magnetic field. The magnet and coil are movable relative to each other along a movement axis in response to an electric current. To provide a drive for a thermal processing machine that affords a compact structural form and high machine dynamics, the magnet has a cavity, which has arranged therein the processing tool, or a part thereof, which is mechanically connected to the voice coil actuator.

Abstract: In a known method for machine-cutting a plate-shaped workpiece, position and/or geometry and/or dimensions of the workpiece are detected without contact by means of a camera and the corresponding data are subjected to an evaluation by means of image processing. Starting from this, to permit a precise and reproducible detection of the position and/or geometry and/or dimensions of the workpiece to be treated without spending a lot of time, it is suggested according to the invention that the recording of the data should comprise a method step for the coarse localization of a workpiece edge, in which the camera is operated in a first operative mode with lower optical resolution, and a second method step for determining the exact positional data of the found workpiece edge, in which the camera is operated in a second operative mode with higher optical resolution.

Abstract: In the thermal cutting of a workpiece by means of a laser beam, said beam is generated by means of a laser source and supplied to a movable laser head. In the laser head, an optical deflection element is provided for deflecting the laser beam such that, when viewed in working direction, it encloses a tilt angle (?) differing from 0 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the laser head. Starting therefrom, to produce the inclination of the collimated laser beam to the vertical with a very small number of optical components if possible, the invention suggests that the laser beam is supplied to the laser head by means of an optical fiber and the laser beam is collimated, passes through the deflection element laterally offset to the longitudinal axis of the laser head and is deflected by means of said element onto the workpiece surface and focused at the same time.