Abstract: A process for the production of multi-thickness and/or multi-material blanks, comprising the steps of: setting and withholding a first piece (P1) of metal sheet on a first workpiece-supporting structure (38); setting and withholding a second piece (P2) of metal sheet on a second workpiece-supporting structure (40) which is mobile with respect to the first workpiece-supporting structure (38) under the control of a numerical-control unit (14); carrying out laser cutting of at least one edge of the first piece (P1) and of the second piece (P2) and defining reference lines (58, 60) of the first piece and second piece, respectively, the positions of which are known to the numerical-control unit (14); bringing the first piece (P1) and the second piece (P2) up to one another until they reach a position where the aforesaid reference lines (58, 60) overlap one another; and carrying out a laser weld between the first piece (P1) and the second piece (P2) along the aforesaid coinciding reference lines (58, 60).

Abstract: A process for the production of multi-thickness and/or multi-material blanks, comprising the steps of: setting and withholding a first piece (P1) of metal sheet on a first workpiece-supporting structure (38); setting and withholding a second piece (P2) of metal sheet on a second workpiece-supporting structure (40) which is mobile with respect to the first workpiece-supporting structure (38) under the control of a numerical-control unit (14); carrying out laser cutting of at least one edge of the first piece (P1) and of the second piece (P2) and defining reference lines (58, 60) of the first piece and second piece, respectively, the positions of which are known to the numerical-control unit (14); bringing the first piece (P1) and the second piece (P2) up to one another until they reach a position where the aforesaid reference lines (58, 60) overlap one another; and carrying out a laser weld between the first piece (P1) and the second piece (P2) along the aforesaid coinciding reference lines (58, 60).

Abstract: An operative head for a laser machine including a base rotatably mounted about a first axis and carrying a first mirror for receiving a laser beam along the first axis and for deflecting the laser beam along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, a rotating body carried by the base for rotation about the second axis, and an end body carrying a second mirror for receiving the laser beam along a third axis. The end body is movable with respect to the rotating body along a straight direction parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: Method of laser welding sheet metal protected by using low-vaporizing-temperature materials, whereby, before being subjected to a laser welding beam along a weld area, two metal sheets are placed on top of each other in such a manner that at least one layer of the said protecting material is located between the sheets at the weld area and that the weld area communicates directly externally of the weld area between the sheets whereby gases generated by vaporization of said protective material may escape from the weld area.