Abstract: The apparatus for cutting a flat glass work piece along a curved dividing line includes a laser generating a laser beam having a linear beam profile and an optical system with a scanner for producing a curvilinear focal point from the laser beam. The apparatus also moves a cold spot along the curved dividing line following the curvilinear focal point. A trajectory control device controls the position of the curvilinear focal point on the curved dividing line via actuators. A profile control device controls the contour of the curvilinear focal point according to trajectory data from the curved dividing line, so that all points of the curvilinear focal point lie on or coincide with the curved dividing line. The apparatus adjusts the length of the curvilinear focal point by adjusting scanning amplitude of the scanning motion.

Abstract: The apparatus for cutting a flat glass work piece along a curved dividing line includes a laser generating a laser beam having a linear beam profile and an optical system with a scanner for producing a curvilinear focal point from the laser beam. The apparatus also moves a cold spot along the curved dividing line following the curvilinear focal point. A trajectory control device controls the position of the curvilinear focal point on the curved dividing line via actuators. A profile control device controls the contour of the curvilinear focal point according to trajectory data from the curved dividing line, so that all points of the curvilinear focal point lie on or coincide with the curved dividing line. The apparatus adjusts the length of the curvilinear focal point by adjusting scanning amplitude of the scanning motion.

Abstract: In the method for cutting flat glass work pieces a laser beam having a linear beam profile followed by a cold spot is moved along a curved dividing line (2) on the work piece. A linear focal point (1) is produced on the work piece by scanning the laser beam. Trajectory data from the curved dividing line (2) is made available during every scanning motion and scanning is controlled so that all points of the curvilinear focal point (1) lie on or coincide with the curved dividing line (2). A length of the curvilinear focal point is adjusted according to the curvature of the curved dividing line by adjusting scanning amplitude of the scanning motion. Preferably the laser beam output is adjusted as a function of the length of the curvilinear focal point.

Abstract: The method of making a freeform cut on a work piece made of brittle material, such as glass, includes producing a linear focal point from a laser beam and a cold spot following the linear focal point on the work piece so that at least 60 percent of a laser beam energy output is concentrated at opposite ends of the linear focal point; moving the linear focal point along a specified contour for forming the cut and adjusting a length of the focal point according to a contour line curvature, so that the opposite ends lie on the contour, even when the contour is curved, in order to make the freeform cut. The device for performing this method includes a numerical trajectory control device (4) for positioning the linear focal point as it moves along the contour and a profile control device (3) cooperating with the numerical trajectory control device (4) for controlling a length (S) of the linear focal point (1).

Abstract: In a conventional method, a laser beam, with a linear beam profile and a following cool-spot to increase the thermomechanical stress, is moved along a separating line of predetermined shape. According to the invention, in order to be able to separate any shape (free-form cutting), the method is carried out, whereby a linear focal point is generated, on the workpiece, by means of scanning the laser beam and, during each scanning movement, tracking data for the separation line (2) is generated, such that the linear focal point is given a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the shape of the separation line, by adjusting the scan amplitude.

Abstract: A laser beam having a line-shaped beam profile with a following cooling spot in order to increase thermomechanic tension which is moved along a separating line having predefined contours is known in prior art. In order to cut out a given contour using simple mean, (free-shape cut) the method according to the invention relates to a line-shaped bum spot (1) generated on a work piece. Said spot is of significantly increased intensity at both ends (1a, 1b). Said spot is moved along the cut line (2) in such a way that both said ends lie on the cut line (2) and the length (S) thereof depends on the curvature of the contour of the cut line (2).