Abstract: A machine handling device for handling a sheet-metal workpiece includes a control device that comprises two sensing elements, and a testing station that includes a testing device configured to test functional capability of the control device. The testing device includes a respective electrically conductive testing-contact body for each of the two sensing elements of the control device. The testing station further includes a testing-evaluation device configured to apply a testing voltage between the respective sensing element and the corresponding testing-contact body. The testing-evaluation device includes a testing-measuring unit and a testing-comparing unit. The testing-measuring unit is configured to measure an actual value of a contact-dependent electrical variable that is dependent on a state of an electrically conducting contact between the sensing element and the testing-contact body.

Abstract: A method and machine for cutting and removing a workpiece part from a plate-shaped material includes cutting the workpiece part with a beam or jet directed onto the material and separating the workpiece part and material. The workpiece part is removed as a scrap skeleton removal part. The cut-free workpiece part is lifted out of a workpiece supporting plane by a lifting device and removed by a gripping device, or the cut-free workpiece part is removed downwards from the plane through a gap between workpiece supporting surfaces by an ejection device, or gravity removes the cut-free workpiece part downwards through the gap. Before cutting the workpiece part free, a sacrificial part adjoining the workpiece part and partially having a common cutting line with the workpiece part is cut free from the material before cutting the workpiece part free in the material or scrap skeleton.

Abstract: A method for producing workpiece parts from a plate-shaped workpiece in a processing machine or laser processing machine includes positioning and holding the workpiece on a workpiece support by clamping devices. A plurality of workpiece parts are cut out of the workpiece with a process beam. The process beam is moved relative to the workpiece support by a processing head and/or the workpiece is moved relative to the workpiece support by the clamping devices. A cutting process for processing the workpiece to produce the workpiece parts is interrupted at least once by a relaxation step for the workpiece. During the relaxation step at least one clamping device is released to relax the workpiece. The at least one clamping device is closed following the relaxation and before continuing the cutting process. A data processing program and a processing machine for producing the workpiece parts are also provided.

Abstract: A method for transporting workpiece parts out of a cutting area of a laser cutting machine includes: moving a first holding device for holding workpiece parts along a first guide in a transporting direction transverse to a direction of movement of a laser cutting head, and moving a second holding device along a second guide in the transporting direction transverse to the direction of movement of the laser cutting head. First workpiece parts, which are cut within the cutting area from a first half of a workpiece, are transported from the cutting area into the storage area by the first holding device. Second workpiece parts, which are cut within the cutting area from a second half of the workpiece, are transported from the cutting area into storage area by the second holding device. The transportation of the first and second workpiece parts takes place in alternation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are implemented for piercing a metal workpiece by means of a laser beam and a process gas The methods and systems form a hole in the workpiece using the laser beam and using an inert gas as the process gas, such that the formed hole extends only partially through the workpiece, widen the upper part of the hole into a trough that surrounds the hole on the top side of the workpiece using the laser beam and using oxygen as the process gas, and fully pierce the hole using the laser beam and using oxygen as the process gas.

Abstract: Methods and systems are implemented for piercing a metal workpiece by means of a laser beam and a process gas The methods and systems form a hole in the workpiece using the laser beam and using an inert gas as the process gas, such that the formed hole extends only partially through the workpiece, widen the upper part of the hole into a trough that surrounds the hole on the top side of the workpiece using the laser beam and using oxygen as the process gas, and fully pierce the hole using the laser beam and using oxygen as the process gas.