Abstract: A method for determining a minimum width of a microjoint by which, when machining a workpiece, in particular a sheet-like workpiece, a workpiece part remains connected to a remaining workpiece of the workpiece. In the method, the minimum width of the microjoint is determined in dependence on at least one machining parameter which influences a relative position of the workpiece part in relation to the remaining workpiece during the machining of the workpiece. A further method determines an attachment position of such a microjoint and a still further method machines the workpiece.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for beam processing of plate-shaped or tubular workpieces are provided. In one aspect, a method includes: generating at least one section of a cutting gap cutting through the workpiece along a cutting line corresponding to at least part of a contour of a workpiece part to be produced from the workpiece by a processing beam, and performing at least one non-joining and non-cutting finishing treatment of the workpiece with a partially cut-out workpiece part at least in one section of at least one finishing zone by the processing beam, the finishing zone extending along the cutting line.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, and systems are described for separating workpiece parts from workpieces using a focused machining beam. The methods include creating a trough in the workpiece using the focused machining beam, the trough being created along at least one section of a contour of the at least one workpiece part to be separated from the workpiece, altering a focal position of the machining beam such that the machining beam has a smaller beam diameter on the workpiece, and creating a gap in the workpiece using the machining beam with the altered focal position along at least one section of the contour of the at least one workpiece part to be separated from the workpiece. The gap is created at least partially within the trough.

Abstract: Processes, devices, and systems for beam processing of plate-shaped or tubular workpieces are provided. The processes include: a) carrying out at least one cutting procedure for producing a cutting gap along a cutting line that extends at least partially along a contour of a workpiece part to be produced from the workpiece, and b) carrying out at least one finishing procedure for finishing the workpiece along at least one part of the cutting gap, during which the workpiece part is not completely cut out. The cutting procedure includes moving a beam head for guiding a processing beam above the workpiece along the cutting line from a first cutting position to a second cutting position. The finishing procedure includes moving the beam head over the workpiece, and the processing beam is guided along a finishing line from a first finishing position to a second finishing position.

Abstract: A method for oblique laser beam cutting of a workpiece and system for performing the same, in which a supersonic flow of cutting gas discharged from a cutting gas nozzle is orientated at an oblique cutting angle with respect to a surface of a workpiece, and in which the workpiece and the laser beam are moved relative to each other during the oblique laser beam cutting operation. The oblique cutting angle extends along a plane that is perpendicular to a direction of advance. During operation, the position of the laser beam on the workpiece surface is adjusted in such a manner that the laser beam strikes the workpiece surface in a high-pressure region formed within the supersonic flow of the cutting gas.

Abstract: An adaptive lens system for laser materials processing, for example, in the high-power range of at least approximately 1 kW, includes two deformable lens surfaces spaced apart from each other in the direction of the optical axis, a chamber formed between the two lens surfaces and filled with a fluid, and a device for changing the distance between the two lens surfaces along the optical axis.

Abstract: An adaptive lens system for laser materials processing, for example, in the high-power range of at least approximately 1 kW, includes two deformable lens surfaces spaced apart from each other in the direction of the optical axis, a chamber formed between the two lens surfaces and filled with a fluid, and a device for changing the distance between the two lens surfaces along the optical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser processing nozzle for processing metal sheets. The processing nozzle includes a supply chamber for a processing gas and a laser beam and a mouth region which directly adjoins the supply chamber along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The mouth region is narrowed relative to the supply chamber and forms a minimum diameter of the laser processing nozzle. A step is formed between the supply chamber and the mouth region for swirling the processing gas, and an opening region which widens relative to the mouth region adjoins the mouth region along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for oblique laser beam cutting of a workpiece and system for performing the same, in which a supersonic flow of cutting gas discharged from a cutting gas nozzle is orientated at an oblique cutting angle with respect to a surface of a workpiece, and in which the workpiece and the laser beam are moved relative to each other during the oblique laser beam cutting operation. The oblique cutting angle extends along a plane that is perpendicular to a direction of advance. During operation, the position of the laser beam on the workpiece surface is adjusted in such a manner that the laser beam strikes the workpiece surface in a high-pressure region formed within the supersonic flow of the cutting gas.

Abstract: Piercing a workpiece with a laser beam, while directing multiple gas flows onto the workpiece at angles and locations that cause the gas flows to blow slag away from the piercing location and produce a gas cushion between the blown away slag and the workpiece, thereby reducing adhesion of slag. A laser processing head is accordingly configured with additional gas nozzles.