Abstract: A method for processing a workpiece with a processing device which has a processing head which can be moved at a defined speed and distance from a surface of the workpiece, the method comprising at least partially detecting a surface topography of the workpiece to be processed, determining a minimum desired operating distance of the processing head from the workpiece with reference to the detected surface topography of the workpiece and a trailing spacing of the processing head associated with the defined speed, and processing the workpiece with the processing head at the established minimum desired operating distance of the processing head from the workpiece.

Abstract: A dialog system for examining a processing operation carried out on a machine tool and establishing a proposal for improving at least one quality feature of a subsequent processing operation, the dialog system having input means to predetermine the quality feature to be improved and a proposal module which, by accessing stored expert knowledge, can establish at least one proposal for improving the quality feature. In some implementations, the proposal module is operable to read data established by one or more of a machine tool sensor system and image data of a processed workpiece together with associated material and processing data to provide the proposal.

Abstract: A laser processing machine for processing workpieces includes a beam guide containing a gas atmosphere, and also includes an apparatus for investigating the gas atmosphere in the beam guide for impurities. The investigation apparatus makes use of the photoacoustic effect. The measuring apparatus has a measuring chamber and at least one measuring head, where the beam guide acts as the measuring chamber. As a measuring chamber, the beam guide contains the gas atmosphere that is to be investigated and also a modulated laser beam modulated. The measuring head(s) are integrated into the beam guide and are used to detect the photoacoustic effect in the measuring chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implementations of apparatus and methods for controlling a machining system by means of a control program. In some implementations, apparatus include a data storage, in which standard machining parameters are stored to which the control program refers, an adjustment device can be activated in accordance with the invention for adjusting the machining parameters in a preset fashion based on the material properties of a workpiece to be processed and/or a selectable machining target value.

Abstract: A method for processing a workpiece with a processing device which has a processing head which can be moved at a defined speed and distance from a surface of the workpiece, the method comprising at least partially detecting a surface topography of the workpiece to be processed, determining a minimum desired operating distance of the processing head from the workpiece with reference to the detected surface topography of the workpiece and a trailing spacing of the processing head associated with the defined speed, and processing the workpiece with the processing head at the established minimum desired operating distance of the processing head from the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical element for guiding and forming a laser beam, and to a method for recording beam parameters, particularly in a laser system, comprising a carrier substrate (40) and a coating (39), which is applied to at least one side of the carrier substrate (40), and comprising at least one temperature sensor (38). The temperature sensor (38) is comprised of a number of pixels arranged in a matrix, and each respective pixel has at least one temperature-sensitive element (39). The at least one temperature-sensitive element (39) of the pixel is constructed inside the carrier substrate (40) made of silicon.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for an optical system of a laser processing machine includes a mount with a cavity, and an adaptive mirror. A magnetorheological or electrorheological fluid flows through the cavity, is adjusted in its viscosity, and provides an adjustable pressure onto the adaptable mirror.

Abstract: A laser processing machine for processing workpieces includes a beam guide containing a gas atmosphere, and also includes an apparatus for investigating the gas atmosphere in the beam guide for impurities. The investigation apparatus makes use of the photoacoustic effect. The measuring apparatus has a measuring chamber and at least one measuring head, where the beam guide acts as the measuring chamber. As a measuring chamber, the beam guide contains the gas atmosphere that is to be investigated and also a modulated laser beam modulated. The measuring head(s) are integrated into the beam guide and are used to detect the photoacoustic effect in the measuring chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implementations of apparatus and methods for controlling a machining system by means of a control program. In some implementations, apparatus include a data storage, in which standard machining parameters are stored to which the control program refers, an adjustment device can be activated in accordance with the invention for adjusting the machining parameters in a preset fashion based on the material properties of a workpiece to be processed and/or a selectable machining target value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical element for guiding and forming a laser beam, and to a method for recording beam parameters, particularly in a laser system, comprising a carrier substrate (40) and a coating (39), which is applied to at least one side of the carrier substrate (40), and comprising at least one temperature sensor (38). The temperature sensor (38) is comprised of a number of pixels arranged in a matrix, and each respective pixel has at least one temperature-sensitive element (39). The at least one temperature-sensitive element (39) of the pixel is constructed inside the carrier substrate (40) made of silicon.

Abstract: A condition or detecting a change in the condition of an optical element of a laser arrangement is detected. An ultrasonic signal is coupled into an optical element such that the ultrasonic signal travels along a path within the optical element, and a transit time or a change in transit time for the ultrasonic signal to travel along the path within the optical element is detected.

Abstract: Determination of the relative positioning of a laser machining beam and a process gas jet on a laser machine tool are accomplished by motion of detections made while moving the machining beam and gas jet in relation to a detection element. In some cases actions of the beam and gas jet themselves are detected, such as by cutting light response and sensor deflection caused by the gas jet. Relative head positions at the time of the deflections are used to calculate misalignment between the laser beam and gas jet.

Abstract: A condition or detecting a change in the condition of an optical element of a laser arrangement is detected. An ultrasonic signal is coupled into an optical element such that the ultrasonic signal travels along a path within the optical element, and a transit time or a change in transit time for the ultrasonic signal to travel along the path within the optical element is detected.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for an optical system of a laser processing machine includes a mount with a cavity, and an adaptive mirror. A magnetorheological or electrorheological fluid flows through the cavity, is adjusted in its viscosity, and provides an adjustable pressure onto the adaptable mirror.

Abstract: Determination of the relative positioning of a laser machining beam and a process gas jet on a laser machine tool are accomplished by motion of detections made while moving the machining beam and gas jet in relation to a detection element. In some cases actions of the beam and gas jet themselves are detected, such as by cutting light response and sensor deflection caused by the gas jet. Relative head positions at the time of the deflections are used to calculate misalignment between the laser beam and gas jet.

Abstract: A method, machine system and thread cutting device for producing a threaded projection on a plate-shaped workpiece and in particular on a sheet-metal workpiece. A workpiece lug (2) is cut with a threaded contour in the principal plane of the workpiece and at least a section of the workpiece lug (2) featuring at least one threaded contour (5, 6) is permanently bent in the form of a threaded projection extending at the desired angle relative to the principal plane of the workpiece. A machine system (9) for implementing the method encompasses a cutting device for the relief cutting of workpiece lugs (2) as well as a thread cutting device. Also included is a bending device (15) by means of which at least a section of the workpiece lug (2) provided with at least one threaded contour (5, 6) can be permanently bent relative to the principal plane of the workpiece. A thread cutting device of the machine system (9) is appropriately configured for that purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for producing a three-dimensional shaped body by successive consolidation of layers of a pulverulent build-up material, which can be consolidated by means of electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, at locations corresponding to the respective cross section of the shaped body, having a beam source for generating a focussed beam and a deflection device for diverting the focussed beam onto the layer which is to be consolidated, having a carrier in a build-up chamber, adjacent to a process chamber, for receiving the shaped body which is to be formed, wherein at least two working stations are formed by in each case one process chamber, the process chambers are hermetically locked off and are each designed to be separate from one another, and the deflection device and the at least two working stations can be positioned in a working position with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method, machine system and thread cutting device for producing a threaded projection on a plate-shaped workpiece and in particular on a sheet-metal workpiece. A workpiece lug (2) is cut with a threaded contour in the principal plane of the workpiece and at least a section of the workpiece lug (2) featuring at least one threaded contour (5, 6) is permanently bent in the form of a threaded projection extending at the desired angle relative to the principal plane of the workpiece. A machine system (9) for implementing the method encompasses a cutting device for the relief cutting of workpiece lugs (2) as well as a thread cutting device. Also included is a bending device (15) by means of which at least a section of the workpiece lug (2) provided with at least one threaded contour (5, 6) can be permanently bent relative to the principal plane of the workpiece. A thread cutting device of the machine system (9) is appropriately configured for that purpose.