Abstract: A device for the thermal processing of a workpiece with a fiber laser, which generates laser radiation with a wavelength in a range, in particular, from 1020 nm to 1120 nm. The device includes a laser processing machine, having a support surface for the workpiece, a laser processing unit with a laser machining head, and a movement unit with a transverse gantry for moving the laser processing head relative to the support surface. A laser protective hood surrounds the laser processing head, is open towards the support surface, and is movable by the movement unit together with the laser processing head. The protective hood has an outer wall and an inner wall, and a cavity therebetween. At least one laser-light sensor is arranged in the cavity. A laser protection housing surrounds the laser processing machine and the protective hood in a hood-like manner.

Abstract: A method for thermal processing of a workpiece uses a thermal processing machine. The method includes the following steps carried out in an automated manner: setting up the processing machine by producing contact between the processing tool and the workpiece and recording the spatial position of a workpiece surface, positioning the processing tool at a predetermined first and second distance from the workpiece surface and recording the associated signal values of the distance sensor as first and second measured values, and calibrating the distance controller which includes determining a height derivative of the distance sensor signal and an amplification factor for the signal of the distance sensor taking in account the first measured value, the second measured value, the first distance and the second distance; positioning the processing tool at a predetermined working distance from the workpiece surface with the inclusion of the amplification factor; and thermally processing the workpiece.

Abstract: Known methods for the mechanical thermal cutting of a workpiece using a plasma cutting torch include the steps of: a) igniting a plasma jet, b) producing a lead-in cut into a metallic, strip- or plate-type semi-finished product using the plasma jet and c) cutting a contour into the semi-finished product by guiding the plasma jet along a predefined contour line at a cutting speed in a cutting direction. Provided herein is such a method which further includes, after cutting the contour according to step c), guiding the plasma jet in the opposite direction to the cutting direction along at least a portion of the cut contour at a return speed, in order to achieve a high cut quality and high dimensional precision.

Abstract: A laser beam machine has a laser head (3) for emitting a laser beam onto a workpiece which is to be treated, and a movement unit (1, 2, 9) for physically moving the laser head (3), which movement unit has a linearly moving machine portal (1) and a transverse carriage (2) which is held such that it can be moved on said machine portal in a transverse manner, wherein a flexible fiber cable (10) with a minimum permissible bending radius enters at an inlet point on the upper laser head end for transmitting the laser beam, and wherein a cable guidance system (12, 13) is provided in order to guide the fiber cable (10) at least over a portion of its length.

Abstract: A laser beam machine has a laser head (3) for emitting a laser beam onto a workpiece which is to be treated, and a movement unit (1, 2, 9) for physically moving the laser head (3), which movement unit has a linearly moving machine portal (1) and a transverse carriage (2) which is held such that it can be moved on said machine portal in a transverse manner, wherein a flexible fibre cable (10) with a minimum permissible bending radius enters at an inlet point on the upper laser head end for transmitting the laser beam, and wherein a cable guidance system (12, 13) is provided in order to guide the fibre cable (10) at least over a portion of its length.