Abstract: A method for controlling a height of a cutting torch, includes loading a workpiece onto a numerical control machine, scanning the workpiece with a scanning device at a plurality of discrete points on an upper surface of the workpiece, measuring an X-, a Y-, and a Z-coordinate for each respective one of the scanned discrete points, where X and Y define a plane substantially parallel to the loaded workpiece and Z represents a distance between the upper surface and the scanning device at a respective discrete point, storing the measured XYZ coordinates from each of the scanned discrete points into a data set, mathematically fitting the stored data set to a smooth surface representative of the upper surface of the loaded workpiece, and cutting the workpiece along a cutting path programmed into the numerical control machine, while controlling the cutting torch height to correspond to the representative smooth surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods NC plasma cut a metal fabric based upon a two-dimensional cutting path. An NC cutting machine is controlled to make a first pass along the cutting path with the laser height measuring device to collect height data from the metal fabric positioned on a bed of the NC cutting machine. Positions for starting and stopping a plasma arc of a cutting torch of the NC cutting machine are determined based upon the height data. An enhanced NC program is generated based upon the cutting path, the height data, and the positions for starting and stopping the plasma arc, to control the NC cutting machine to cut metal of the metal fabric along the cutting path.

Abstract: A system and method for cutting a workpiece utilizing a plasma cutting tool of fixed cut width into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts using a tool of fixed cutting width; utilizing this cut contour of fixed width as part of the contour on an adjacent part fully overlapping the cut width. The process is repeated until all the required parts are cut.

Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and hence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software products generate multi-pass contours for controlling a numerical control (NC) machine to cut out a part with weld preparation. Weld preparation information is combined with an electronic description of the part to form an enhanced electronic file. Multi-pass contours, usable to control an NC machine to cut out the part with at least one bevel, are generated based upon the enhanced electronic file.

Abstract: A bevel head apparatus includes tilt, rotation, and vertical positioning with a cutting torch of a numerically controlled plate cutting machine. The apparatus has a back panel that attaches to the cutting machine and provides vertical movement of the cutting torch, a drive box coupled with the back panel houses electronics and mechanical components, an arm coupled to the drive box provides rotational movement of the cutting torch, and a pantograph coupled with the arm provides tilt movement to the cutting torch attached to the pantograph. Tilt, rotation, and vertical positioning of the cutting torch is controlled by the electronics and mechanical components. The bevel head apparatus also include a laser for measuring distance to determine and control a height of the cutting torch above the flat plate.

Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and thence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.

Abstract: A method of processing long product on a numerical control machine including a gantry, a cutting bed, and a gantry holding a cutting torch, includes the steps of moving the gantry over a stationary long product on the cutting bed while cutting the long product with the cutting torch to process the long product. The cutting torch is capable of moving in at least the X-, Y-, and Z-directions relative to an arbitrary coordinate system defining the dimensions of the long product.

Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and hence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.

Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and thence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.

Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and then to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.

Abstract: A bevel head apparatus includes tilt, rotation, and vertical positioning with a cutting torch of a numerically controlled plate cutting machine. The apparatus has a back panel that attaches to the cutting machine and provides vertical movement of the cutting torch, a drive box coupled with the back panel houses electronics and mechanical components, an arm coupled to the drive box provides rotational movement of the cutting torch, and a pantograph coupled with the arm provides tilt movement to the cutting torch attached to the pantograph. Tilt, rotation, and vertical positioning of the cutting torch is controlled by the electronics and mechanical components. The bevel head apparatus also include a laser for measuring distance to determine and control a height of the cutting torch above the flat plate.

Abstract: A method for controlling a height of a cutting torch, includes loading a workpiece onto a numerical control machine, scanning the workpiece with a scanning device at a plurality of discrete points on an upper surface of the workpiece, measuring an X-, a Y-, and a Z-coordinate for each respective one of the scanned discrete points, where X and Y define a plane substantially parallel to the loaded workpiece and Z represents a distance between the upper surface and the scanning device at a respective discrete point, storing the measured XYZ coordinates from each of the scanned discrete points into a data set, mathematically fitting the stored data set to a smooth surface representative of the upper surface of the loaded workpiece, and cutting the workpiece along a cutting path programmed into the numerical control machine, while controlling the cutting torch height to correspond to the representative smooth surface.

Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and thence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.

Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and thence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software products generate multi-pass contours for controlling a numerical control (NC) machine to cut out a part with weld preparation. Weld preparation information is combined with an electronic description of the part to form an enhanced electronic file. Multi-pass contours, usable to control an NC machine to cut out the part with at least one bevel, are generated based upon the enhanced electronic file.