Abstract: A beam confinement subsystem for an optical scanning system of a laser beam machine having a laser beam transfer path includes an expandable light path sealing and protecting member surrounding a portion of the laser beam transfer path, and a pressure adjusting buffer directly coupled to the expandable light path sealing and protecting member. Preferably, the pressure adjusting buffer including an expandable, airtight thin-film material. Additionally, the beam confinement can include a pressurized purge gas supply tank directly connected to the expandable light path sealing and protecting member to thereby provide greater protection from contamination to the laser beam transfer path.

Abstract: In a laser machining apparatus and method according to the present invention, a chip conveyor provided under the machining head parallel to the moving direction of the machining head recovers chips dropping near a movable area of a machining head, the chip tray provided in a section where the chip conveyor does not exit, receives chips dropping in a movable area of the machining table where the chip conveyor does not exist, and brushes provided under the machining table move along with the machining table to clean off chips stored in the chip trays and drop the chips onto the chip conveyor.