Abstract: In order to be able to detect a possible loss of cut during the thermal separation of a workpiece as early as during the separation, the invention proposes a method for detecting an impending loss of cut or a loss of cut that has already occurred, in which energy is input into a cutting region and which comprises the following method steps: a) applying a first alternating signal to the workpiece, b) identifying a second alternating signal caused by the first alternating signal in a measurement electrode spaced apart from the workpiece, c) ascertaining the phase shift between the first and second alternating signal by outputting a phase shift signal, d) comparing the phase shift signal with a prescribed upper limit value and a prescribed lower limit value for the phase shift signal, wherein, when the phase shift signal exceeds the upper limit value or undershoots the lower limit value, the energy input is changed, for example, by stopping the thermal separation of the workpiece.

Abstract: In known methods for through-cut detection in the thermally assisted through cutting of a workpiece, the workpiece is subjected to a first alternating signal. A method that allows a fast and accurate detection of a through-cut made comprises the method steps of detecting a second alternating electrical signal caused by the first alternating electrical signal in a measurement electrode spaced from the workpiece, determining the phase shift between the first and second alternating electrical signals to output a phase shift signal, and detecting a temporal evolution of the phase shift electrical signal or a measurement variable derived therefrom in a predetermined time interval. When a workpiece through-cut is made, it is detected in that the phase shift signal or the measurement variable derived therefrom is in the time interval within a predetermined fluctuation range.

Abstract: In known methods for through-cut detection in the thermally assisted through cutting of a workpiece, the workpiece is subjected to a first alternating signal. Starting therefrom, to indicate a method which allows a fast and accurate detection of a through-cut made, it is suggested according to the invention that the method comprises the following method steps: a) detecting a second alternating electrical signal caused by the first alternating electrical signal in a measurement electrode spaced from the workpiece, b) determining the phase shift between first and second alternating electrical signal with output of a phase shift signal, c) detecting a temporal evolution of the phase shift electrical signal or a measurement variable derived therefrom in a predetermined time interval, wherein a workpiece through-cut made is detected in that the phase shift signal or the measurement variable derived therefrom is in the time interval within a predetermined fluctuation range.