Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for cutting curved tube and duct assemblies using a high-powered laser, which locates, measures and follows a scribe line. The invention generally is comprised of a multi-axis laser-based machine tool to cut formed (i.e., curved) welded tube and duct detailed parts to a planar scribe line. It is further comprised of a laser focusing head positioned on a rotating and tilting platform; fixturing aids to position and hold the tubes or ducts to be cut; a machine vision system to locate and measure a scribe line in a plane on the tube or duct, thus determining its orientation; and a controller that tilts the turntable to a co-planar position, and then operates a high-powered laser to cut the duct at the scribe line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatically reconfigurable contour checking fixture for comparing a component to a programmed contour. The fixture comprises a horizontal support table, having a length and width, wherein a drive rack runs along its length. The fixture also includes a plurality of stations positioned at intervals along the length of the support table, each of the stations including an artificial template member, and a multi-service drive assembly which drives the artificial template member of each of the plurality of stations to a respective designated point along the programmed contour. A computer is in communication with the multi-service drive assembly, communicating positional instructions such that the artificial template member of each of the plurality of stations conforms to the programmed contour.