Abstract: In a guidance device for a laser beam (17) repeatedly reflected at 45.degree. mirrors at least six controllable movement axes (X, Y, Z, 4, 5, 7) are provided, of which two movement axes (5,7) are horizontal swiveling axes (11, 14), whereby the one swiveling axis (14) is assigned to the laser head (15). It can be achieved not only with two-dimensional cuts but also with three-dimensional cuts by appropriate adjustment of the swiveling angles (.alpha.,.beta.) at the swiveling axes (11, 14) and by a sufficient distance between the two swiveling axes (11, 14), that the point of intersection (27) on the workpiece (26) is always located vertically under the Z-movement axis, whereby the movement programming of the device is simplified. By adjustment of equal swiveling angles (.alpha.,.beta.) simplified circular arc cuts can be performed by rotation around only one movement axis (4) at horizontal workpieces.

Abstract: The present apparatus for trimming the edges and for cutting holes into three-dimensional hollow work pieces comprises few components and may be easily modified or retooled for use on molded work pieces of different shapes and sizes. For this purpose, the apparatus comprises a support mold 1 having a shape complementary to the shape of the work piece. The support mold is exchangeable and receives or holds the work piece in a form locking manner. The support mold comprises slots 4 or apertures 6 located where the trimming or cutting is to take place in the work piece. A laser cutting device 20 is arranged for cooperation with the support mold 1 in such a way that a relative motion may be performed between the laser cutting device and the support mold. Thus, the cutting laser beam is effective along the slots and along the edges of an aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting notches in the outer surface of a cylindrical drum includes a machine frame, and a laser cutting set which provides a laser beam to cut the notches in the drum. The notches are provided to allow sheet steel strips to be later fitted on the drum, and thus form a cutting tool useful in the production of collapsible box blanks. The apparatus also includes a movable carriage for supporting the laser cutting set, and a mounting shaft is supported by the carriage for rotatably supporting the drum. A drive wheel, coaxially fitted to the mounting shaft, rotates the shaft, and the drive wheel has an engagement surface which corresponds to a cutting edge diameter later defined by the positions which the cutting edges of the steel strips assume beyond the outer circumferential surface of the drum.