Machines for the separative machining of plate-shaped workpieces

A machine for the separative machining of a plate-shaped workpiece by a processing beam, the machine comprising:

• a first movement unit configured to move the plate-shaped workpiece in a first direction (X);
• a second movement unit comprising a machining head configured to emit the processing beam, wherein the second movement unit is configured to move the machining head in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X) to direct the processing beam onto the workpiece;
• a first workpiece support unit including a first workpiece-bearing face for supporting the workpiece;
• a second workpiece support unit including a second workpiece-bearing face for supporting the workpiece, wherein the first workpiece support unit and the first workpiece bearing face are spaced apart by a gap from the second workpiece support unit and the second workpiece-bearing face, wherein the gap extends along the second direction (Y);
• at least one support slide arranged to move freely in the second direction (Y) within the gap, wherein the at least one support slide comprises a support slide bearing face for supporting workpiece parts that are cut in the course of the separative machining, and wherein the at least one support slide can move freely within a displacement range of the processing beam along the gap and includes at least one opening in the support slide bearing face that extends through the support slide to enable passage of the processing beam through the support slide, wherein the at least one opening extends through an external edge of the support slide so that the processing beam can be positioned within the opening without having to be switched off;
• and
• a drive unit configured to displace the at least one support slide in a controlled manner within the gap independent of movement of the machining head.