Frame and exterior shrouding for laser processing system

A laser processing module for processing a workpiece, the module comprising:

• a frame comprising:
• a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface;
• an optics bridge spaced apart from, and extending over, the upper surface of the platform;
• and
• a bridge support interposed between, and coupled to, the platform and the optics bridge,
• wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of the platform and the optics bridge includes a sandwich panel, wherein the sandwich panel includes:
• a first plate;
• a second plate;
• a core interposed between, and attached to, the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate are indirectly attached to one another by the core and wherein the core defines at least one channel extending between the first plate and the second plate;
• a first port formed at an exterior of the sandwich panel and in fluid communication with the at least one channel;
• and
• a second port formed at the exterior of the sandwich panel and in fluid communication with the at least one channel;
• and
• a laser source supported by the optics bridge and operative to generate a beam of laser energy,
• wherein the workpiece is supportable on the platform.