Initial distance approach for laser processing

A method for approaching a starting position for laser processing a workpiece with a laser processing head having a distance sensor system, wherein the laser processing head is configured to perform a contour cut with respect to the workpiece starting from a workpiece edge of the workpiece, the method comprising:

• providing position information relating to the starting position, wherein the starting position is provided at a working distance from a surface of the workpiece, and space information relating to a predetermined entrance area, wherein the predetermined entrance area at least partially extends at a distance to the surface of the workpiece, wherein the distance is larger than the working distance, wherein the predetermined entrance area is at a minimum distance from the starting position, the minimum distance allowing an adaptation of the distance of the laser processing head to the working distance during a movement of the laser processing head from the entrance area to the starting position;
• moving the laser processing head through the entrance area in direction of the starting position and activating a distance control operation after entry of the laser processing head in the entrance area, wherein the distance control operation is based on the distance sensor system to control the distance of the laser processing head to the surface of the workpiece;
• continuing the moving of the laser processing head from the entrance area to the starting position, while adapting the distance of the laser processing head from the workpiece to the working distance by the distance control;
• continuing the moving of the laser processing head beyond the workpiece edge and, prior to the laser processing head passing the workpiece edge, deactivating the distance control and freezing a set distance of the laser processing head by a distance freezing operation;
• turning on a laser emission from the laser processing head;
• moving the laser processing head back to the workpiece edge and above the workpiece in direction of the starting position;
• and
• passing the starting position with the laser processing head at the working distance under laser emission, and prior to the laser processing head passing the starting position or upon the laser processing head reaching the starting position, reactivating the distance control and deactivating the distance freezing of the laser processing head.