US 5,578,229 A · Method and apparatus for cutting boards using opposing convergent laser beams

Abstract

A method and laser cutting system for cutting a secondary piece from a board is disclosed. A board is provided having a generally planar first and second surfaces separated by a predetermined distance or thickness and having a central plane located midway between the first and second surfaces. First and second lenses are arranged relative to the board with the focal point of the respective first and second lenses disposed intermediate the first and second surfaces of the board. Laser beams from a pair of lasers are propagated through the respective lenses with each laser beam converging at the focal point of its respective lens and cutting the workpiece from its respective surface toward the other surface. Ideally, the focused beams diverge sufficiently along the cutting path such that each laser beam reduces in intensity sufficiently so as not to cause harm to the opposing laser delivering systems or support structure.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for laser cutting a workpiece having generally opposing first and second surfaces, the method comprising:

providing a first lens having a first focal length;
providing a second lens having a second focal length which approximately differs from the first focal length by at least 10%;
applying a first laser beam to the first lens to converge the first laser beam at a first focal point proximate the first surface and to diverge the first laser beam thereafter so that the first laser beam cuts the workpiece from the first surface toward the second surface to provide a first cut;
applying a second laser beam to the second lens to converge the second laser beam at a second focal point proximate the second surface and to diverge the second laser beam thereafter so that the second laser beam cuts the workpiece from the second surface toward the first surface to provide a second cut, the first and second cuts joining each other to cut the workpiece substantially through;
and
moving the workpiece relative to the first and second laser beams.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for cutting boards using opposing convergent laser beams

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for cutting boards using opposing convergent laser beams

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20