Process for the space localization of the focal point of a laser beam of a machining machine and equipment for performing this process

A process for the space localization of a focal point of a laser beam of a machining machine with respect to a work table of said machine, said process comprising the following steps:

• a--fixing a target to the work table, the target having four edges forming a square target in a first plane (XOY),
• b--emitting the laser beam in such a way that an axis thereof is perpendicular to the first plane (XOY), displacing the laser beam in a second plane (YOZ) that is perpendicular to the first plane and to a first pair of parallel edges of the square target, so that an estimated position (PFE) of the focal point of the laser beam is successively placed in two working planes parallel to the first plane (XOY) and located substantially equidistantly on either side of said first plane, detecting a first series of four impact points (A1, B1, C1, D1) of the laser beam on the first pair of parallel edges of the square target and determining a calculated position (PFC1) of the focal point in a second plane, located at an intersection of two lines (A1 D1, B1 C1) linking the impact points located on the first pair of parallel edges of the square target and in the two working planes,
• c--repeating step b at least once, successively placing the first plane on either side of the calculated position (PFC1) of a last calculated focal point,
• d--repeating steps b and c in a third plane (XOZ) that is perpendicular to the first and second planes to determine a calculated position of the focal point in said third plane.