Method for machining workpieces and machine tool

A method for two and three-dimensional machining of workpieces on a numerically controlled machine tool, more particularly a CNC machining center, by means of cutting tools and a laser machining device comprising a laser machining head, a laser source with attached beam forming means and beam guide for generating a laser beam and supplying it to the laser machining head, the laser machining head being mechanically pivotable and insertable into a tool holder of the machine tool, the laser machining head being moved during a cutting operation by a cutting tool into an inoperative/park position, comprising the steps of:

• providing a tool holder capable of alternatively accepting both a cutting tool and a laser machining head for operating on a workpiece;
• mounting the laser source in a vibration-free manner on a workshop floor;
• supplying the laser beam to the laser machining head via a flexible beam arm with beam guide tubes and joint points to the laser machining head connected to a last beam guide tube while maintaining a constant beam guide length during movement and operation of the laser machining head;
• maintaining the last beam guide tube orthogonal to a main axis of the machine tool and a next beam guide tube parallel to the main axis;
• and
• performing a changeover operation for the tool holder between the cutting tool and the laser machining head by swivelling the last beam guide tube orthogonally in relation to the main axis and having the machine tool replace the cutting tool in the tool holder with the laser machining head (swivelling the last beam guide tube orthogonally in relation to the main axis during a changeover operation for the tool holder between the cutting tool and the laser machining head.