Process for laser-cutting parts and removing flashing
AssigneePolyneer, Inc.
InventorDiamantino Manuel Fidalgo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a laser-cutting method and system for processing shaped articles such as O-rings, seals, and gaskets. The article can be a polymeric material such as a rubber or elastomeric material. A web material having a shaped pattern of an article on its surface is provided. A laser beam is directed along the shaped pattern to cut the article from the web and trim away any flashing. The resulting cut article has a surface substantially free of any flashing, burrs, or other excess materials. Camera optical and positioning systems can be used with the laser system.
Claims9
A process for laser-cutting a polymeric web material having molded articles, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a polymeric web material having a surface, said surface having at least one molded article;
- b) positioning the web material on a staging platform;
- c) using a camera optical system to locate the molded article on the web material and distinguish the molded article from flashing that surrounds the article;
- and
- d) using the camera optical system to direct a laser beam along the molded article during a cutting process so that the beam cuts completely through the web flashing and produces a cut-out article having a surface substantially free of flashing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.