Beam-catching device for a processing machine

A processing machine for workpiece processing, the processing machine comprising:

• a cutting head that produces a cutting beam directed toward a workpiece;
• and
• a beam-catching device for receiving a discharge of the cutting beam from an underside of the workpiece during processing of the workpiece, the beam-catching device comprising:
• a housing defining an opening positioned to introduce the cutting beam of the processing machine that is discharged from the underside of the workpiece into a beam-catching cavity defined within the housing, and
• at least one nozzle positioned to feed a free jet of fluid comprising liquid into the beam-catching cavity in such a way that the fluid jet intercepts the cutting beam within the beam-catching cavity for absorbing energy of the cutting beam,
• wherein the free jet of fluid is deflected downward on account of the impulse, which results when the cutting beam and free jet of fluid meet.

A method of processing a workpiece, the method comprising:

• producing a cutting beam and directing the cutting beam toward a workpiece;
• introducing the cutting beam that is discharged from an underside of the workpiece into a beam-catching cavity defined within a housing;
• and
• feeding a free jet of fluid comprising liquid into the beam-catching cavity in such a way that the fluid jet intercepts the cutting beam within the beam-catching cavity for absorbing energy of the cutting beam,
• wherein the free jet of fluid is deflected downward on account of the impulse, which results when the cutting beam and free jet of fluid meet.