Laser cutting method for dividing a metal sheet into at least one workpiece and a plurality of remaining sections and laser machining apparatus

Abstract

A laser cutting method for cutting at least one workpiece from a metal sheet with a remaining portion, having the following steps: A) arranging the metal sheet on a support of a laser cutting machine; B) introducing at least one separation line for separating the at least one workpiece from the remaining portion and at least one connecting line into the remaining portion, wherein the remaining portion is severed in a main region of the separation line, wherein at least one connecting portion is retained between segments of the remaining portion which adjoin one another in a connecting region of the separation line, the connecting portion having a height which is less than the thickness of the metal sheet; C) removing the entire remaining portion from the support; D) separating the segments of the remaining portion from one another. A laser machining device having a laser cutting machine, a loading and unloading device and a control device, wherein the control device is programmed for controlling the laser cutting machine and the loading and unloading device to carry out the steps A) to C) of the method according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a laser cutting method for cutting at least one workpiece from a metal sheet while retaining a remaining portion, comprising the following steps:

[0002] - Place the metal sheet on the support frame of the laser cutting machine;

[0003] - Introduce at least one cutting line to separate at least one workpiece from the remaining portion.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a laser processing equipment comprising a laser cutter, a loading and unloading device, and a control device. Background Technology

[0005] The above-mentioned type of method is known from JPH 09300300 A.

[0006] In 2D laser cutting, the remaining mesh is typically divided into smaller regions before or after cutting the qualified part (workpiece). These regions can be removed from the workpiece support more easily, manually or automatically, due to their lighter weight compared to the remaining plate as a whole. Large internal areas of the qualified part, the so-called "scrap" or "residual material," can also be cut into smaller parts so that these smaller parts can then be removed more easily.

[0007] However, cutting the remaining mesh creates a strip-shaped area of ​​residual mesh. If this area is insufficiently supported by the support bars of the workpiece support frame, it sags downwards between the support bars. This can lead to collisions with the clamps or rakes of the removal unit, making it difficult or even impossible to remove the remaining mesh area.

[0008] Crushing remaining mesh is typically not considered because the size of the remaining mesh, which has the dimensions of a metal sheet, creates problems during removal. Therefore, the entire remaining mesh, in its uncrushed state, typically exceeds the waste loading size.

[0009] As is known from JPH 09300300 A mentioned at the beginning, microjoints are provided on the remaining portion after stamping or laser cutting so that the remaining portion can be divided into smaller pieces. The microjoints can be formed by stamping holes. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The objective of this invention is to reliably remove and break the remaining portion of a metal plate after the workpiece has been cut out.

[0011] According to the present invention, a laser cutting method is provided. Within the framework of the method, at least one workpiece is cut from a metal plate, wherein at least one remaining portion is left.

[0012] The metal sheet is typically made of metal. It can be made particularly of steel. The thickness of the metal sheet can be at least 4 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 20 mm, and even more preferably at least 40 mm. The thickness of the metal sheet can be at most 150 mm, particularly at most 120 mm. The edge length of the metal sheet, particularly the maximum edge length, can be at least 1 m, preferably at least 2 m, particularly preferably at least 3 m, and particularly preferably at least 5 m.

[0013] The method includes the following steps:

[0014] A) Place the metal plate on the support frame of the laser cutting machine;

[0015] B) Introduce at least one cutting line to separate at least one workpiece from the remaining portion, and

[0016] At least one separation line is introduced into the remaining portion, wherein the remaining portion is cut off in the main region of the separation line, wherein at least one connection portion is retained between adjacent segments of the remaining portion in the connection region of the separation line, the connection portion having a height less than the thickness of the metal plate.

[0017] C) Remove the entire remaining portion from the support frame;

[0018] D) Separate the remaining segments from each other.

[0019] Steps A) through D) are performed in the given order. At least one cutting line and at least one separating line may be introduced in any order or in alternation in segments within step B).

[0020] In step A), the metal sheet is placed onto the support frame of the laser cutting machine. The metal sheet can be secured to the support frame. The support frame has typically discontinuous support elements, such as strips extending parallel to each other and spaced apart, for locally restrictively supporting the metal sheet. The laser cutting machine can be a 2D platform machine.

[0021] In step B), the laser beam is directed at the metal plate. The laser beam can be emitted from the processing head of the laser cutting machine. The point of incidence of the laser beam on the metal plate moves along the cutting line and the separation line. For this purpose, the processing head can be moved relative to the support frame.

[0022] A cutting gas jet, such as nitrogen and / or oxygen, can be directed at the metal plate along with the laser beam. The laser beam and the cutting gas jet can be ejected together from the cutting gas nozzle of the processing head.

[0023] At least one cutting line defines the shape of at least one workpiece, particularly its outer contour and, if necessary, its inner contour. The remaining portion, or one of the remaining portions, may be a residual mesh formed on the outside of at least one workpiece. Alternatively or additionally, the remaining portion, or one of the remaining portions, may be a scrap portion (so-called leftover material) formed inside the workpiece.

[0024] The metal sheet is typically completely separated along the total length of at least one cutting line. However, it is also possible to arrange the workpiece to be initially connected to the remaining portion at a point.

[0025] The remaining portion or metal plate is cut off in the main region of the separation line. The main region typically comprises more than 90%, preferably more than 95%, and particularly preferably more than 98% of the length of the separation line. At least one connection is maintained between adjacent segments of the remaining portion in at least one connecting region of the separation line, the connection having a height less than the thickness of the metal plate. This connection is also referred to hereinafter as a "nanojoint" or "small-height connection." The laser beam is, in principle, uninterrupted as it moves along the segments of the separation line. Material is removed at each point along the separation line. The connection is, in principle, established on the side of the remaining portion or metal plate opposite to the point of incidence of the laser beam. In other words, the segments of the remaining portion remain connected to each other, wherein the connection does not extend over the total thickness of the metal plate or the remaining portion. The connection of adjacent segments prevents the individual segments of the remaining portion from flipping.

[0026] Preferably, the laser power is reduced in the connection region of the separation line to obtain a low-height connection. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting speed can be increased, or the spacing between the cutting gas nozzles through which the laser beam and cutting gas jet are directed towards the metal plate or workpiece. The parameter changes are used to locally and restrictively avoid completely cutting off the metal plate. The implementation of the parameter changes for producing a low-height connection can be carried out as described in WO 2019 / 025327 A2. Reference is made in this regard to the description in WO 2019 / 025327 A2, wherein the connection referred to herein as a low-height connection or “nanojoint” is referred to in WO 2019 / 025327 A2 as a “microjoint.”

[0027] In step C), the entire remaining portion is removed from the support frame. In other words, the entirety of the interconnected sections of the remaining portion is removed from the support frame as a whole. This is particularly easy to achieve based on the connection of the sections. The removal device does not need to function at each individual section, but only at one or more suitable locations at the connection. The removal can preferably be performed by a mechanical clamp. The teeth, forks, or hooks of the clamp can move under the remaining portion, so that the remaining portion can be lifted as a whole and removed from the support frame. The clamp can be constructed in the form of a rake. It is understood that other clamps such as vacuum clamps or magnetic clamps can also be used. Manual removal is also possible.

[0028] Then, in step D), the remaining segments are separated from each other. In other words, the remaining segments are separated. Separation can be achieved particularly easily, especially with low force consumption, due to the small height of the connection. The separation can be done manually, for example, by flipping the segments relative to each other. Alternatively, the separation can be done automatically, for example, by a crusher. The separation of the remaining segments from each other can be done using a collection container for waste. The maximum extension of each remaining segment can be up to 1.5 m, preferably up to 1 m. The foregoing measures simplify the cleanup process.

[0029] The method according to the invention first ensures that the individual sections of the remaining portion on the support frame cannot be flipped, as these sections are connected to each other. This avoids interference during operation. The connection of the remaining portion sections also makes it particularly easy to remove the entire remaining portion. The stability of the low-height connection is sufficiently large so that the entire remaining portion can be operated as a whole. At the same time, the low-height connection is sufficiently weak so that the sections of the remaining portion can be easily separated from each other after the remaining portion is removed from the laser cutting machine. Furthermore, the low-height connection can be produced economically. Compared to connections extending along the total thickness of the metal sheet, no special grooving or production input is required after the connection is established in the low-height connection. Compared to the connection of the remaining portion with sections having connections extending along the total thickness of the metal sheet, productivity can be increased by more than 3% by setting the low-height connection.

[0030] The height of the low-height connecting portion can be at most half the thickness of the metal plate, preferably at most two-fifths, and particularly preferably at most one-third. The height of the connecting portion can be at most 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm. The height of the connecting portion is typically at least one-tenth the thickness of the metal plate, preferably at least one-quarter. The height of the connecting portion can be at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm. The length of the low-height connecting portion, measured along the separation line, is at most half the thickness of the metal plate, preferably at most one-third and / or at least one-quarter. A connecting portion measured in this way can, on the one hand, reliably hold the remaining sections together, and on the other hand, allow the remaining sections to be easily broken apart.

[0031] Preferably, at least one workpiece is removed from the support between steps B) and C). In this case, the cutting line separates the metal sheet in principle along its entire length. Separate removal of the workpiece and the remaining portion simplifies subsequent operations.

[0032] The uninterrupted separation length of the main region of the separation line can be at most 400 mm, preferably at most 300 mm. In other words, the entire 400 mm, preferably the entire 300 mm, retains only at least one small-height connection. The maximum distance between two small-height connections is thus at most 400 mm, preferably at most 300 mm, as long as the section of the separation line exceeds this length. Correspondingly, the distance between the small-height connection and the outer edge of the metal plate is also at most 400 mm, preferably at most 300 mm. This provides sufficient stability for the connection of the remaining sections.

[0033] In step B), two intersecting separation lines can be introduced. Preferably, at the intersection of the separation lines, at least one small-height connection portion is retained in each separation line. Particularly preferably, two small-height connection portions are retained in each separation line at the intersection. This results in a particularly stable remaining portion, however, which can be easily broken. The distance between the small-height connection portions and the intersection can be at most 5 cm, preferably at most 3 cm, and particularly preferably at most 2 cm.

[0034] At least one separation line can reach the outer edge of the metal plate and intersect with another separation line or at least one cutting line at the intersection point. Preferably, in this case, at least one small-height connection portion is maintained between the intersection point and the outer edge of the metal plate. The outer sections of the remaining portion are thus secured to each other. This is particularly ensured by the sufficient stability of the remaining portion when the removal device acts on it from the outside.

[0035] Particularly preferably, when introducing at least one cutting line and at least one separating line, cutting always begins at the outer edge of the metal sheet or at a previously cut portion of the metal sheet. The separated portion of the metal sheet can be located on the cutting line or in the main area of ​​the generated separating line. This avoids the time-consuming grooving in the metal sheet using a laser beam. This significantly speeds up the processing of the metal sheet. Furthermore, it avoids the danger of spatter generated during grooving that could reach the workpiece.

[0036] The separation line can extend to the cutting line. In other words, at least one separation line can extend directly to the workpiece. This reduces the length of the separation line required to separate the remaining portion, thus increasing productivity.

[0037] Preferably, the introduction of the cutting line and the separation line are performed during a continuous cutting process. The laser beam can therefore be guided uninterruptedly along the separation line and the cutting line. The separation line and the cutting line can thus be generated without interrupting the cutting process. In particular, repeated grooving is unnecessary.

[0038] The low-height connection can be constructed adjacent to the cutting line. This avoids damage to the workpiece or interference with the workpiece's contour when cutting the separation line up to the workpiece. The cutting process can transition from the separation line to the cutting line or vice versa when the low-height connection is constructed, without interruption of the laser beam. Conversely, establishing a connection that extends over the total height requires costly grooving, which carries the risk of spatter falling onto the workpiece.

[0039] Two workpieces can be cut from a metal sheet, the two workpieces being spaced at most 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, and particularly preferably at most 3 mm apart. This improves the full utilization of the metal sheet. A separation line with a small height connection can be introduced between the two workpieces. In particular, the small height connection is also located in the area where the two workpieces have the aforementioned small distance. This also allows for the obtaining of the remaining section of the connection at the location, particularly where the separation line extends from the cutting line of one workpiece to the cutting line of the other. A connection extending over the total height of the metal sheet cannot be produced in workpieces arranged so closely together, because the required grooving process poses a risk of damaging the workpieces.

[0040] Within the framework of this invention, a laser processing apparatus is further disclosed, comprising a laser cutter, a loading and unloading device, and a control device. The control device is programmed to control the laser cutter and the loading and unloading device to implement steps A) to C) of the aforementioned method according to the invention. The loading and unloading device is used to implement steps A) and C). The laser cutter is used to implement step B). The laser processing apparatus may also include a separation device. The separation device is used to implement step D). The control device is advantageously programmed to control the separation device to implement step D).

[0041] Further features and advantages of the invention become apparent from the specification, claims, and drawings. According to the invention, the foregoing and further embodiments can be used individually or in any desired combination. The illustrated and described embodiments are not to be construed as a final enumeration, but rather as having exemplary features for illustrating the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described with reference to embodiments. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view is provided of a laser processing apparatus according to the invention, comprising a laser cutter and loading and unloading devices, in the implementation of the method according to the invention.

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cut metal sheet is shown in the region of the separation line between two sections of the remaining portion, wherein the connection between the two sections does not extend over the thickness of the total metal sheet.

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic top view shows a metal plate with multiple cutting lines and multiple separating lines, the cutting lines for cutting out workpieces, and the separating lines for dividing the remaining portion after the workpieces are cut out into multiple segments, wherein the segments of the remaining portion are held together by a small-height connecting part;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic top view shows another metal plate with multiple cutting lines and multiple separation lines, wherein, for a continuous cutting process, the cutting lines or separation lines are always started at the outer edge of the metal plate or in the cut area of ​​the metal plate without grooving.

[0047] Figure 5 The enlarged image shows the source Figure 4 The upper left region with the marked cutting curve;

[0048] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 The laser cutting machine 1, shown in perspective, includes, for example, a CCV laser, diode laser, or solid-state laser as a laser beam generator 2, a movable (laser) processing head 3, and a support frame 4. A laser beam 5 is generated in the laser beam generator 2, and the laser beam is guided from the laser beam generator 2 to the processing head 3 by means of an optical cable (not shown) or a deflector (not shown). A metal plate 6 is arranged on the support frame 4. To place the metal plate 6 on the support frame 4, the laser processing equipment 50 with the laser cutting machine 1 may have a loading and unloading device 51. The loading and unloading device 51 is exemplarily in the form of a movable overhead frame and has a mechanical clamp 52 for gripping the metal plate 6 from below.

[0050] The laser beam 5 is directed at the metal plate 6 by means of a focusing optics arranged in the processing head 3. The laser cutting machine 1 is also supplied with cutting gases 7, such as oxygen and nitrogen. The choice of cutting gas 7 depends on the material of the metal plate 6 and the quality requirements of the cut edge. A suction device 8 is also present, connected to a suction channel 9 located below the support frame 4. The cutting gas 7 is delivered to the cutting gas nozzle 10 of the processing head 3, and is output from the nozzle along with the laser beam 5.

[0051] During laser cutting, the metal plate 6 is cut along a desired trajectory curve K by means of a laser beam 5 having sufficient laser power (cutting power) to cut the metal plate. The trajectory curve can form a separation line between the cutting line and / or the remaining portion on the workpiece. Here, the laser beam 5 is moved, however alternatively or additionally, the metal plate 6 is also moved.

[0052] As in Figure 2 As shown, in the case of laser-cutting the metal plate 6, a connecting portion 14, in the form of a tab or nano-joint, is maintained in the separation line 11 between adjacent segments 12 of the remaining portion 13 of the metal plate 6. The connecting portion 14 secures the segments 12 of the remaining portion 13 to each other and thereby prevents flipping relative to the corresponding adjacent segments 12 or the support frame 4. Furthermore, the remaining portion 13 in the connection can be manipulated based on the connecting portion 14.

[0053] As in Figure 2 As shown, the nano-connector 14 does not extend along the total thickness D of the metal plate 6, but rather extends only to less than one-third of the total thickness, i.e., it has a height d less than the thickness D. Therefore, the nano-connector is also referred to herein as a low-height connection portion 14. The length L of the nano-connector 14 along the separation line 11 is less than the thickness D; preferably, the length L of the nano-connector 14 is less than half the thickness D.

[0054] The longitudinal region of the trajectory curve K, which forms the corresponding nano-connector 14, is also referred to here as the connection region of the separation line 11. The longitudinal region of the separation line 11 that completely severs the metal plate 6 is also referred to as the main region of the separation line 11.

[0055] In the following text, an example of how the connection 14 is created with respect to changes in laser power is described. In a variation of the method, the nanoconnector 14 is generated simply by selectively adjusting the laser power during the cutting process using a suitably chosen power gradient, which is generated by... Figure 1 The control device 15 of the laser cutting machine 1 shown is preset according to the workpiece material. The control device 15 also controls the movement of the processing head 3 relative to the metal plate 6 and the loading and unloading device 51.

[0056] By reducing the laser power, the path energy required for complete cutting is no longer provided to the cutting process. The material is therefore melted only in the upper region, rather than across the entire thickness D of the metal plate 6. Instead, nanojoints 14 are retained between adjacent segments 12 of the remaining portion 13 in the region below the separation line 11 or the cut edge.

[0057] Apart from the laser power, all other cutting parameters of the laser cutting, such as the focal position of the laser beam 5, the distance between the cutting gas nozzle 10 and the workpiece surface, the cutting gas pressure, and the cutting speed, can be kept constant during the generation of the nanojoint 14. Cutting continues with standard parameters after the nanojoint 14 is generated.

[0058] To create a nanojoint 14 with a height d less than the plate thickness D, during laser cutting of the metal plate 6, the laser power of the laser beam 5 is reduced from a higher laser power (cutting power) sufficient to cut the metal plate 6 to a lower laser power (reduced power) insufficient to completely cut the metal plate 6 in the portion of the trajectory curve K corresponding to the length L of the nanojoint 14, and then increased again to a higher laser power (cutting power). During processing at the lower laser power (reduced power), a recess is created in the metal plate 6 above the nanojoint 14.

[0059] Figure 3 The image shows a metal plate 6 after laser cutting. Multiple workpieces 16 are cut along cutting lines 17. Cutting lines 17 can form the outer or inner contour of their respective workpieces 16.

[0060] The remaining area of ​​metal plate 6 constitutes the remaining portion 13. The remaining portion 13 is divided into several segments 12 along the separation line 11. Adjacent segments 12 are connected to each other by at least one connecting portion 14 in the separation line 11 extending between the two segments 12. The remaining portion 13 can thus be removed as a whole from the support frame 4. The connecting portion 14 is marked with a dot here for illustrative purposes; the dot is wider than the line marking the separation line 11. The connecting portion 14 also extends between the sides of two segments 12 adjacent to the separation line 11, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 Typically, workpiece 16 is removed before the remaining portion 13 is removed.

[0061] The remaining portion 13 can then be separated from each other in its individual segments 12. The connecting portion 14 is disconnected for this purpose. Due to the small height d, this can be done manually. The clearing is simplified by breaking the remaining portion 13 into its individual segments 12.

[0062] The workpiece 16 region can have a small spacing, for example, less than 10 mm. In the small-spacing region 18, the separation lines 11 can also be respectively constructed with connecting portions 14.

[0063] Figure 4 An additional metal plate 6 is shown, having a cutting line 17 and a separating line 11 around the workpiece 16, the separating line subdividing the remaining portion 13 into multiple segments 12. Figure 4 The upper left region shows the flow of the cutting process when introducing cutting line 17 and separating line 11, indicated by arrows; this is in Figure 5 The image is enlarged, with the processing time flow indicated by the letters a to h.

[0064] The cutting process begins here at the outer edge 19 of the metal plate 6. No groove needs to be cut in the metal plate. For illustrative purposes, the laser beam 5 has been input before the laser beam reaches the metal plate 6, and the separation line 11 is extended outwards through the edge 19. First, a first segment 20a of the separation line 11 is introduced from the outer edge 19, see arrow a. The first segment 20a of the separation line 11 extends to the first workpiece 16a. A connection portion 14 is formed in the separation line 11 between the outer edge 19 and the workpiece 16a.

[0065] Once the laser beam 5 reaches the workpiece 16a at the introduction of the separation line 11, the cutting line 17 is introduced around the workpiece 16a, see arrows b to f. The cutting process is thus carried out without interruption. In other words, the first segment 20a of the separation line 11 and the cutting line 17 are generated in a continuous cutting process.

[0066] After the workpiece 16a is completely cut, the laser beam 5 is interrupted. Then, the processing head 3 moves to the beginning of the second segment 20b of the separation line 11 when the laser beam is interrupted, see arrow g.

[0067] The second segment 20b begins directly at workpiece 16a in the region of cutting line 17, which separates metal plate 6. Here, a groove in metal plate 6 is not required at the start of the cutting process. The cutting process extends along the second segment 20b of the separation line 11 to the second workpiece 16b. The cutting line 17 around the second workpiece 16b can again generate the separation line 11 with the second segment 20b in a continuous cutting process.

[0068] In the manner described above, additional sections of the separation line 11 or additional separation lines 11 can be introduced, and additional workpieces 16 can be cut out. Figure 4 In the metal plate 6, all cutting processes begin at the outer edge 19 or at the following location of the metal plate 6, where the metal plate has been completely separated by the cutting line 17 or the separation line 11.

[0069] As exemplarily shown under the prompt arrow 21, the low-height connecting portion 14 can also be positioned directly adjacent to the cutting line 17. Here, the separating line 11 with the connecting portion 14 and the adjacent cutting line 17 can also be generated in a continuous cutting process.

[0070] Figure 6 A flowchart summarizing a method for cutting at least one workpiece 16, preferably multiple workpieces, from a metal plate 6 is shown, wherein a remaining portion 13 is retained. The method can be... Figure 1 Laser processing equipment 50 is implemented and, for example, used for processing according to Figure 3 or Figure 4 Metal plate 6.

[0071] In step 102, the metal plate is placed on the support frame 4 of the laser cutting machine 1. This can be done by means of the loading and unloading device 51.

[0072] In step 104, at least one cutting line 17 is introduced into the metal plate 6. The cutting line 17 separates the workpiece 16 from the remaining portion 13. In step 106, at least one separating line 11 is introduced into the metal plate 6. The separating line 11 divides the remaining portion 13 into a plurality of segments 12. At least one connecting portion 14 is constructed in the separating line 11, the connecting portion connecting adjacent segments 12 of the remaining portion 13 to each other. The connecting portion 14 has a height d less than the thickness D of the metal plate 6.

[0073] Steps 104 and 106 can be performed sequentially or alternately in any order. The segments of the separating line 11 and the cutting line 17 can transition into each other without interruption. During an uninterrupted cutting process or in multiple separate cutting processes, the generation of the separating line 11 and the cutting line 17 can alternate multiple times.

[0074] The cut workpiece 16 can then be removed from the support frame 4 in step 108. This can be done using a loading and unloading device 51. The loading and unloading device 51 may have a suction device for manipulating the workpiece 16.

[0075] Then, in step 110, the entire remaining portion 13 is removed from the support frame 4. Section 12 of the remaining portion 13 is manipulated as a whole. This can be achieved by means of the loading and unloading device 51. For this purpose, the serrations of the clamp 52 can move between the support frame bars of the support frame 4 and below the remaining portion 13.

[0076] After removal, in step 112 the remaining portion 13 is divided into individual segments 12. For this purpose, the connecting portion 14 is separated, for example, disconnected.

[0077] List of reference numerals

[0078] Laser cutting machine 1

[0079] Laser beam generator 2

[0080] Processing head 3

[0081] Support frame 4

[0082] Laser beam 5

[0083] Metal plate 6

[0084] Cutting gas 7

[0085] Suction device 8

[0086] Suction Channel 9

[0087] Cutting gas nozzle 10

[0088] Separation line 11

[0089] Section 12

[0090] Remaining part 13

[0091] Connector (Nano Connector) 14

[0092] Control device 15

[0093] Workpieces 16, 16a, 16b

[0094] Cutting line 17

[0095] Small-pitch area 18

[0096] Outer edge 19

[0097] Sections 20a, 20b

[0098] Hint arrow 21

[0099] Laser processing equipment 50

[0100] Loading and unloading device 51

[0101] Fixture 52

[0102] The metal plate 6 is arranged 102 on the support frame 4.

[0103] Introducing 104 cutting line 17

[0104] Introducing 106 separation line 11

[0105] Remove 108 workpieces 16

[0106] Take out the remaining 13 from 110.

[0107] Separate the remaining part of section 13 from section 112.

[0108] Trajectory Curve K

[0109] The thickness D of metal plate 6

[0110] The height d of the connecting part 14

[0111] The length L of the connecting part 14

[0112] Arrow a - h.

Claims

1. A laser cutting method for cutting at least one workpiece (16, 16a, 16b) out of a metal sheet (6) with a remainder (13) being left over, with the following steps: A) arranging the metal sheet (6) on a support (4) of a laser cutting machine (1); B) introducing at least one cutting line (17) for separating the at least one workpiece (16, 16a, 16b) from the remainder (13), and at least one separation line (11) is introduced into the remaining portion (13), wherein cutting off the remainder (13) in a main region of the separation line (11), wherein at least one connection (14) having a small height (d) which is smaller than the thickness (D) of the metal sheet (6) is left over between sections of the remainder (13) which adjoin one another in a connection region of the separation line (11); C) taking the entire remainder (13) off the support (4); D) separating the sections (12) of the remainder (13) from one another.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The laser power is reduced in the connection region of the separation line (11) relative to the main region.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The height (d) of the small-height connection (14) is at most half the thickness (D) of the metal sheet (6).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The length (L) of the small-height connection (14) measured along the separation line (11) is at most half the thickness (D) of the metal sheet (6).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one workpiece (16, 16a, 16b) is taken off the support (4) between steps B) and C).

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The uninterrupted separation length of the main region of the separation line (11) is at most 400 mm.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, two crossing separation lines (11) being introduced in step B), and at least one small-height connection (14) being left over in each separation line (11) at the intersection point of the separation lines (11).

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The separation line (11) reaches the outer edge (19) of the metal sheet (6) and intersects another separation line (11) or the at least one cutting line (17) at an intersection point, and at least one small-height connection (14) is left over between the intersection point and the outer edge (19) of the metal sheet (6).

9. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cutting is always started at the outer edge (19) of the metal sheet (6) or at a cut-off point of the metal sheet (6) when introducing the at least one cutting line (17) and the at least one separation line (11).

10. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The separation line (11) extends onto the cutting line (17).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The introduction of the cutting line (17) and the introduction of the separation line (11) are carried out in a continuous cutting process.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, The small-height connection (14) is configured adjacent to the cutting line (17).

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims 1, 2, 11, 12, characterized in that, A separation line (11) with a small-height connection (14) is introduced between two workpieces (16) which are at most 10 mm apart from one another.

14. The method according to any of the preceding claims 1, 2, 11, 12, characterized in that, The thickness (D) of the metal sheet (6) is at least 4 mm.

15. A laser machining apparatus (50) having a laser cutting machine (1), a loading and unloading device (51) and a control device (15), wherein Said control device (15) is programmed for controlling said laser cutting machine (1) and said loading and unloading device (51) to implement the steps A) to C) of the method according to any one of the preceding claims. Said control device (15) is programmed for controlling said laser cutting machine (1) and said loading and unloading device (51) to implement the steps A) to C) of the method according to any one of the preceding claims. Said control device (15) is programmed for controlling said laser cutting machine (1) and said loading and unloading

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