Method for trimming shaped plastic workpieces
US6277319A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/351
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for laser trimming a shaped plastic workpiece use a laser beam positioned and directed by a robotic arm traveling along a pre-programmed path to trim the edges of a workpiece held against a positioning block. Preferably, the positioning block includes a laser beam capturing channel comprising suction holes for removing smoke generated by the ablation and burning of the plastic so as to minimize the risk of smoke damage to the workpiece and to remove soot and vapors from the work area. At the same time, laser beams are inhibited form reflecting back off the block onto the workpiece by positioning the channel under the workpiece and along the predetermined cutting path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.