METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING CUTTING TABLE PERFORMANCE

摘要

A buffer layer can be used in conjunction with a cutting table to reduce cutting tool wear. During use, a first surface of the buffer layer can rest on a top surface of the cutting table, and a second surface of the buffer layer can receive a material to be cut. The buffer layer can include one or more channels in its second surface, and the one or more channels can correspond to a pattern to be cut from the material. The depth of the one or more channels can be sufficient to provide a clearance depth between a tip of the cutting tool and a bottom surface of each of the one or more channels. The clearance depth can prevent the tip of the cutting tool from wearing against the bottom surface of the channels, thereby increasing life expectancy of the cutting tool and reducing process costs.

主权项

1. A buffer layer for use with a cutting table equipped with a vacuum system, the buffer layer comprising:
a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface of the buffer layer is adapted to rest against a top surface of the cutting table, and wherein the first surface of the buffer layer is adapted to receive a material to be cut; a channel disposed in the first surface of the buffer layer, the channel corresponding to a pattern to be cut from the material, wherein the channel has a depth that is configured to provide a clearance depth between a tip of a cutting tool associated with the cutting table and a bottom surface of the channel; and a plurality of air passages extending from the first surface of the buffer layer to the second surface of the buffer layer, wherein the plurality of air passages are adapted to permit airflow through the buffer layer from the first surface of the buffer layer to the second surface of the buffer layer and into the vacuum system of the cutting table.