Method and apparatus for processing articles with a laser beam

摘要

Several workpieces(4,5) are placed on a lower pressure plate(9) with vertically movable supporting segments(8). Upper sides of the workpieces(4) are then brought into contact with an upper pressure plate(3) which is transparent to laser light. The lower and upper pressure plates are pressed together at a required pressure by varying the distance between the segments and upper plate. Several workpieces(4,5) are placed on a lower pressure plate(9) with vertically movable supporting segments(8). Upper sides of the workpieces(4) are then brought into contact with an upper pressure plate(3) which is transparent to laser light. The lower and upper pressure plates are pressed together at a required pressure by varying the distance between the segments and upper plate. Clamped workpieces are then subjected to the laser beam which is directed through the upper pressure plate. Workpiece supporting segments(8) may be selectively pressed in a vertical direction against the upper plate(3) and the laser beam is directed at only these segments. Each segment may comprise vertically movable segment areas which are pressed against the workpieces(4,5). Each segment is moved towards the upper plate(3) and pressed against it before the pressure is increased during the laser welding operation. After laser operations the lower plate can be replaced by another on which workpieces are already mounted. The lower plate(9) has a compressed air connection on the underside for operating segments and sits on a baseplate(21). An elastic plastic film transparent to laser light may be located between the upper pressure plate and workpieces where it acts as a compensator for the movable segments or the lower pressure plate. An Independent claim is also included for the process equipment whose lower pressure plate(9) comprises segments for supporting the workpieces to be processed. The segments move vertically and their distance from the upper pressure plate can be changed varied while maintaining a specific pressure.