An apparatus and method for cutting a layup of sheet material

摘要

An apparatus for cutting and matching parts in a layup of material that includes a cutter tool for cutting the parts and a camera for detecting and analyzing match points located on the individual parts that need to be matched to other parts. The apparatus also includes a computer having instructions for optimizing a process for matching various parts in the layup resulting in an increase of effective usable area of the cutter table and in increased efficiency in use of material in the layup. The computer includes instructions to direct the camera to process match points that are disposed within a tool offset, defined as a distance between the cutter head and the camera, prior to advancing the layup to a takeoff end of the cutter table.