Machine tool with laser heat treating

摘要

A machine tool (10) for removing metal from a workpiece (20) including a laser (14) for surface heat treating of the workpiece (20). Tools which engage the workpiece (20) for metal removal are supported by a tool turret (26) which is movable along two axes with respect to the workpiece (20) to bring tools into position for metal removal. The laser beam output is connected by beam directing assembly (48), including a telescoping tube arrangement, to a focusing head (60) which can focus the laser beam. The focusing head (60) can be engaged and positioned by the tool turret (26). Tool turret (26) is positioned to maintain the laser beam slightly defocused on the workpiece. A coating spray nozzle (62) is positioned with the laser head (60) and is used for coating the workpiece (20) before laser heat treating. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the head (60) to the beam directing assembly (48). When not being used for heat treating the beam directing assembly, (48) along with the locked focusing head (60) is retracted to a home position. When in the home position a protective cover (90) is positioned over the beam directing assembly. The laser beam is delivered thru telescoping protective tubes by reflective mirrors, which allows the focusing head (60) and directed laser beam to follow motion of the tool turret (26). Flexible connections are provided for connecting the necessary air, water, and coating to the various beam delivery and coating members.