A computer-implemented method is provided for shaping an edge of a part to be cut from a workpiece using a material processing system comprising a processing head configured to deliver a processing stream. The method includes calculating a start point and an end point of a shaping path proximate to the edge of the part based on a desired edge profile and determining a set of operating parameters to controllably impinge the processing stream about the edge of the part to execute the shaping path from the start point to the end point. The method further includes positioning the processing head normal to a surface of the part and controllably impinging the processing stream at the edge of the part, by the processing head, to shape the desired edge profile.

A computer-implemented method is provided for shaping an edge of a part to be cut from a workpiece using a material processing system comprising a processing head configured to deliver a processing stream. The method includes calculating a start point and an end point of a shaping path proximate to the edge of the part based on a desired edge profile and determining a set of operating parameters to controllably impinge the processing stream about the edge of the part to execute the shaping path from the start point to the end point. The method further includes positioning the processing head normal to a surface of the part and controllably impinging the processing stream at the edge of the part, by the processing head, to shape the desired edge profile.

A multi-loop antenna and an RFID system are used for monitoring tools when machining rotationally symmetric workpieces. A multi-loop antenna is arranged on a tool carrier near a rotationally symmetric tool so that multi-loop antenna encloses the rotationally symmetric tool and the rotationally symmetric tool carries an RFID transponder. The position of this RFID transponder is arranged on the rotationally symmetric tool so that it is arranged in the electromagnetic ring field of the multi-loop antenna. The multi-loop antenna is arranged on the tool carrier so that it is possible to query the RFID transponder on the rotationally symmetric tool in any position while in motion and when at rest.

A plasma cutting machine cuts a work piece with a plasma arc. The plasma cutting machine includes a plasma torch, a drive device, and a controller. The plasma torch includes an electrode and a nozzle and generates the plasma arc. The drive device moves the plasma torch. The controller includes a storage device and controls the drive device. The storage device records information pertaining to the plasma cutting machine. The controller acquires a weight of a work piece. The controller acquires a consumption amount of at least one of the electrode and the nozzle. The controller records, in the storage device, processing performance data including the weight of the work piece and the consumption amount correlated with each other.

The invention relates to gas conducting unit for a gas-cooled plasma cutting torch, wherein the gas-conducting unit is single-part or multi-part tubular or annular. The gas-conducting unit comprises a single-part or multi-part tubular or annular gas-conducting unit body with a longitudinal axis L1. In a wall of the gas-conducting unit body, there are situated at least one opening, which is inclined by an angle δ in a range of ± 15° with respect to the longitudinal axis L1, and at least one second opening, which is inclined radially with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 or which, in a radial plane, is inclined at an angle γ in the range of ± 30°from the radial to the longitudinal axis L1.

The invention relates to gas conducting unit for a gas-cooled plasma cutting torch, wherein the gas-conducting unit is single-part or multi-part tubular or annular. The gas-conducting unit comprises a single-part or multi-part tubular or annular gas-conducting unit body with a longitudinal axis L1. In a wall of the gas-conducting unit body, there are situated at least one opening, which is inclined by an angle δ in a range of ± 15° with respect to the longitudinal axis L1, and at least one second opening, which is inclined radially with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 or which, in a radial plane, is inclined at an angle γ in the range of ± 30°from the radial to the longitudinal axis L1.

A robot end effector for surface preparation in an automated inspection and repair system for composite parts has an end effector body and a plasma control unit and a plasma jet nozzle supported on the end effector body. The plasma control unit directs a jet of atmospheric plasma through the plasma jet nozzle. A slave tool changer is secured to the end effector body. The slave tool changer releasably and operatively connects the robot end effector to an industrial robot such that the industrial robot can move the robot end effector along a composite part as the plasma control unit directs a jet of atmospheric plasma through the plasma jet nozzle toward the composite part to clean the composite part and increase a surface free energy of the composite part.

A method for producing workpiece parts from a plate-shaped workpiece in a processing machine or laser processing machine includes positioning and holding the workpiece on a workpiece support by clamping devices. A plurality of workpiece parts are cut out of the workpiece with a process beam. The process beam is moved relative to the workpiece support by a processing head and/or the workpiece is moved relative to the workpiece support by the clamping devices. A cutting process for processing the workpiece to produce the workpiece parts is interrupted at least once by a relaxation step for the workpiece. During the relaxation step at least one clamping device is released to relax the workpiece. The at least one clamping device is closed following the relaxation and before continuing the cutting process. A data processing program and a processing machine for producing the workpiece parts are also provided.

An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form the aerosol and a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element. The power supply includes a voltage source, two or more supercapacitors, and switches between the voltage source and the two or more supercapacitors. The switches are arranged so that, during a charging mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to be charged by the voltage source and, during a heating mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to discharge through the at least one heating element.

Methods, devices and systems for laser-supported plasma cutting or plasma welding of a workpiece. In one aspect, a method includes producing a plasma beam which extends in an expansion direction between an electrode and a processing location on the workpiece, the plasma beam having, with respect to a center axis of the plasma beam that extends in the expansion direction, an inner central region and an outer edge region, and supplying laser radiation to the outer edge region of the plasma beam. The laser radiation supplied to the outer edge region extends parallel with the center axis of the plasma beam.