A three-dimensional laser cutter can be disposed in a machining room. The machining room includes a ceiling and a plate member. The ceiling is provided with a suction port connected to a suction device. The plate member is disposed below the ceiling with a gap therebetween. The plate member forms a space with the ceiling.

Sensor data generated by a sensor of a computer numerically controlled machine can be compared with a forecast. The forecast can include expected sensor data for the sensor, over a course of an execution plan for making a cut with a movable laser cutting head. The sensor data can be generated during execution of the execution plan. During execution of the execution plan, the sensor data can be monitored and a deviation of from the forecast can be detected. It can be determined, based on the detecting, that an anomalous condition of the computer numerically controlled machine has occurred. Based on the determining, an action can be performed.

An optical fiber cable includes: an optical fiber; a cable jacket that includes inner and outer tubes; first and second open detection lines; and an optical connector disposed at a first end of the optical fiber cable. A first end of the first open detection line and a first end of the second open detection line are disposed inside the optical connector and are not electrically connected to each other inside the optical connector. The optical fiber is disposed in one of a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is inside the inner tube and the second region is between the inner tube and the outer tube, and at least one of the first and second open detection lines is disposed in the other of the first region and the second region.

A system and method for laser cutting a plurality of parts, for example metal chassis components, using a plurality of laser cutting apparatuses is provided. The system includes a plurality of the laser cutting apparatuses disposed in a single enclosed cell for simultaneously trimming multiple parts. The system also includes at least one inner chamber and at least one set of double doors for transferring the parts in and out of the enclosed cell without any light escaping the cell. The parts are conveyed through the first door to the inner chamber while the second door is closed, and through the second door to the enclosed cell while the first door is closed. The system also includes robots continuously preloading and unloading the parts to maximize the laser trimming time.

An assembly and joining table with weld splatter protection features are disclosed along with systems and methods for operating the same in at least partially automated fashion. The table includes holders positioned about platform providing a work surface. Parts are placed within certain of the holders for joining to create an assembly. The holders include conductive surfaces and recessed channels for wiring. A first end of each channel is located adjacent to a respective conductive surface, a second end is located below the respective conductive surface, and a continuous passageway with a plurality of turns extends between the first and second ends. A controller may operate motors of the table and command operations of robots for material handling and/or joining and a machine vision system to adjustably automate assembly.

A laser processing apparatus includes a light source, a laser head configured to emit a laser beam, a robot configured to move the laser head, and a control apparatus configured to control start and stop of generation of the laser beam and control operation of the robot. The control apparatus controls the light source to generate the laser beam when a first time has elapsed after causing the robot to start an operation of accelerating the laser head such that a movement speed of the laser head with respect to a processing target object reaches a constant target speed.

A debris control apparatus is provided for selective assembly and disassembly with a cutting tool. The debris control apparatus includes a debris control enclosure and a mounting assembly for mounting the enclosure to the cutting tool. The enclosure comprises a vacuum opening assembled and in fluid communication with a vacuum conduit, the vacuum conduit connected to a vacuum source, for extracting the debris from the enclosure. The enclosure and vacuum conduit may be sized, shaped, and contoured to reduce recirculation of debris within the enclosure.

A frame for a laser processing module can be characterized as including a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface, an optics bridge spaced apart from, and extending over, the upper surface of the platform and a bridge support interposed between, and coupled to, the platform and the optics bridge. At least one selected from the group consisting of the platform and the optics bridge includes a sandwich panel. The sandwich panel can include a first plate, a second plate and a core interposed between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and the second plate can be indirectly attached to one another by the core and the core can define at least one channel extending between the first plate and the second plate. The sandwich panel can also include a first port formed at an exterior of the sandwich panel and in fluid communication with the at least one channel, and a second port formed at the exterior of the sandwich panel and in fluid communication with the at least one channel.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a power supply, a control device connected to the power supply, a welding device selectively connected to the power supply via the control device, and a switch connected between the control device and the welding device. The control device includes a time delay relay that measures a predetermined time period. The switch maintains a closed position when the predetermined time period expires and the welding device is producing a welding arc. The switch switches from the closed position to an open position when the predetermined time period expires and the welding device stops producing the welding arc. The control device transfers current from the power supply to the welding device when the switch is in the closed position, and blocks current from the power supply to the welding device when the switch is in the open position.

In certain embodiments, inductive heating is added to a metal working process, such as a welding process, by an induction heating head. The induction heating head may be adapted specifically for this purpose, and may include one or more coils to direct and place the inductive energy, protective structures, and so forth. Productivity of a welding process may be improved by the application of heat from the induction heating head. The heating is in addition to heat from a welding arc, and may facilitate application of welding wire electrode materials into narrow grooves and gaps, as well as make the processes more amenable to the use of certain compositions of welding wire, shielding gasses, flux materials, and so forth. In addition, distortion and stresses are reduced by the application of the induction heating energy in addition to the welding arc source.