Patent ID: 8263901
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of laser micro-machining a work-piece with a laser beam that is directed along an axis at a first surface of the work-piece, the laser beam comprising a datum position that is located along the axis, the method comprising the steps of: securing a puck in relation to the laser beam such that a working face of the puck is aligned normal to the axis and is fixed in position along the axis in relation to the datum position; aligning the first surface of the work-piece parallel to the working face of the puck, the work-piece being movable along the axis in relation to the puck and the datum position of the laser beam; directing a constant flow of fluid through a duct in the working face of the puck towards the first surface of the work-piece to maintain the first surface of the work-piece at a certain axial distance in relation to the datum position of the laser beam regardless of changes of dimension of the work-piece along the axis; aligning a surface of an air powered unit parallel to a second surface of the work-piece, the second surface being opposite the first surface of the work-piece and the work-piece being located along the axis between the puck and the air powered unit; and applying a pressure against the second surface of the work-piece by directing a constant flow of fluid through a duct in the surface of the air powered unit towards the second surface of the work-piece to maintain the first surface of the work-piece at the certain axial distance in relation to the datum position of the laser beam regardless of the changes of dimension of the work-piece along the axis.