Patent ID: 6180913
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A multi-head laser engraving machine having a laser (1), at least two exposure heads (15, 16) each with at least one of an optical system and deflection unit for directing part of a beam of energy from the laser (1) to a working area (F1, F2) of a workpiece surface as an engraving beam (Si, S2), and a control unit (9), characterized in that each exposure head (15, 16) has associated therewith a controlled optical switch (6, 7) for either transmitting or blocking the corresponding part of the laser beam energy, each switch (6, 7) comprising a swiveling deflection prism (13) which is swivelled, in accordance with a drive signal from the control unit (9), into an intermediate focus of a Kepler telescope (10, 12) of a laser beam path to switch the laser beam energy into or out of the intermediate focus, and the switches (6, 7) being drivable by the control unit (9) independently of each other.