Patent ID: 7842902
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of carrying out laser processing along processing lines having linear portions and curved portions formed on a workpiece by using a laser beam processing machine comprising a chuck table for holding the workpiece, a laser beam application means for applying a laser beam to the workpiece held on the chuck table, a processing feed means for moving the chuck table and the laser beam application means relative to each other in a processing feed direction (X direction), and an indexing-feed means for moving the chuck table and the laser beam application means relative to each other in an indexing-feed direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the processing feed direction (X direction), and a condenser in the laser beam application means for converging a laser beam oscillated from a laser beam oscillation means for oscillating a laser beam, which comprises a focal spot changing means for changing the shape of a focal spot between an elliptic spot and a circular spot, wherein the method comprises the step of: activating the processing feed means and the indexing-feed means to move the processing lines formed on the workpiece to the application position of a laser beam, and activating the focal spot changing means to make an elliptic focal spot and to position the long axis of the elliptic focal spot along the linear portions of the processing lines when the linear portions of the processing lines are located at the application position of a laser beam and to make a circular focal spot when the curved portions of the processing lines are located at the application position of the laser beam.