Patent ID: 6563081
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A process for laser cutting of a strip of metal from a coil comprising:positioning the coil on a reel upstream from a cuffing line; unwinding the strip of metal from the coil; straightening the strip of metal in a straightening station downstream from the positioned coil; transporting the straightened strip of metal toward a cutting station along a longitudinal forward travel axis, said cutting station having a support bed upon which the straightened strip of metal is transported therealong, said cutting station having a cutting head integrated thereto and positioned above the transported straightened strip of metal, said cutting station having movement controlling rollers at an upstream end thereof, an accumulation buffer area being formed between said straightening station and said movement controlling rollers; cutting the strip of metal in said cutting station by moving said cutting head exclusively along an axis transverse to said longitudinal forward travel axis of the strip of metal; and deflecting the straightened strip of metal downwards into said accumulation buffer area during said step of cutting.