Patent ID: 8466388

Claim:
A workpiece processing machine comprising: a machine frame configured to support a sheet-form workpiece during processing of the workpiece across an elevated workpiece processing area; a processing head configured to controllably traverse the workpiece processing area while emitting a processing beam into the workpiece processing area to engage and process a supported workpiece in the workpiece processing area; and a beam interceptor positioned on a side of the workpiece processing area opposite the processing head and controlled to move across the workpiece processing area in coordination with the cutting bead along at least one axis, so as to remain positioned to intercept undeflected processing beam radiation leaving the workpiece processing area; wherein the machine frame includes opposing lateral frame sections extending along opposite sides of the workpiece processing area and supporting the processing head; and a structural connecting frame section connecting the opposing lateral frame sections and extending across the workpiece processing area on the side of the workpiece processing area opposite the processing head, the beam interceptor arranged to traverse the workpiece processing area between the processing head and the connecting frame section, such that material of the connecting frame section is protected by the beam interceptor from undeflected cutting beam radiation during workpiece processing.