High production laser cutting automated system
A laser cutting system wherein a conveyor system indexes sheet material through various processing stations, the processing stations operating simultaneously during the time period when the conveyor is stopped.
1 . A laser cutting system for rapidly moving sheet material through a plurality of processing stations comprising:
a material storage device for storing a first sheet having a first thickness and shape and a second sheet having a second thickness;
a conveyor system having first, second and third processing stations;
means for loading sheet material on said conveyor at said first location;
means for enabling said conveyor system to move in a horizontal direction towards said second location, said movement comprising a series of sequential steps;
a laser cutting station at said second location whereby parts are formed in said material sheet; and
a part unloading station at said third location whereby said parts are removed from said material sheet as it exits said laser cutting station.
2 . The system of claim 1 further including a fourth station positioned downstream from said third location for collecting the material remaining after said parts are removed.
3 . The system of claim 2 wherein said first sheet material has a thickness and shape different from said second sheet material.
4 . The system of claim 1 wherein said laser cutting station includes a high speed laser.
5 . The system of claim 1 wherein said conveyor system is indexed through said first, second and third processing stations.
6 . The system of claim 5 wherein said conveyor system comprises a belt type member that moves in an endless loop.