Method and apparatus for processing a fiber cushion body
A fiber cushion body comprises a first portion in which fibers have a preferential orientation along a first direction and at least a second portion having a fiber orientation and/or density different from the first portion. The fiber cushion body is processed using laser radiation to form a laser cut or laser weld.
1. A method of processing a fiber cushion body formed from thermally cross-linked fibers, the method comprising:
applying laser radiation to the fiber cushion body to form at least a laser cut or a laser weld in the fiber cushion body, wherein the fiber cushion body to which the laser radiation is applied includes a first portion in which fibers have a preferential orientation along a first direction and a second portion having a fiber orientation and/or density different from the first portion.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein applying the laser radiation includes cutting free fiber ends projecting from the fiber cushion body.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein applying the laser radiation includes forming a fixation region in the fiber cushion body by the laser radiation, the fixation region having a density which is greater than a density of the first portion.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein applying the laser radiation includes sealing a surface of the fiber cushion body using the laser radiation.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the laser radiation is applied at least to the second portion of the fiber cushion body.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the laser radiation is applied to extend through the second portion into the first portion.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein applying the laser radiation includes forming at least one channel using the laser radiation.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein side walls of the at least one channel are cut by the laser radiation, the method further comprising:
applying ultrasound to a bottom of the at least one channel.
9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:
affixing a trim material to the at least one channel.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein applying the laser radiation includes inserting an optical element into a beam path to form a divergent laser beam to provide the at least one channel with a flared shape.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein applying the laser radiation includes performing a welding operation using the laser radiation.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein applying the laser radiation results in a fixation element for a trim material being welded to the fiber cushion body.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein applying the laser radiation results in a trim material being welded to the fiber cushion body.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
directing a gas flow onto a location at which the laser radiation is applied to the fiber cushion body.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the gas flow is a flow of pressurized air or of a protective gas.
16. A fiber cushion body comprising:
a first portion in which fibers have a preferential orientation along a first direction; and
a second portion having a fiber orientation and/or density different from the first portion,
wherein the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed,
wherein a laser cut and/or a laser weld is formed on at least one surface of the fiber cushion body,
wherein a majority of the fibers of the first portion is oriented at an angle of less than 45° to a direction which is perpendicular to a major face of the fiber cushion body, and
wherein the fiber cushion body is formed from thermally cross-linked fiber material.