Tip Engineering Group, Inc.

Thomas W Weber

Michael P Towler

David J Bauer, Deceased

Process and apparatus for precision scoring a workpiece of variable thickness and/or shape in which the thickness of the workpiece at points along a trace pattern is first determined, and a variable depth groove is thereafter formed by laser scoring which is controlled in correspondence with the previously determined thickness values. These values can be determined by scanning opposite surfaces on the surface of a locating fixture and a surface of the workpiece. Robot manipulators are used for scanning and scoring, and the power of the laser and/or the trace velocity are controlled to vary the degree of scoring. The scoring is used to special advantage for precision preweakening of auto trim pieces for creating an air bag deployment opening.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Thomas W Weber