Processing machine and method for processing work pieces

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing machine () or method for processing substantially plate-shaped work pieces (W), preferably made at least partially from wood, wood materials, composite materials or plastics, wherein the processing machine () has a processing device () for processing a work piece (W) in a processing direction (R), an optical detection device (), an evaluation unit and a control device (), wherein: the optical detection device () is designed and configured in such a way that it can optically detect front and rear (in relation to the processing direction ()) end sections (Q, Q) of a work piece (W) to be processed, and it provides the evaluation unit with corresponding detection results; the evaluation unit is designed in such a way that it assesses, based on the detection results, whether a coating (B) is present on the front and/or rear end section (Q, Q) of the work piece (W) to be processed, and provides the control device () with corresponding assessment results; and the control device is designed in such a way that it controls the further processing of the work piece (W) to be processed via the processing device () on the basis of the assessment results.