Tube handling method and apparatus for cutting machine

Abstract

A laser cutting machine has a tube stock support bearing assembly on the cutting head itself. The support bearing assembly includes an indexing plate rotatable on the stock rotating axis, and an array of circularly-spaced, spring-loaded centering rollers permitting longitudinal movement of the tube through the bearing assembly. A pneumatically-operated stock gripper on the cutting head immediately adjacent the support bearing assembly enables the head to pull stock to any desired position on the horizontal axis. Another bearing assembly like the first, is at the left-hand end of the machine, both assemblies being adapted to various cross-sectional shapes of stock. A pneumatically operated stock gripper and feed apparatus, and a pneumatic-chucking, electric-rotating chuck assembly are associated with the steady rest bearing assembly at the left-hand end of the machine. The feeder moves stock through the chuck to be gripped by the head-mounted gripper. A length of stock is pulled by the head-mounted gripper through the chuck and steady rest bearing assembly to a desired position on the X-axis of the machine, following which, the chuck is closed, the head-mounted stock gripper is released, the chuck rotary drive begins and the laser cutting begins. A rotational indexing detent and cooperating pneumatic rotational brake are provided.