METHOD OF CUTTING FRIABLE NON-METALLIC MATERIALS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: methods of cutting friable non-metallic materials; laser cutting of glass, quartz glass inclusive, various monocrystals, for example, sapphire or quartz, all types of ceramics and semiconductor materials. SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes heating surface of material over line of cut by means of laser beam followed by applying additional action on surface of material. Method includes making at least one blind cut; surface of material is heated by means of two laser beams located at definite distance relative to each other in direction perpendicular to relative motion of laser beams and material. Additional action on surface of material is made in zone of notch by at least one source of elastic waves whose amplitude and frequency depend on depth of notch or open cutting. Elastic waves are concentrated in zone of notch over line of cut. Laser beams formed on surface of material are extended in direction of relative motion of laser beams and material. Besides that, action of elastic waves may applied in preset zones of material over line of cut. EFFECT: increased productivity; improved quality of cutting. 7 cl, 9 dwg