Laser assisted machining of electric motor cores

Abstract

A system and process for fabricating motor laminations from sheet material. Various embodiments of the disclosure combine a separation process with one or both of a cutting and a scoring process thatoutlines the laminations prior to the separation process. In some embodiments, the separation process is a punching process and is integrated with the stacking of the motor laminations to form the stator core. In addition, a system and process where the cut and / or scored portion of the sheet material is subjected to flattening process prior to the separation process is disclosed. Performing the flattening process prior to the separation process has the effect of streamlining the process, in that the sheet material can be easily handled and conveyed from the scoring process, through the flattening process, and to the separation and stacking process, without need for separate handling of the laminations.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 657,371, filed April 13, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present application relates generally to methods and systems for manufacturing components from flat stock, and more particularly to laser machining of sheet stock in the manufacture of electric motor stator cores. Background technique [0004] Flat parts are usually manufactured from sheets, coils, rolls or rings of steels with different chemical compositions. In particular, electric motor stator laminations are typically manufactured from silicon steel using impact and lamination processes. Hard tools such as punches and dies are commonly used in manufacturing, for example in stamping operations. Silicon steel is hard and rough, and wears down stamping tools quickly. As a result, tools must be re-sharpened and re-sh...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As a result, tools must be re-sharpened and re-sharpened on a regular basis, which can adversely affect production cycles and schedules

Also, the cutting action of the punches and dies causes plastic deformation around the cut edges of the laminations, especially as the tools lose their edges and wear

This deformation can damage the steel structure, adversely affecting the magnetic properties of the laminations and ultimately the performance of the resulting motor stator core

Images