Method for calibrating a fusion device comprising at least one beam emitter
The fusion device calibration method addresses the inefficiencies of existing processes by employing a standardized scraping path and multiple tests to ensure rapid and accurate assessment of beam emitter performance, optimizing fusion device functionality for manufacturing metal parts.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023004178
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-04-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing fusion devices used in manufacturing metal parts, such as those for aircraft turbojet engines, require a calibration process that is time-consuming and specific to each part, lacking a standardized and efficient method to ensure optimal functioning and identify defects.
A calibration method involving a scraping path with multiple sub-scraping paths of identical patterns across distinct local test zones, combined with focusing, dynamic, and relative positioning tests, allows for rapid and universal assessment of fusion device performance, determining focal point accuracy and beam emitter dynamics.
This method reduces calibration time to a few hours, provides a standardized process applicable to all fusion devices, and enhances the accuracy and efficiency of beam emitter performance across the manufacturing surface.
Smart Images
Figure 00000021_0000 
Figure 00000021_0001 
Figure 00000022_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Method for calibrating a fusion device comprising at least one beam emitter Disclosure domain
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for calibrating a fusion device comprising at least one beam emitter, such as a laser beam or an electron beam.
[0002] It is particularly known to use a melting device for the manufacture of metal parts by selective melting of a powder using a beam emitter, such as a laser beam or an electron beam.
[0003] Such a process is known in particular as "Direct Metal Laser Sintering", "Selective Laser Melting" or "Electron Beam Melting" and described in particular in document FR 2 981 867 AL. This process makes it possible to manufacture metal parts used in particular in aircraft turbojet engines, especially turbojet turbines. State of the art
[0004] The present disclosure aims to calibrate such a fusion device on the manufacturing surface or a representative surface of the manufacturing platform, so as on the one hand to make it function as satisfactorily as possible and on the other hand to identify when the fusion device is not functioning correctly.
[0005] The present disclosure aims to propose a calibration process requiring a limited time to carry out (not exceeding a few hours, ideally on the order of one to two hours) and which is not specific to the manufacture of a particular part, but on the contrary can be identical for all the fusion devices used in a company. Statement of Disclosure
[0006] To remedy the aforementioned problems, in accordance with the disclosure, said process includes a calibration test comprising the following operations:
[0007] a) use of the fusion device to scrape (in other words, remove a layer of coating) locally from a test surface and to perform a calibration test, the calibration test comprising the movement of the fusion device and performing a scraping path on the test surface,
[0008] b) analysis of the scraping path carried out during operation a) and determination of the state of the fusion device as a function of the analysis of the scraping path,
[0009] wherein:
[0010] The scraping path comprises a plurality of distinct sub-scraping paths, the sub-scraping paths, each exhibiting the same pattern and being carried out in a plurality of distinct local test sub-zones within the test surface, and
[0011] Operation b) includes the analysis of each sub-path of scraping.
[0012] Thus, each sub-scraping path constitutes a standard test of the so-called "firing" accuracy of the beam emitter. Performing this standard test multiple times reduces the cost and time of execution and analysis over the entire test area, while keeping the test area as large as possible, i.e., covering at least the essential (most) portion of the area that the fusion device can cover.
[0013] The term "each presenting the same pattern" should be understood to mean that the sub-paths of scraping are preferably identical, but they may in particular have a different scale (be of different sizes) or a different orientation.
[0014] Operation b) can be carried out visually and / or with optical means to improve the accuracy of the analysis.
[0015] According to another feature in accordance with the disclosure, the scraping path carried out during operation a) preferably comprises between 250 and 2000 sub-scraping paths per square meter carried out in a plurality of distinct local test sub-zones.
[0016] According to another feature in accordance with this disclosure, preferably the calibration test includes performing a focusing test, the fusion device has a focal point and the focusing test includes, during operation a), a plurality of focusing sub-operations in each local test sub-zone, during each focusing sub-operation the fusion device is placed at a test distance from the test surface and a focusing portion of the scraping sub-path is performed, the focal point being offset by a distance increment between the focusing sub-operations, and operation b) includes measuring the width of each focusing portion (perpendicular to the displacement) of the scraping sub-path.
[0017] Thus, the positioning of the focal point of the beam emitter is determined for the entire test surface.
[0018] According to a feature consistent with this disclosure, preferably the focusing portions include:
[0019] a portion of theoretical subfocusing achieved with the focal point theoretically located on the test surface (95),
[0020] at least a portion of theoretical subfocusing achieved with the focal point located recessed from the test surface (95), and
[0021] at least one portion of overfocusing carried out with the focal point located beyond the test surface (95).
[0022] Thus, the correction to be made to the distance between each beam emitter and the test surface can easily be determined during operation b). The term "theoretically" means "if the fusion device had no defect".
[0023] In various embodiments of the process according to the disclosure, one and / or the other of the following provisions may also be used:
[0024] - the distance increment between the focusing sub-operations is equal to one quarter of the Rayleigh length;
[0025] - operation a) includes the creation of a line for each focus portion.
[0026] According to another feature in accordance with this disclosure, preferably the performance of the calibration test includes the performance of a dynamic test, the dynamic test includes during the operation a) a dynamic sub-operation for the performance of each scraping sub-path, the dynamic sub-operation includes the performance of a dynamic portion of the scraping sub-path, the dynamic portion includes a closed form.
[0027] Thus, the dynamics of the beam emission device can be managed, and the uncertainty in the positioning of the beam emitted by each beam emitter can be determined. More precisely, the consistency between the speed of movement, acceleration, emission start, and emission end can be determined for each beam emitter.
[0028] In various embodiments of the process according to the disclosure, one and / or the other of the following provisions may also be used:
[0029] - during operation b), an endpoint is identified on the dynamic portion produced initial end and a final end, and we determine the distance between the initial end and the final end;
[0030] - the closed shape is a circle and during operation b), the circularity is determined, the position of the center and / or diameter of the circle.
[0031] According to another feature in accordance with this disclosure, preferably the calibration test includes the performance of a relative positioning test, the relative positioning test includes during operation a) a relative positioning sub-operation for the performance of each scraping sub-path, the relative positioning sub-operation includes the performance of a first relative positioning portion of the scraping sub-path and the performance of a second relative positioning portion of the scraping sub-path, and during operation b), the positioning of the first relative positioning portion with respect to the second relative positioning portion is analyzed.
[0032] According to a further feature of this disclosure, preferably the first portion of relative positioning of the scraping subpath is carried out with a first beam emitter and the second portion of relative positioning the scraping subpath is performed with a second beam emitter separate from the first beam emitter.
[0033] Thus, the management of the multi-laser interaction is improved.
[0034] According to a further feature of this disclosure, preferably the relative positioning test includes a concentricity test, the first portion of relative positioning includes at least two first concentricity lines defining a first point of intersection, the second portion of relative positioning includes at least two second concentricity lines defining a second point of intersection, and in operation b), the distance between the first point of intersection and the second point of intersection is determined.
[0035] Thus, the offset (concentricity defect) between the first beam emitter and the second beam emitter is determined along the two directions of the test surface.
[0036] In various embodiments of the process according to the disclosure, one or both of the following provisions may also be used:
[0037] - the first two concentric lines form a first cross, each first concentricity line comprising two first half-lines of concentricity between which the first point of intersection is located, and the two second concentricity lines form a second cross, each second concentricity line comprising two second half-lines of concentricity between which the second point of intersection is located;
[0038] - the first half-lines of concentricity of each first line of concentricity are distant from each other and the second half-lines of concentricity of each second line of concentricity are distant from each other;
[0039] the second cross is angularly offset relative to the first cross.
[0040] According to a complementary or alternative feature in accordance with this disclosure, preferably the relative positioning test includes an adjacency test, the first relative positioning portion includes a first adjacency feature, the second relative positioning portion includes a second adjacency feature having a proximal end located near the first adjacency feature, and in operation b), the distance between the middle of the first adjacency feature and the proximal end of the second adjacency feature is determined.
[0041] According to another feature in accordance with this disclosure, the process preferably has the following features:
[0042] The method comprises performing an overall concentricity test,
[0043] The overall concentricity test includes an operation c), operation c) involves performing a first overall circle of scraping on the test surface and a second overall circle of scraping on the test surface, several local sub-zones of the test among the plurality of distinct local test sub-zones are arranged between the first global scraping circle and the second global scraping circle, and
[0044] the global concentricity test includes an operation d), operation d) involves determining the circularity, the position of the center or the diameter of each of the first global scraping circle or the second global scraping circle and / or the concentricity of the first global scraping circle and the second global scraping circle.
[0045] According to a complementary feature, preferably operation c) involves the use of the first beam emitter and the movement of the first beam emitter to perform at least part of the first global scraping circle on the test surface, operation c) involves the use of the second beam emitter and the movement of the second beam emitter to perform at least part of the second global scraping circle on the test surface.
[0046] According to another feature in accordance with this disclosure, a plate having a flat surface and a coating covering the flat surface is preferably used, the test surface extending into the coating.
[0047] Thus, the additive material is not allowed to influence the test, as its characteristics can fluctuate and influence the scraping path. The coating surface is completely removed by scraping to reveal the plate, or its appearance is modified by scraping.
[0048] In various embodiments of the process according to the disclosure, one and / or the other of the following provisions may also be used:
[0049] - the coating consists of an anodizing;
[0050] - the coating consists of a photosensitive sheet;
[0051] - the plate is made of aluminium:
[0052] - the plate is made of glass:
[0053] - during operation b), the state of the emitter is determined by comparing the pattern of scratching performed with the test pattern;
[0054] - during operation a), the sub-motif is repeated disjointly, the sub-zones being spaced apart from each other. Brief description of the figures
[0055] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0056] [Fig-1] represents a fusion device comprising several beam emitters to scrape a test surface,
[0057] [Fig.2] represents a scraping path carried out by the fusion device, the a scraping path comprising a plurality of sub-scraping paths,
[0058] [Fig.3] represents, at an enlarged scale, one of the scraping sub-paths carried out by the fusion device,
[0059] [Fig.4] represents at an enlarged scale the area identified as IV in [Fig.3],
[0060] [Fig.5A] represents at an enlarged scale the area identified as V in [Fig.3] and the determination of a first point of intersection,
[0061] [Fig.5B] represents at an enlarged scale the area identified as V in [Fig.3] and the determination of a second point of intersection,
[0062] [Fig.5C] represents at an enlarged scale the area identified as V in [Fig.3] and the determination of a third point of intersection,
[0063] [Fig.5C] represents at an enlarged scale the area identified as V in [Fig.3] and the determination of a fourth point of intersection,
[0064] [Fig.6] represents at an enlarged scale the area identified VI in [Fig.3],
[0065] [Fig.7] represents at an enlarged scale the area identified VII in [Fig.6]. Detailed description of the disclosure
[0066] Fig. 1 illustrates a melting device 1 and a plate 90 covered with a coating 94.
[0067] The fusion device 1 comprises a first beam emitter 2, a second beam emitter 4, a third beam emitter 6, and a fourth beam emitter 8. Each of the first beam emitter 2, the second beam emitter 4, the third beam emitter 6, and the fourth beam emitter 8 is capable of generating a laser beam or an electron beam having a focal point, so as to scrape a metal powder to produce a part layer by layer, as described in particular in document FR 2 981 867 AL
[0068] The fusion device 1 further includes a first actuator 3 for orienting and / or moving the first beam emitter 2, a second actuator 5 for orienting and / or moving the second beam emitter 4, a third actuator 7 for orienting and / or moving the third beam emitter 6 and a fourth actuator 9 for orienting and / or moving the fourth beam emitter 8. The first actuator 3, the second actuator 5, the third actuator 7 and the fourth actuator 9 are independent of each other and allow the first beam emitter 2, the second beam emitter 4, the third beam emitter 6 and the fourth beam emitter 8 to be oriented and / or moved independently of each other.
[0069] The first beam emitter 2, the first actuator 3, the second beam emitter 4, the second actuator 5, the third beam emitter 6, the third actuator 7, the fourth beam emitter 8 and the fourth actuator 9 are controlled by a control device 100 allowing the different actions to be coordinated.
[0070] The plate 90 has a flat surface 92. A coating 94 covers the surface plane 92. The coating 94 preferably comprises an anodized deposit. Alternatively, the coating 94 could, in particular, be a photosensitive sheet.
[0071] Plate 90 is preferably made of aluminum. Alternatively, plate 90 could be made of glass.
[0072] In order to calibrate the fusion device 1, a calibration test is performed. The calibration test essentially comprises an operation a) of scraping and an operation b) of analysis.
[0073] During operation a) of scraping, the first beam emitter 2, the second beam emitter 4, the third beam emitter 6, and / or the fourth beam emitter 8 are used to scrape a test surface 95 and create a scraping path 180 on the test surface 95. The test surface 95 has a thickness of a few microns to a few tens of microns. In the illustrated embodiment, the test surface 95 is formed by the coating 94. The scraping path 180 is characterized by the absence (at least partial) of the coating 94, which is locally destroyed by exposure to the laser beam or electron beam from one of the emitters. Each of the first beam emitter 2, the second beam emitter 4, the third beam emitter 6, and the fourth beam emitter 8 is capable of generating a laser beam or an electron beam and has a focal point.
[0074] The test surface 95 extends along a first direction X and a second direction Y, perpendicular to the first direction X. A third direction Z extends perpendicularly to the first direction X and to the second direction Y, in other words perpendicularly to the test surface 95.
[0075] The laser beam or electron beam emitted by the first beam emitter 2, the second beam emitter 4, the third beam emitter 6 and the fourth beam emitter 8 extends substantially along the third direction Z.
[0076] The first actuator 3, the second actuator 5, the third actuator 7 and the fourth actuator 9 are capable of moving the first beam emitter 2, the second beam emitter 4, the third beam emitter 6 and the fourth beam emitter 8 respectively, either solely in translation along the first direction X and / or the second direction Y, or in rotation around axes parallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y and in translation at least partly along the third direction Z. The first actuator 3, the second actuator 5, the third actuator 7 and the fourth actuator 9 are therefore capable of acting along several axes.The control device 100 coordinates the movements in order to maintain a substantially constant test distance D, or at least to maintain the focal point on the test surface, unless otherwise specified below, between on the one hand the test surface 95 and on the other hand the first actuator 3, the second actuator 5, the third actuator 7 and the fourth actuator 9. Good. It is understood that, alternatively, other combinations of movements than those mentioned above can be carried out. In particular, it can be provided that the first actuator 3, the second actuator 5, the third actuator 7 and the fourth actuator 9 are able to move respectively the first beam emitter 2, the second beam emitter 4, the third beam emitter 6 and the fourth beam emitter 8 in rotation around two perpendicular axes, in particular one parallel to the first direction X and the other parallel to the second direction Y and in translation at least partly along the third direction Z.In addition, the fusion device 1 includes a first focusing lens, a second focusing lens, a third focusing lens, and a fourth focusing lens that act respectively on the beams emitted by the first actuator 3, the second actuator 5, the third actuator 7, and the fourth actuator 9 in order to keep them focused on the test surface 95, in other words, to maintain their focal point on the test surface. To this end, the first focusing lens, the second focusing lens, the third focusing lens, and the fourth focusing lens can, in particular, be translationally movable in order to vary their distance from the first actuator 3, the second actuator 5, the third actuator 7, and the fourth actuator 9, respectively, or be deformable to vary their curvature.The control device 100 then coordinates the translation or variation in curvature of each focusing lens with the command of the respective actuator in order to adjust the focusing position.
[0077] As illustrated in [Fig.2], in the described embodiment, the scraping path 180 comprises a plurality of sub-scraping paths 182. The sub-scraping paths 182 all have the same pattern and are each made in a local test sub-zone 190. The test surface 95 therefore comprises a plurality of distinct local test sub-zones 190.
[0078] The scraping path 180 exhibits (and therefore the test surface 95) a symmetry with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the first direction X and also a symmetry with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the second direction Y. The scraping path 180 even exhibits an angular repetition of 90 degrees around an axis extending along the third direction Z and passing through a central point.
[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the scraping subpaths 182 are identical; schematically, they are simply offset from one another along the first X direction and / or the second Y direction. Alternatively, the scraping subpaths 182 could have different sizes, for example, smaller near the central point and larger further from the central point. They could also exhibit a rotation about an axis extending along the third direction Z relative to each other.
[0080] The calibration test includes a focusing test, a dynamic test, and a relative positioning test. The relative positioning test includes a concentricity test and an adjacency test.
[0081] The calibration test is performed in each focus subzone 150. More specifically, each local test subzone 190 comprises four focus subzones 150, each among the first fusion emitter 2, the second fusion emitter 4, the third fusion emitter 6 and the fourth fusion emitter 8 being used in one and only one of the four focus subzones 150 of each local test subzone 190.
[0082] Fig. 4 illustrates the scraping subpath 182 in one of the focusing subzones 150 in which the first fusion emitter 2 is used.
[0083] The focusing test includes the realization of a theoretical focusing portion 151 with the first fusion emitter 2 by controlling the test distance D so that it corresponds to a theoretical focusing distance of the first fusion emitter 2. The theoretical focusing distance is provided by the manufacturer of the first fusion emitter 2. Alternatively, the theoretical focusing distance can be determined by carrying out tests consisting of moving the first fusion emitter so that the focusing point coincides with the test surface 95 at the center (along the first direction X and the second direction Y) of the test surface 95.
[0084] The focusing test comprises, in each focusing subzone 150, during operation a) of scraping, the performance of a focusing suboperation in each focusing subzone 150. Each focusing suboperation comprises the performance of a first theoretical subfocus portion 152a, a second theoretical subfocus portion 153a, a third theoretical subfocus portion 154a, a fourth theoretical subfocus portion 155a, and a fifth theoretical subfocus portion 156a by reducing the test distance D, or at least by moving the focusing point along the third direction, by increments of one-quarter of the Rayleigh length (generally abbreviated as Zr) relative to the theoretical focusing distance for the first theoretical subfocus portion 152a and between each subfocus portion for the portions of following theoretical subfocusing.The focusing test further includes, in each focusing sub-zone 150, during the focusing sub-operation, the realization of a first portion of theoretical overfocusing 152b, a second portion of theoretical overfocusing 153b, a third portion of theoretical overfocusing 154b, a fourth portion of theoretical overfocusing 155b and a fifth portion of theoretical overfocusing. 156b by increasing the test distance D, or at least by shifting the focal point along the third direction, by an increment of one-quarter of the Rayleigh length relative to the theoretical focal distance for the first theoretical overfocus portion 152b and between each underfocus portion for subsequent underfocus portions. This is done according to the principle of the measurement methodology of ISO 11146-3.
[0085] Of course, the order of realization is not essential, it is also possible to start with the fifth theoretical underfocus portion 156a by setting the test distance D to the theoretical focus distance less five quarters of the Rayleigh length, or at least by moving the focus point so that it is theoretically five quarters of the Rayleigh length behind (above) the test surface 95 and to increase the test distance by the increment of one quarter of the Rayleigh length to end with the fifth theoretical overfocus portion 156b with the test distance D equal to the theoretical focus distance plus five quarters of the Rayleigh length, or at least by moving the focus point so that it is theoretically five quarters of the Rayleigh length beyond (below) the test surface 95, or to proceed in the reverse order.
[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the theoretical focus portion 151, each of the theoretical subfocus portions 152a, 153a, 154a, 155a, 156a and each of the theoretical overfocus portions 152b, 153b, 154b, 155b, 156b form parallel lines arranged side-by-side and spaced apart from each other, in the manner of a barcode.
[0087] During the analysis operation b), the focusing test includes the measurement of the width L, perpendicular to the line lengthening, of the theoretical focusing portion 151, of each of the theoretical underfocusing portions 152a, 153a, 154a, 155a, 156a and of each of the theoretical overfocusing portions 152b, 153b, 154b, 155b, 156b.
[0088] Schematically, for each focusing sub-zone 150, the smallest width L corresponds to an actual focusing distance and must be obtained when the test distance D is equal to the theoretical focusing distance, or at least when the focal point is on the test surface 95. In other words, the theoretical focusing portion 151 must have the smallest width L. If one of the fusion emitters has the smallest width L when the test distance D has a substantially constant offset from the theoretical focusing distance 151 for all focusing sub-zones 150, the calibration of the fusion emitter must be modified accordingly. If one of the fusion emitters has the smallest width L for varying values of the test distance D depending on the focusing sub-zones 150, this fusion emitter must be revised or replaced.
[0089] A more advanced analysis consists, for each focalization subzone 150, not simply in seeking to determine which portion has the smallest width L among the theoretical focalization portion 151, the theoretical underfocusing portions 152a, 153a, 154a, 155a, 156a and the theoretical overfocusing portions 152b, 153b, 154b, 155b, 156b as indicated above, but in taking into account the width of all (eleven in the illustrated embodiment) the portions to determine the focal point, in particular by assuming a Gaussian beam, and then in determining the difference between the focal point and the test surface 95.
[0090] The calibration test is carried out in an analogous manner with the second fusion emitter 4, the third fusion emitter 6 and the fourth fusion emitter 8 in the other respective focus sub-zones 150 and repeated in each local test sub-zone 190. Therefore, the focus test allows an analysis over the entire test surface 95.
[0091] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the dynamic test includes during operation a) of fusion, the performance in each local test subzone 190 of a dynamic suboperation in a closed path subzone 160 to form a dynamic portion of the scraping subpath 182. Each closed path subzone 160 extends around the focusing subzones 150.Each dynamic suboperation includes the realization of a first circle 161 between a first initial end 161a and a first final end 161b with the first fusion emitter 2, a second circle 162 between a second initial end 162a and a second final end 162b with the second fusion emitter 4, a third circle 163 between a third initial end 163a and a third final end 163b with the third fusion emitter 6 and a fourth circle 16 between a fourth initial end 164a and a fourth final end 164b with the fourth fusion emitter 8. .
[0092] During the analysis operation b), the dynamic test includes, for each closed path sub-zone 160, the determination of the distance between the first initial end 161a and the first final end 161b, the determination of the distance between the second initial end 162a and the second final end 162b, the determination of the distance between the third initial end 163a and the third final end 163b, the determination of the distance between the fourth initial end 164a and the fourth final end 164b and / or the determination of the circularity, the position of the center or the diameter of the first circle 161, the second circle 162, the third circle 163 and the fourth circle 164.
[0093] The state of each beam emitter can also be determined absolutely for determining circularity or the distance between the initial end and the final end if this distance should be zero, and relatively by comparison of the position of the center and diameter of each of the circles, but it can also be determined by comparison with a test pattern.
[0094] The relative positioning test includes, during operation a) of scraping, the performance in each local test sub-zone 190 of a relative positioning sub-operation. The relative positioning sub-operation comprises a concentricity sub-operation, in a concentricity sub-zone 170, more precisely in four concentricity sub-zones 170 per local test sub-zone 190 in the illustrated embodiment.
[0095] Each dynamic positioning sub-operation comprises, with the first fusion emitter 2, the creation of a first concentricity line 171 comprising two first half-concentricity lines 171a, 171b spaced apart, and another first concentricity line 176 also comprising two first half-concentricity lines 176a, 176b spaced apart. The first two concentricity lines 171, 176 are angularly offset by 90 degrees and form a first cross. As illustrated in [Fig.5A], during operation b) of concentricity test analysis, a first point of intersection 175a is determined corresponding to the intersection of the first two concentricity lines 171, 176. The first point of intersection 175a is located between the first two half-lines of concentricity 171a, 171b and between the first two half-lines of concentricity 176a, 176b.
[0096] Each dynamic positioning sub-operation further comprises, with the second fusion emitter 4, the creation of a second concentricity line 172 comprising two second concentricity lines 172a, 172b spaced apart, and another second concentricity line 177 also comprising two second concentricity lines 177a, 177b spaced apart. The two second concentricity lines 172, 177 are angularly offset by 90 degrees and form a second cross. As illustrated in [Fig.5B], during operation b) of concentricity test analysis, a second point of intersection 176a is determined corresponding to the intersection of the two second concentricity lines 172, 177. The second point of intersection 175b is located between the two second half-lines of concentricity 172a, 172b and between the two second half-lines of concentricity 177a, 177b.
[0097] Each dynamic positioning sub-operation further comprises, with the third fusion emitter 6, the creation of a third concentricity line 173 comprising two third half-concentricity lines 173a, 173b spaced apart, and another third concentricity line 178 also comprising two third half-concentricity lines 178a, 178b spaced apart. The two third concentricity lines 173, 178 are angularly offset by 90 degrees and form a third cross. As illustrated in [Fig. 5C], during operation b) Analysis of the concentricity test, a third point of intersection 175c is determined corresponding to the intersection of the two third concentricity lines 173, 178. The third point of intersection 175c is located between the two third half-lines of concentricity 173a, 173b and between the two third half-lines of concentricity 178a, 178b.
[0098] Each dynamic positioning sub-operation further comprises, with the fourth fusion emitter 8, the formation of a fourth concentricity line 174 comprising two third half-concentricity lines 174a, 174b spaced apart, and another fourth concentricity line 179 also comprising two fourth half-concentricity lines 179a, 179b spaced apart. The two fourth concentricity lines 174, 179 are angularly offset by 90 degrees and form a fourth cross. As illustrated in [Fig.5D], during operation b) of concentricity test analysis, a fourth point of intersection 175d is determined corresponding to the intersection of the two fourth concentricity lines 174, 179. The fourth point of intersection 175d is located between the two fourth half-lines of concentricity 174a, 174b and between the two fourth half-lines of concentricity 179a, 179b.
[0099] The first cross, the second cross, the third cross, and the fourth cross have a regular angular offset of approximately 22.5 degrees relative to each other. The value of the angular offset depends on the number of crosses.
[0100] During the analysis operation b), the concentricity test includes, for each concentricity sub-zone 170, the determination of the distance between the first intersection point 175a, the second intersection point 175b, the third intersection point 175c and the fourth intersection point 175d.
[0101] Instead of being determined relatively, the state of the emitter can also be determined absolutely for the concentricity test, by comparison (determination of the deviation) of the first intersection point 175a, the second intersection point 175b, the third intersection point 175c and the fourth intersection point 175d with a test pattern including the location of a theoretical center, for the whole of the test surface 95.
[0102] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the adjacency test comprises, during operation a) of scraping, the execution in each local test sub-zone 190 of an adjacency sub-operation in an adjacency sub-zone 110 to form adjacency portions of the scraping sub-path 182. Each adjacency sub-operation comprises the execution of a first relative positioning portion forming a central square. The first relative positioning portion comprises a first adjacency line 115 made with the first fusion emitter 2, a first adjacency line 125 made with the second fusion emitter 4, a first line adjacency line 135 made with the third fusion emitter 6 and a first adjacency line 145 made with the fourth fusion emitter 8.
[0103] Each adjacency sub-operation further includes the realization of second portions of relative positioning 102a, 102b, 104a, 104b, 106a, 106b, 108a, 108b formed by eight portions of external squares.
[0104] The second relative positioning portion 102a and the second relative positioning portion 102b are made with the first fusion emitter 2. The second relative positioning portion 102a comprises a second adjacency line 111a having a proximal end 111 located near the first adjacency line 115, the second adjacency line 111a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 115 from the proximal end 111. The second relative positioning portion 102a further comprises a second adjacency line 141a having a proximal end 141 located near the first adjacency line 145, the second adjacency line 141a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 145 from the proximal end 141.
[0105] The second relative positioning portion 102b comprises a second adjacency line 131a having a proximal end 131 located near the third adjacency line 135, the second adjacency line 131a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 135 from the proximal end 131. The second relative positioning portion 102b further comprises a second adjacency line 121a having a proximal end 121 located near the first adjacency line 125, the second adjacency line 121a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 125 from the proximal end 121.
[0106] The second relative positioning portion 104a and the second relative positioning portion 104b are made with the second fusion emitter 4. The second relative positioning portion 104a comprises a second adjacency line 112a having a proximal end 112 located near the first adjacency line 115, the second adjacency line 112a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 115 from the proximal end 112. The second relative positioning portion 104a further comprises a second adjacency line 142a having a proximal end 142 located near the first adjacency line 145, the second adjacency line 142a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 145 from the proximal end 142.
[0107] The second relative positioning portion 104b comprises a second adjacency feature 132a having a proximal end 132 located near the third adjacency line 135, the second adjacency line 132a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 135 from the proximal end 132. The second relative positioning portion 104b further comprises a second adjacency line 122a having a proximal end 122 located near the first adjacency line 125, the second adjacency line 122a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 125 from the proximal end 122.
[0108] The second relative positioning portion 106a and the second relative positioning portion 106b are made with the third fusion emitter 6. The second relative positioning portion 106a comprises a second adjacency line 123a having a proximal end 123 located near the first adjacency line 125, the second adjacency line 123a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 125 from the proximal end 123. The second relative positioning portion 106a further comprises a second adjacency line 113a having a proximal end 113 located near the first adjacency line 115, the second adjacency line extending 113a substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 115 from the proximal end 113.
[0109] The second relative positioning portion 106b comprises a second adjacency line 143a having a proximal end 143 located near the first adjacency line 145, the second adjacency line 143a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 145 from the proximal end 143. The second relative positioning portion 106b further comprises a second adjacency line 133a having a proximal end 133 located near the first adjacency line 135, the second adjacency line 133a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 135 from the proximal end 133.
[0110] The second relative positioning portion 108a and the second relative positioning portion 108b are made with the fourth fusion emitter 8. The second relative positioning portion 108a comprises a second adjacency line 124a having a proximal end 124 located near the first adjacency line 125, the second adjacency line 124a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 125 from the proximal end 124. The second relative positioning portion 108a further comprises a second adjacency line 114a having a proximal end 114 located near the first adjacency line 115, the second adjacency line 114a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 115 from the proximal end 114.
[0111] The second relative positioning portion 108b comprises a second adjacency line 144a having a proximal end 144 located near the first adjacency line 145, the second adjacency line 144a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 145 from the proximal end 144. The second relative positioning portion 108b further comprises a second adjacency line 134a having a proximal end 134 located near the first adjacency line 135, the second adjacency line 134a extending substantially perpendicularly to the first adjacency line 135 from the proximal end 134.
[0112] The adjacent test includes during operation b) the determination of the distance d between the middle of each first adjacency line 115, 125, 135, 145 and the proximal end 111, 112, 113, 114; 124, 123, 122, 121; 131, 132, 133, 134; 144, 143, 142, 141 of the corresponding second adjacency line 111a, 112a, 113a, 114a; 124a, 123a, 122a, 121a; 131a, 132a, 133a, 134a; 144a, 143a, 142a, 141a. As illustrated in [Fig.7] in relation to the first adjacency line 115 and the second adjacency line 112a, the distance d is measured between the middle of the first adjacency line 115 and the proximal end of the second adjacency line 112a.
[0113] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the test surface 95 preferably comprises between 250 and 2000 disjoint local test sub-zones 190 per square meter, more precisely one hundred and nine local test sub-zones 190 in the illustrated embodiment, the test surface 95 forming a square with sides of 400 millimeters. The scraping path 180 therefore comprises one hundred and nine scraping sub-paths 182.
[0114] The calibration test further includes an overall concentricity test. Unlike the tests previously described, the concentricity test is not limited to each local test sub-zone 190 and does not extend to each local test sub-zone 190.
[0115] The scraping path 180 includes, in addition to the aforementioned scraping sub-paths 182, the creation during an operation c) of a first global circle 191, a second global circle 192 and a third global circle 193. Each of the first global circle 191, second global circle 192 and third global circle 193 is made in four successive parts (each representing a quarter of a circle) with the first fusion emitter 2, the second fusion emitter 4, the third fusion emitter 6 and the fourth fusion emitter 8.
[0116] Local test sub-zones 190 are arranged inside the first global circle 191, between the first global circle 191 and the second global circle 192, and between the second global circle 192 and the third global circle 193.
[0117] An operation d) of the overall concentricity test involves determining the circularity, the position of the center and / or the diameter of each of the first circle global scraping 191, the second global scraping circle 192 and the third global scraping circle 193 and / or concentricity of the first global scraping circle 191, the second global scraping circle 192 and the third global scraping circle 193.
Claims
Demands
1. A method for calibrating a fusion device (1) comprising at least one beam emitter (2), such as a laser beam or an electron beam, said method comprises a calibration test comprising the following operations: a) use of the fusion device (1) to locally scrape a test surface (95) and performance of a calibration test, the calibration test comprising the movement of the fusion device (1) and performance of a scraping path (180) on the test surface (95), the performance of the calibration test comprising the performance of a dynamic test, the dynamic test comprising a dynamic sub-operation for the performance of each scraping sub-path (182), the dynamic sub-operation comprising the performance of a dynamic portion of the scraping sub-path, the dynamic portion comprising a closed shape (161, 162, 163, 164) b) analysis of the scraping path (180) carried out during operation a) in which an initial end and a final end are identified on the dynamic portion carried out and the distance between the initial end (161a, 162a, 163a, 164a) and the final end (161b, 162b, 163b, 164b) is determined, and determination of the state of the fusion device (1) as a function of the analysis of the scraping path (180), in which: the scraping path (180) comprises a plurality of distinct scraping subpaths (182), the scraping subpaths (182) each exhibiting the same pattern and being carried out in a plurality of distinct local test subzones (190) in the test surface (95), and operation b) comprises the analysis of each scraping subpath (182).
2. A calibration method according to claim 1, wherein the calibration test comprises performing a focusing test, the fusion device (1) has a focal point, and the calibration test comprises: - during operation a), a plurality of focusing sub-operations in each local test sub-zone (190), during the execution of each focusing sub-operation the fusion device (1) is placed at a test distance (D) from the test surface (95) and a focusing portion (151, 152a to 156a, 152b to 156b) of the scraping sub-path (182) is carried out, the focal point being shifted by a distance increment between the focusing sub-operations, and - operation b) includes the measurement of the width (L) of each focusing portion (151, 152a to 156a, 152b to 156b) of the scraping sub-path (182).
3. Calibration method according to the preceding claim wherein the focusing portions comprise: a theoretical focusing portion (151) made with the theoretically located focusing point on the test surface (95), at least one theoretical underfocusing portion (152a to 156a) made with the focusing point located inland from the test surface (95), and at least one theoretical overfocusing portion (152b to 156b) made with the focusing point located beyond the test surface (95).
4. Calibration method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the performance of the calibration test comprises the performance of a relative positioning test, the relative positioning test comprises: - during operation a), a relative positioning sub-operation for the performance of each scraping sub-path (182), the relative positioning sub-operation comprises the performance of a first relative positioning portion (115; 171, 176) of the scraping sub-path and the performance of a second relative positioning portion (112a; 172, 177) of the scraping sub-path, is - during operation b), the positioning of the first relative positioning portion (115; 171, 176) with respect to the second relative positioning portion (112a; 172, 177) is analyzed.
5. Calibration method according to the preceding claim wherein the first portion of relative positioning (115; 171, 176) of the scraping subpath is carried out with a first beam emitter (2) and the second portion of relative positioning (112a; 172, 177) of the scraping subpath is carried out with a second beam emitter (4) distinct from the first beam emitter (2).
6. A calibration method according to the preceding claim, wherein: the relative positioning test comprises a concentricity test, the first portion of relative positioning comprising at least two first concentricity lines (171, 176) defining a first point intersection (175a), the second portion of relative positioning includes at least two second concentricity features (172, 177) defining a second point of intersection (175b), and In operation b), the distance between the first point of intersection (175a) and the second point of intersection (175b) is determined.
7. A calibration method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The relative positioning test includes an adjacency test, the first portion of relative positioning includes a first adjacency feature (115), the second portion of relative positioning comprises a second adjacency line (112a) having a proximal end (112) located near the first adjacency line (115), and during operation b), we determine the distance (d) between the middle of the first line of adjacency (115) and the proximal end (112) of the second line of adjacency (112a).
8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method includes performing an overall concentricity test; the overall concentricity test includes an operation c); operation c) comprises performing a first overall scraping circle (191) on the test surface (95) and a second overall scraping circle (192) on the test surface (95); several local test sub-zones (190) from among the plurality of distinct local test sub-zones (190) are arranged between the first overall scraping circle (191) and the second overall scraping circle (192); and the global concentricity test includes an operation d), operation d) involves determining the circularity, center position or diameter of each of the first global scraping circle (191) or the second global scraping circle (192) and / or concentricity of the first global scraping circle (191) and the second global scraping circle (192).