Shape display device and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

This shape display device comprises: an intensity distribution estimation unit that estimates the intensity distribution of a laser beam on the basis of a machining condition including at least one of a laser peak power and a laser beam diameter; a removal shape estimation unit that estimates a removal shape, of a workpiece, to be removed by the laser beam, said estimation being made on the basis of the intensity distribution estimated by the intensity distribution estimation unit and an absorption characteristic value of the laser beam; a machining shape estimation unit that estimates a machining shape of the workpiece on the basis of a machining program and the removal shape estimated by the removal shape estimation unit; and a display unit that displays the machining shape estimated by the machining shape estimation unit.

Description

Shape display device and computer-readable storage medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shape display device and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0002] Conventionally, a simulation device that performs a machining simulation of a cutting process and displays the shape of a machined workpiece is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the machining simulation of a cutting process, the shape of a tool, a feed rate, a cutting depth, etc. are specified, and the shape of the machined workpiece is identified.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-152936

[0004] On the other hand, in laser processing, it is not possible to specify the cutting depth as a processing condition. In other words, it is difficult to directly predict the shape of the processed workpiece from the processing conditions. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can accurately estimate the shape of the processed workpiece.

[0005] The shape display device of the present disclosure includes an intensity distribution estimation unit that estimates the intensity distribution of laser light based on processing conditions including at least one of laser peak power and laser beam diameter, a removal shape estimation unit that estimates the removal shape of the workpiece to be removed by the laser light based on the intensity distribution estimated by the intensity distribution estimation unit and an absorption characteristic value of the laser light, a processing shape estimation unit that estimates the processing shape of the workpiece based on a processing program and the removal shape estimated by the removal shape estimation unit, and a display unit that displays the processing shape estimated by the processing shape estimation unit.

[0006] The computer-readable storage medium of the present disclosure stores instructions that cause a computer to execute the following: estimating the intensity distribution of laser light based on processing conditions including at least one of laser peak power and laser beam diameter; estimating the removal shape of the workpiece to be removed by the laser light based on the estimated intensity distribution and the absorption characteristic value of the laser light; estimating the processing shape of the workpiece based on a processing program and the estimated removal shape; and displaying the estimated processing shape.

[0007] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a laser processing machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a shape display device. FIG. 3 is an example of a processing program acquired by an intensity distribution estimation unit. FIG. 4 is an example of an intensity distribution. FIG. 5 is an example of a removal shape. FIG. 6 is an example of an image displayed on a display. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the shape display device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a selection operation. FIG. 10 is an example of a removal shape displayed in a removal shape display area. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device. FIG. 12 is an example of a display mode of an evaluation result of the removal shape. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device. FIG. 14 is a display example of the removal shape and a new removal shape. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device.

[0008] A shape display device and a computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0009] In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0010] A shape display device according to the present disclosure is a device for estimating a processing shape of an object to be processed by a laser processing machine, for example, a laser processing machine that performs ablation processing.

[0011] Ablation processing is a process in which a high-energy density laser beam is irradiated onto a material for a short period of time, instantly breaking down the surface of the material and evaporating the material. Ablation processing breaks the bonds between atoms or molecules, evaporating the atoms or molecules. Therefore, ablation processing has little thermal impact on the workpiece.

[0012] The pulse width of the laser light in the ablation process is, for example, on the order of picoseconds or femtoseconds.

[0013] The shape display device is implemented in, for example, a numerical control device, a personal computer (PC), a server, a tablet terminal, etc. The shape display device implemented in the numerical control device will be described below.

[0014] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a laser processing machine 1. The laser processing machine 1 includes, for example, a numerical control device 2, an input / output device 3, a servo amplifier 4, a servo motor 5, and a laser oscillator 6.

[0015] The numerical control device 2 includes, for example, a hardware processor 201 , a bus 202 , a read-only memory (ROM) 203 , a random access memory (RAM) 204 , and a non-volatile memory 205 .

[0016] The hardware processor 201 is a processor that controls the entire numerical control device 2 in accordance with a system program. The hardware processor 201 reads the system program and the like stored in the ROM 203 via the bus 202. The hardware processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit.

[0017] The bus 202 is a communication path that connects the various hardware components of the numerical control device 2. The various hardware components of the numerical control device 2 exchange data via the bus 202.

[0018] The ROM 203 is a storage device that stores system programs, etc. The ROM 203 is a computer-readable storage medium.

[0019] The RAM 204 is a storage device that temporarily stores various data and functions as a work area for the hardware processor 201 to process various data.

[0020] The nonvolatile memory 205 is a storage device that retains data even when the power to the numerical control device 2 is turned off. The nonvolatile memory 205 stores, for example, a machining program. The nonvolatile memory 205 is a computer-readable storage medium. The nonvolatile memory 205 is, for example, a battery-backed memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0021] The numerical control device 2 further includes an interface 206 , an axis control circuit 207 , and a laser control circuit 208 .

[0022] The interface 206 connects the bus 202 and the input / output device 3. The interface 206 sends various data processed by the hardware processor 201 to the input / output device 3, for example.

[0023] The input / output device 3 receives various data from the hardware processor 201 via the interface 206, for example, and displays the various data on a display. The input / output device 3 also receives input of various data and sends the various data to the hardware processor 201 via the interface 206, for example.

[0024] The input / output device 3 is, for example, a touch panel. When the input / output device 3 is a touch panel, the input / output device 3 is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The touch panel is not limited to a capacitive touch panel and may be a touch panel of another type. The input / output device 3 is installed in an operation panel (not shown) in which the numerical control device 2 is housed.

[0025] The axis control circuit 207 is a circuit for controlling the servo motor 5. The axis control circuit 207 receives control commands from the hardware processor 201 and sends various commands to the servo amplifier 4 for driving the servo motor 5. The axis control circuit 207 sends, for example, a torque command for controlling the torque of the servo motor 5 to the servo amplifier 4.

[0026] The servo amplifier 4 receives a command from the axis control circuit 207 and supplies a current to the servo motor 5 .

[0027] The servo motors 5 are driven by receiving a current supply from the servo amplifier 4. The servo motors 5 are provided corresponding to the respective control axes of the laser processing machine 1. When the laser processing machine 1 has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, the servo motors 5 include an X-axis servo motor, a Y-axis servo motor, and a Z-axis servo motor. In this case, an axis control circuit 207 and a servo amplifier 4 are provided for each servo motor 5.

[0028] The servo motor 5 is connected to, for example, a ball screw that moves the laser processing head. When the servo motor 5 is driven, the structure of the laser processing machine 1, such as the laser processing head, moves along a predetermined control axis.

[0029] The servo motor 5 has a built-in encoder (not shown) that detects the position and feed rate of the control axis. Position feedback information and speed feedback information indicating the position and feed rate of the control axis detected by the encoder are fed back to the axis control circuit 207. In this way, the axis control circuit 207 performs feedback control of each control axis.

[0030] The laser control circuit 208 is a circuit that controls the laser oscillator 6. The laser control circuit 208 outputs a command to the laser oscillator 6 to generate a laser beam.

[0031] The laser oscillator 6 is a device that generates laser light. The laser oscillator 6 includes, for example, a laser medium, an excitation source, a mirror, etc. The laser oscillator 6 generates laser light based on a command from the laser control circuit 208.

[0032] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device 21. The shape display device 21 includes, for example, an intensity distribution estimation unit 211, a removal shape estimation unit 212, a processing shape estimation unit 213, and a display unit 214. The intensity distribution estimation unit 211, the removal shape estimation unit 212, the processing shape estimation unit 213, and the display unit 214 are realized, for example, by the hardware processor 201 performing arithmetic processing using a system program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0033] The intensity distribution estimation unit 211 acquires the processing conditions based on the processing program. The processing program is a program for specifying the movement path of the laser beam. The processing program also includes code for specifying the processing conditions.

[0034] The intensity distribution estimation unit 211 acquires, for example, a machining program stored in a storage unit (not shown), and analyzes the acquired machining program to acquire machining conditions.

[0035] 3 shows an example of a machining program acquired by the intensity distribution estimation unit 211. The machining program includes a code that specifies the program name. The code that specifies the program name is "O." In other words, "O0001" is a code that specifies that the machining program name is "0001."

[0036] The block following the code specifying the program name specifies the path of movement of the laser beam and the machining conditions. Note that a block refers to a collection of one or more commands written on each line of the machining program.

[0037] The block with sequence number N1 has "G91 G00 X100. Y100." specified. "G91" is an incremental command. An incremental command is a code that specifies the movement path of the laser beam, specified using G codes such as "G00" and "G01," based on the current position of the laser beam. "G00" is a positioning command. Therefore, "G91 G00 X100. Y100." is a command to move the position where the laser beam is irradiated by 100 [mm] along the X axis and 100 [mm] along the Y axis.

[0038] The block with sequence number N2 specifies "G01 X0 Y50.EAA." "G01" is a linear interpolation command. "E" is a code for specifying the processing conditions. "AA" includes, for example, at least one of a numerical value specifying the laser peak power and a numerical value specifying the laser beam diameter. In other words, "G01 X0 Y50.EAA" is a command to move the position where the laser light is irradiated by 50 mm along the Y axis using linear interpolation under the processing conditions specified by "EAA."

[0039] The block with sequence number N3 specifies "G01 X50. Y0 EBB." "BB" includes, for example, a value specifying the laser peak power and a value specifying the laser beam diameter. Therefore, "G01 X50. Y0 EBB" is a command to move the position where the laser light is irradiated by 50 mm along the X axis using linear interpolation under the processing conditions specified by "EBB."

[0040] The block with sequence number N10 has "M30" specified. "M30" is a code that specifies the end of the machining program. Therefore, "M30" specified in sequence number N10 ends the execution of the machining program.

[0041] Returning now to the explanation of FIG. 2 , the intensity distribution estimation unit 211 estimates the intensity distribution of the laser light based on processing conditions including at least one of the laser peak power and the laser beam diameter. The intensity distribution estimation unit 211 estimates the intensity distribution approximated by a Gaussian distribution. The laser peak power is the maximum output value when one pulse of laser light is irradiated. The laser beam diameter is the diameter of the laser light on the surface of the workpiece when the laser light is irradiated onto the workpiece. The intensity distribution is information indicating the relationship between the distance from the center of the laser light and the intensity of the laser light.

[0042] 4 shows an example of the intensity distribution. The horizontal axis represents the distance from the center of the laser beam, and the vertical axis represents the intensity of the laser beam. The intensity distribution can be calculated, for example, by the following equation (1).

[0043] Here, I(0) is expressed by the following equation 2: Furthermore, r is the distance from the center of the laser beam [cm], P is the laser peak power [W], and w is the beam waist [cm].

[0044]

[0045] Returning now to the description of Fig. 2, the removal shape estimation unit 212 estimates a removal shape of the workpiece to be removed by the laser light based on the intensity distribution estimated by the intensity distribution estimation unit 211 and the absorption characteristic value of the laser light. The removal shape is the shape of the workpiece that is removed when one pulse of laser light is irradiated onto the workpiece. The absorption characteristic value is, for example, an absorption coefficient. The absorption coefficient depends on, for example, the material of the workpiece.

[0046] 5 shows an example of the removal shape. The horizontal axis represents the distance from the center of the laser beam, and the vertical axis represents the depth. The removal shape can be calculated, for example, by the following equation (3).

[0047] where I is the laser light intensity [W / cm 2 ], α is the absorption coefficient [1 / cm], I th is the ablation threshold, which is the lower limit of the laser light intensity at which ablation occurs.

[0048] Returning now to the explanation of Fig. 2, the machining shape estimation unit 213 estimates the machining shape of the object based on the machining program and the removal shape estimated by the removal shape estimation unit 212. The machining shape estimation unit 213 calculates the movement path of the laser beam based on the machining program. The machining shape estimation unit 213 also estimates the machining shape by arranging and drawing the removal shapes along the calculated movement path of the laser beam. The machining shape estimation unit 213 arranges the removal shapes along the movement path based on the pulse frequency of the laser beam.

[0049] The display unit 214 displays the machining shape estimated by the machining shape estimation unit 213. The display unit 214 displays the machining shape on the display of the input / output device 3, for example.

[0050] 6 shows an example of an image displayed on the display, which includes, for example, a machining shape display area A1, a removal shape display area A2, and a program display area A3.

[0051] The machining shape display area A1 is an area where the machining shape estimated by the machining shape estimation unit 213 is displayed. The display unit 214 displays, for example, the machining shape of the entire workpiece machined using the machining program in the machining shape display area A1.

[0052] The removal shape display area A2 is an area where the removal shape of the workpiece is displayed. The removal shape displayed in the removal shape display area A2 will be described in detail later.

[0053] The program display area A3 is an area where a machining program used to machine the workpiece is displayed. At least one block included in the machining program is displayed in the program display area A3.

[0054] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the shape display device 21. In the shape display device 21, first, the intensity distribution estimation unit 211 acquires a machining program (step S1), and then analyzes the acquired machining program (step S2).

[0055] Next, the intensity distribution estimation unit 211 acquires the processing conditions from the processing program (step S3), and then estimates the intensity distribution of the laser light based on the processing conditions (step S4).

[0056] Next, the removal shape estimation unit 212 estimates the removal shape of the object (step S5). Next, the machining shape estimation unit 213 estimates the machining shape of the object (step S6). Finally, the display unit 214 displays the machining shape (step S7), and the processing in the shape display device 21 ends.

[0057] The shape display device 21 may enlarge and display the removal shape based on an operation by an operator. In this case, the shape display device 21 includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a section of the removal shape to be enlarged and displayed, or information indicating a range of a machining program that specifies the removal shape to be enlarged and displayed.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device 21 including an information acquisition unit. The shape display device 21 includes an information acquisition unit 215. Note that, among the functions of the shape display device 21 shown in Fig. 8, functions other than the information acquisition unit 215 are the same as the functions of the shape display device 21 shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, a description of the functions other than the information acquisition unit 215 will be omitted.

[0059] The information acquisition unit 215 is realized, for example, by the hardware processor 201 performing arithmetic processing using the system program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the non-volatile memory 205 .

[0060] The information acquisition unit 215 acquires section information indicating a selected section in the machining shape or range information indicating a selected range of the machining program. The section is selected, for example, based on a selection operation by the operator for the machining shape displayed in the machining shape display area A1. The selected range is selected based on a selection operation by the operator for the machining program displayed in the program display area A3.

[0061] 9 is a diagram for explaining the selection operation. When the operator wants to display the removal shape in the removal shape display area A2, the operator performs a selection operation to select a section I of the processing shape.

[0062] If the display is a touch panel, the operator touches a section I of the machining shape that the operator wishes to enlarge. This selects the section I of the machining shape, and the information acquisition unit 215 acquires the section information. The operator may select the section I of the machining shape by dragging the mouse.

[0063] Furthermore, when the operator wishes to display removal shapes corresponding to one or more blocks of the machining program in the removal shape display area A2, the operator performs a selection operation of one or more blocks B.

[0064] For example, the operator selects one or more blocks B from the machining program displayed in the program display area A3, and the information acquisition unit 215 thereby acquires range information indicating the selected range of the machining program.

[0065] The display unit 214 displays the removal shape of the selected section or the removal shape corresponding to the selected range based on the section information or range information acquired by the information acquisition unit 215. The display unit 214 displays the removal shape of the selected section or the removal shape corresponding to the selected range in the removal shape display area A2.

[0066] 10 shows an example of the removal shape displayed in the removal shape display area A2. The display unit 214 displays, for example, the cross-sectional shape and the planar shape of the workpiece as the removal shape. This allows the operator to check the removal shape to be formed on the workpiece before the workpiece is actually machined.

[0067] The shape display device 21 may have a function of evaluating whether or not the removal shape estimated by the removal shape estimation unit 212 is appropriate. In this case, the shape display device 21 includes an evaluation unit.

[0068] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device 21. The shape display device 21 includes an evaluation unit 216. Note that, among the functions possessed by the shape display device 21 shown in Fig. 11, functions other than the evaluation unit 216 are the same as the functions possessed by the shape display device 21 shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, a description of the functions other than the evaluation unit 216 will be omitted.

[0069] The evaluation unit 216 is realized, for example, by the hardware processor 201 performing arithmetic processing using a system program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the non-volatile memory 205 .

[0070] The evaluation unit 216 evaluates the removal shape based on evaluation conditions for evaluating the removal shape. The evaluation conditions are, for example, processing depth. For example, if the depth D of the removal shape estimated by the removal shape estimation unit 212 is D L1 ≦D≦D U1If the above condition is satisfied, the evaluation unit 216 determines that the removal shape is good.

[0071] In addition, the depth D of the removed shape is D U1 <D≦D U2 , or D L2 ≦D<D L1 If the depth D of the removal shape satisfies D U2 <D, or D<D L2 If the following condition is satisfied, the evaluation unit 216 determines that the removal shape is unacceptable. The display unit 214 displays the evaluation result of the removal shape evaluated by the evaluation unit 216.

[0072] 12 shows an example of a display mode of the evaluation results of the removal shape. The display unit 214 displays, in different display modes, a portion determined to have a good removal shape, a portion determined to have an acceptable removal shape, and a portion determined to have an unacceptable removal shape.

[0073] For example, the display unit 214 displays in blue the portion for which the removal shape is determined to be good. For example, the display unit 214 displays in yellow the portion for which the removal shape is determined to be acceptable. For example, the display unit 214 displays in red the portion for which the removal shape is determined to be unacceptable. This allows the operator to determine whether the processing conditions for the laser processing are appropriate.

[0074] In FIG. 12, for convenience, the evaluation results are drawn outside the frame of the processed shape display area A1, but the evaluation results may be displayed in the removed shape display area A2.

[0075] The shape display device 21 may change the processing conditions by changing the removal shape displayed by the display unit 214. In this case, the shape display device 21 includes a removal shape generation unit and a processing condition change unit.

[0076] Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device 21. The shape display device 21 includes a removal shape generation unit 217 and a processing condition change unit 218. Note that, among the functions of the shape display device 21 shown in Fig. 13, functions other than the removal shape generation unit 217 and the processing condition change unit 218 are the same as the functions of the shape display device 21 shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, a description of functions other than the removal shape generation unit 217 and the processing condition change unit 218 will be omitted.

[0077] The removal shape generation unit 217 and the processing condition change unit 218 are realized, for example, by the hardware processor 201 performing arithmetic processing using a system program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0078] The removal shape generating unit 217 generates a new removal shape by changing the removal shape displayed by the display unit 214. The removal shape generating unit 217 receives change information for changing the removal shape. The change information is, for example, information for changing the laser peak power.

[0079] For example, the operator inputs the laser peak power of the laser light to the input / output device 3. The removal shape generation unit 217 accepts the laser peak power input from the input / output device 3 as change information. Furthermore, the removal shape generation unit 217 generates a new removal shape based on the change information. The display unit 214 displays the generated new removal shape.

[0080] 14 is a display example of the removal shape and the new removal shape. The display unit 214 displays the removal shape before the change and the new removal shape in the removal shape display area A2. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the display unit 214 displays the removal shape before the change above the removal shape display area A2. The laser peak power when the removal shape before the change is formed is 50 [W].

[0081] The removal shape generating unit 217 receives the laser peak power input to the input / output device 3. The laser peak power input to the input / output device 3 is 100 [W].

[0082] The removal shape generating unit 217 displays a new removal shape that will be formed when the laser peak power is 100 [W] below the removal shape display area A2.

[0083] The processing condition change unit 218 changes the processing conditions so that the new removal shape generated by the removal shape generation unit 217 is formed. The processing condition change unit 218 rewrites, for example, the processing conditions of the processing program. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the processing condition change unit 218 changes the laser peak power from 50 [W] to 100 [W]. This changes the processing conditions.

[0084] The shape display device 21 may accept a change operation for the removal shape before change displayed in the removal shape display area A2. For example, the shape display device 21 may allow the operator to change the maximum depth of the removal shape by touching and dragging the position indicating the maximum depth of the removal shape with a finger. In other words, the removal shape generation unit 217 generates a new removal shape with a changed maximum depth based on the operator's operation on the removal shape before change. The processing condition change unit 218 may change the processing conditions so that a new removal shape is formed.

[0085] 15 is a display example of the removal shape and the new removal shape. The display unit 214 displays the removal shape before the change and the new removal shape in the removal shape display area A2. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the display unit 214 displays the removal shape before the change on the left side of the removal shape display area A2. Note that the laser output time when the removal shape before the change is formed is 1 sec.

[0086] The removal shape generating unit 217 receives the laser output time input to the input / output device 3. The laser output time input to the input / output device 3 is 1.5 [sec].

[0087] The removal shape generating unit 217 displays a new removal shape that will be formed when the laser output time is 1.5 seconds on the right side of the removal shape display area A2.

[0088] The processing condition changing unit 218 changes the processing conditions so as to form the new removal shape generated by the removal shape generating unit 217. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the processing condition changing unit 218 changes the output time from 1 [sec] to 1.5 [sec].

[0089] When the shape display device 21 is implemented in the numerical control device 2 that controls the laser processing machine 1, the shape display device 21 includes a laser control unit and a drive control unit.

[0090] Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the shape display device 21. The shape display device 21 includes a laser control unit 219 and a drive control unit 220. Note that, among the functions possessed by the shape display device 21 shown in Fig. 16, functions other than the laser control unit 219 and the drive control unit 220 are the same as the functions possessed by the shape display device 21 shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, a description of the functions other than the laser control unit 219 and the drive control unit 220 will be omitted.

[0091] The laser control unit 219 is realized, for example, by the hardware processor 201 performing arithmetic processing using the system program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the nonvolatile memory 205, and the laser control circuit 208 outputting various commands to the laser oscillator 6. The drive control unit 220 is realized, for example, by the hardware processor 201 performing arithmetic processing using the system program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the nonvolatile memory 205, and the axis control circuit 207 outputting various commands to the servo amplifier 4.

[0092] The laser control unit 219 controls the laser light based on the processing conditions specified in the processing program. The laser control unit 219 may also control the laser light based on parameters set in the numerical control device 2.

[0093] The drive control unit 220 drives and controls the laser processing machine 1. Specifically, the drive control unit 220 controls the operation of each control axis of the laser processing machine 1 based on a processing program. The laser control unit 219 and the drive control unit 220 control the laser light and the laser processing machine 1, thereby performing laser processing on the workpiece.

[0094] As described above, the shape display device 21 includes an intensity distribution estimation unit 211 that estimates the intensity distribution of the laser light based on processing conditions including at least one of the laser peak power and the laser beam diameter; a removal shape estimation unit 212 that estimates the removal shape of the workpiece to be removed by the laser light based on the intensity distribution estimated by the intensity distribution estimation unit 211 and the absorption characteristic value of the laser light; a processing shape estimation unit 213 that estimates the processing shape of the workpiece based on the processing program and the removal shape estimated by the removal shape estimation unit 212; and a display unit 214 that displays the processing shape estimated by the processing shape estimation unit 213.

[0095] Therefore, the shape display device 21 can visualize the shape of the workpiece processed by laser processing. Specifically, the shape display device 21 can visualize the removed shape and processed shape formed on the workpiece.

[0096] The shape display device 21 further includes an information acquisition unit 215 that acquires section information indicating a section selected in the machining shape or range information indicating a selected range of the machining program, and the display unit 214 displays the removal shape of the section or the removal shape corresponding to the selected range based on the section information or range information acquired by the information acquisition unit 215. Therefore, the shape display device 21 enables the operator to check the removal shape and machining shape formed by laser machining.

[0097] Moreover, the shape display device 21 further includes an evaluation unit 216 that evaluates the removal shape based on evaluation conditions for evaluating the removal shape, and the display unit 214 displays the evaluation results of the removal shape evaluated by the evaluation unit 216. Therefore, the shape display device 21 allows the operator to easily check whether the removal shape is appropriately formed.

[0098] The shape display device 21 also includes a removal shape generation unit 217 that changes the removal shape displayed by the display unit 214 to generate a new removal shape, and a processing condition change unit 218 that changes the processing conditions so as to form the new removal shape generated by the removal shape generation unit 217. Therefore, the shape display device 21 can easily change the processing conditions so that the removal shape becomes an appropriate shape.

[0099] The shape display device 21 further includes a laser control unit 219 that controls the laser light based on the processing conditions, and a drive control unit 220 that controls the drive of the laser processing machine 1. In other words, the shape display device 21 may be implemented in the numerical control device 2.

[0100] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible to these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the gist of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination.

[0101] The following are supplementary notes related to embodiments of the present disclosure. Supplementary note [1] A shape display device comprising: an intensity distribution estimation unit that estimates an intensity distribution of laser light based on processing conditions including at least one of laser peak power and laser beam diameter; a removal shape estimation unit that estimates a removal shape of a workpiece to be removed by the laser light based on the intensity distribution estimated by the intensity distribution estimation unit and an absorption characteristic value of the laser light; a processing shape estimation unit that estimates a processing shape of the workpiece based on a processing program and the removal shape estimated by the removal shape estimation unit; and a display unit that displays the processing shape estimated by the processing shape estimation unit. Supplementary note [2] The shape display device according to Supplementary note [1] further comprises an information acquisition unit that acquires section information indicating a section selected in the processing shape or range information indicating a selected range of the processing program, and the display unit displays the removal shape of the section or the removal shape corresponding to the selected range based on the section information or the range information acquired by the information acquisition unit. Supplementary Note [3] The shape display device according to Supplementary Note [1] or [2], further comprising an evaluation unit that evaluates the removal shape based on evaluation conditions for evaluating the removal shape, and the display unit displays an evaluation result of the removal shape evaluated by the evaluation unit. Supplementary Note [4] The shape display device according to any of Supplementary Note [1] to [3], further comprising: a removal shape generation unit that changes the removal shape displayed by the display unit to generate a new removal shape, and a processing condition change unit that changes the processing conditions so that the new removal shape generated by the removal shape generation unit is formed. Supplementary Note [5] The shape display device according to any of Supplementary Note [1] to [4], further comprising: a laser control unit that controls the laser light based on the processing conditions, and a drive control unit that drives and controls a laser processing machine.Supplementary Note [6] A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for causing a computer to execute the following: estimating an intensity distribution of laser light based on processing conditions including at least one of laser peak power and laser beam diameter; estimating a removal shape of a workpiece to be removed by the laser light based on the estimated intensity distribution and an absorption characteristic value of the laser light; estimating a processing shape of the workpiece based on a processing program and the estimated removal shape; and displaying the estimated processing shape.

[0102] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Laser processing machine 2 Numerical control device 201 Hardware processor 202 Bus 203 ROM 204 RAM 205 Non-volatile memory 206 Interface 207 Axis control circuit 208 Laser control circuit 21 Shape display device 211 Intensity distribution estimation unit 212 Removal shape estimation unit 213 Machined shape estimation unit 214 Display unit 215 Information acquisition unit 216 Evaluation unit 217 Removal shape generation unit 218 Machining condition change unit 219 Laser control unit 220 Drive control unit 3 Input / output device 4 Servo amplifier 5 Servo motor 6 Laser oscillator

Claims

1. An intensity distribution estimation unit that estimates the intensity distribution of laser light based on processing conditions including at least one of laser peak power and laser beam diameter; a removal shape estimation unit that estimates the removal shape of a workpiece removed by the laser light based on the intensity distribution estimated by the intensity distribution estimation unit and the absorption characteristic value of the laser light; a processing shape estimation unit that estimates the processing shape of the workpiece based on a processing program and the removal shape estimated by the removal shape estimation unit; and a display unit that displays the processing shape estimated by the processing shape estimation unit. A shape display device comprising:

2. The shape display device according to claim 1, further comprising an information acquisition unit that acquires section information indicating a section selected in the processing shape or range information indicating a selection range of the processing program, wherein the display unit displays the removal shape of the section or the removal shape corresponding to the selection range based on the section information or the range information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

3. The shape display device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an evaluation unit that evaluates the removal shape based on evaluation conditions for evaluating the removal shape, wherein the display unit displays an evaluation result of the removal shape evaluated by the evaluation unit.

4. The shape display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a removal shape generation unit that changes the removal shape displayed by the display unit to generate a new removal shape, and a processing condition change unit that changes the processing conditions so that the new removal shape generated by the removal shape generation unit is formed.

5. The shape display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a laser control unit that controls the laser light based on the processing conditions, and a drive control unit that drives and controls a laser processing machine.

6. Based on processing conditions including at least one of laser peak power and laser beam diameter, estimating the intensity distribution of the laser light; based on the estimated intensity distribution and the absorption characteristic value of the laser light, estimating the removal shape of the object to be processed removed by the laser light; based on the machining program and the estimated removal shape, estimating the machining shape of the object to be processed; and displaying the estimated machining shape, a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for causing a computer to execute.

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