3D Cutter Torch Positioning for Small Bevel Cut Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D-cutters are limited in producing workpieces with reduced minimum dimensions in the X-direction due to fixed gap widths determined by torch position and beam orientation, leading to larger workpiece sizes and potential falling during cutting.
Innovation Solution
The electronic controller of the 3D-cutter adjusts the X-position of the torch along the X-guide to vary the entrance or exit point's position relative to the gap, particularly the downstream gap edge, allowing for closer positioning of the exit point to the downstream gap edge, reducing the required gap width and enabling smaller workpiece production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the gap width is reduced to produce smaller workpieces, then the minimum dimensions of workpieces in the X-direction are reduced, but the workpieces may fall into the gap during cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the torch's X-position during cutting operations based on real-time parameters such as workpiece size, gap width, and cutting progress. This dynamic positioning ensures that the torch maintains optimal distance from the gap edge while preventing workpiece fall, adapting to different workpiece dimensions and cutting conditions throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the X-position parameter of the torch as a function of cutting progress and workpiece characteristics. By continuously adjusting this parameter rather than maintaining a fixed position, the system optimizes the balance between producing small workpieces and preventing them from falling into the gap during the cutting process.
2Ease of operation
If the torch X-position is fixed relative to the gap, then the gap width is determined by fixed torch position and beam orientation, but this limits the production of smaller workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed torch positioning to dynamic X-position adjustment. The torch's X-position is continuously modified during cutting based on workpiece dimensions, gap width, and cutting stage, enabling flexible production of various workpiece sizes including smaller dimensions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation and planning of the torch's X-position trajectory before cutting begins. Based on predetermined workpiece dimensions and gap width, the optimal X-position adjustments are pre-computed, allowing the torch to automatically follow the predetermined path that ensures small workpieces can be produced without falling into the gap.
3Productivity
If the gap width is reduced, then smaller workpieces can be produced, but the risk of workpieces falling into the gap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the workpiece position, cutting progress, and torch X-position. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the torch's X-position to maintain safe distances from the gap edge, preventing workpiece fall while enabling reduced gap widths for producing smaller workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the torch at calculated safe distances from the gap edge before cutting begins and throughout the process. This preventive positioning strategy counteracts the potential harmful effect of workpieces falling into the gap before it can occur, allowing reduced gap widths to be used safely.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This adjustment allows for the production of smaller workpieces while maintaining the same gap width, or reducing the gap width, preventing workpieces from falling into the gap and enabling more efficient cutting with the same torch power.
Implementation Method 1
a torch which produces a cutting beam, e.g. a plasma cutting beam
Implementation Method 2
a laser cutting beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A 3D-cutter and a method for controlling a 3D-cutter are disclosed. The 3D-cutter comprises a tiltable torch which is able to produce a cutting beam and a conveyor having a conveyor support surface with gap extending in Y-direction. The tiltable torch is moveable in both X-direction and Y-direction as well as Z-direction. Conventionally, the X-position of the entrance point or exit point of the beam in the sheet blank is kept constant relative to the gap, namely centrally between the upstream and the downstream gap edges and the sheet blank is moved back and forth in X-direction by the conveyor to form 3-dimensionally shaped bevel cuts. According to the invention, the X-position of the entrance point or exit point of the beam in the sheet blank may be varied relative to the gap, in particular relative to a downstream gap edge bounding the gap. Thus, smaller workpieces may be produced.