CAD Drawing Management for Multi-Laser Processing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser scanner control systems face limitations in processing speed and large-area processing due to single scanner constraints, require separate management of drawings for each equipment, incur high costs for commercial CAD libraries, and impose format restrictions, leading to reduced precision and inefficient file management.
Innovation Solution
A central management system using CAD with an internal program to transmit drawing information to a database, allowing modification and management directly on CAD, eliminating the need for commercial libraries, and enabling control across multiple laser systems via layer-based control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single scanner is used for laser processing, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the processing speed and large-area processing capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple scanners with a single stage by implementing a unified control system that manages multiple scanner devices. This allows simultaneous or coordinated operation of multiple scanners to process large areas, thereby increasing productivity without requiring multiple independent stages or complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be universal, capable of managing multiple scanner types and configurations through a single interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different scanner arrangements while maintaining centralized control, thus improving processing speed without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the step & scanning method is used to process large areas, then the working area limitation is overcome, but the processing speed decreases and precision is reduced due to seams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning operation where the stage moves continuously while multiple scanners operate in coordination. This eliminates the stop-and-go nature of step & scanning methods, maintaining continuous laser processing action. The seamless operation between multiple scanners and continuous stage movement prevents seam formation, thereby maintaining high precision across large processing areas.
3Ease of operation
If commercial CAD libraries are used for drawing management, then drawing control functionality is available, but operational costs increase and format restrictions are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service drawing management by providing built-in CAD integration capabilities directly within the control software. Instead of requiring external commercial CAD libraries, the system includes its own drawing import, display, and modification functions that work with standard CAD formats. This eliminates the need to purchase and maintain separate CAD software licenses, reducing operational costs while maintaining ease of drawing management.
4Measurement precision
If drawings are divided for control of each part, then detailed control is achieved, but the management complexity increases and modifications become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of drawings into layers and selectable regions that can be independently controlled by different lasers. Each laser can be assigned to specific layers or drawing portions, allowing detailed control of individual components. The system maintains the ability to view and edit the complete drawing while enabling selective processing of segmented portions, thus achieving both precision control and simplified management.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting laser system operation based on central management of drawings using CAD, includes: a drawing control device configured to execute a CAD program, and using Visual Basic Application (VBA) on the CAD program, execute a program to extract drawing information and transmit the drawing information to a drawing information database through a network switch hub; a drawing information database configured to store the extracted drawing information transmitted from the drawing control device; a laser system control device configured to execute a laser control program and read processing history from the drawing information database to perform laser processing control; and a laser device configured to perform processing according to the drawing information using a laser system with the same name as each layer under control of the laser system control device.