Eccentric Laser Beam Orientation for Planar Cut Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser cutting methods face significant reductions in advance rate and quality when cutting at oblique angles, resulting in varied surface qualities and burr formation, making it difficult to achieve planar cut edges for welding applications.
Innovation Solution
The laser cutting beam is oriented eccentrically relative to the nozzle axis of the cutting gas nozzle by rotating a redirecting mirror, allowing the beam to strike the workpiece at a displaced position within the high-pressure region of the supersonic cutting gas flow, which is adjusted based on the oblique cutting angle to maintain optimal cutting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser cutting beam is oriented perpendicularly relative to the workpiece surface, then the cutting speed is high, but the cut edges become warped and non-planar making welding difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the laser cutting beam at an oblique angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the workpiece surface rather than perpendicularly. This asymmetric orientation enables the formation of planar cut edges that are suitable for welding, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high cutting speed and achieving planar cut edges.
2Manufacturing precision
If the laser cutting beam is oriented obliquely relative to the workpiece surface, then the cut edges become planar for welding, but the cutting speed reduces significantly by up to 70%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the oblique cutting angle variable during the cutting operation. The cutting angle is dynamically adjusted according to the specific cutting conditions and position, allowing the system to optimize both cut edge planarity and cutting speed rather than maintaining a fixed oblique angle throughout the operation.
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 approach significantly increases the static pressure level in the cutting gap by up to 350%, improving melt discharge and preventing overheating, thereby achieving high-quality cut edges and advance rates comparable to conventional perpendicular cutting.
Implementation Method 1
a focused laser cutting beam
Implementation Method 2
rotating a redirecting mirror arranged in the beam path of the laser cutting beam
Implementation Method 3
the center of the cutting gas flow which is discharged from the nozzle
Implementation Method 4
position the dynamic pressure point or the high-pressure region of the supersonic cutting gas flow directly over the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A method for orientating a focused laser cutting beam eccentrically relative to the nozzle axis of a cutting gas nozzle and a laser processing machine for performing the same, the method including: arranging a redirecting mirror in a beam path of the laser cutting beam upstream of the cutting gas nozzle, the mirror being rotated about a direction which is coaxial with the nozzle axis and/or about a direction which is perpendicular relative to the nozzle axis and which corresponds to the beam incidence direction of the laser beam on the redirecting mirror. The cutting gas nozzle and the redirecting mirror are arranged in a second structural unit of a laser processing head, for rotation about the direction corresponding to the beam incidence direction relative to a first structural unit.