Finned Feed Nozzle Cooling for Stable Laser Metal Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser metal deposition systems, the feed nozzle tends to deform and narrow due to heat during long depositions, potentially blocking the metal wire and disrupting the process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a feed nozzle with external fins for passive cooling, allowing thermal exchange and maintaining geometrical stability, combined with a conical shape to minimize laser beam obstruction and optimal conduit diameter for wire flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a focused laser beam is used to melt metal wire for deposition, then the deposition efficiency and material melting capability are improved, but the feed nozzle undergoes thermal deformation and elongation which narrows the internal conduit and blocks wire flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a radial dimension to heat dissipation by incorporating external fins that extend perpendicular to the nozzle axis. This transforms one-dimensional heat conduction along the nozzle into three-dimensional heat dissipation through the fins, significantly increasing the heat exchange surface area with the surrounding environment and preventing thermal deformation that would block wire flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling medium (air or gas) acts as an intermediary between the heated nozzle and the environment. The cooling medium flows through or around the fins, absorbing heat from the nozzle structure and carrying it away, thereby maintaining the nozzle's dimensional stability and preventing conduit narrowing that would obstruct wire flow.
2Manufacturing precision
If the feed nozzle conduit is made narrow to guide the wire accurately, then the wire positioning precision is improved, but the wire flow becomes more sensitive to thermal deformation and blocking
Solution Approach 1:
By adding external fins that extend in the radial direction, the invention creates additional heat dissipation pathways without altering the internal conduit dimensions. This maintains the narrow conduit necessary for precise wire guidance while compensating for thermal effects through enhanced external heat transfer, preventing the conduit from narrowing due to thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the nozzle system by introducing fins that increase the heat transfer coefficient and surface area. This allows the nozzle to operate at higher temperatures without undergoing detrimental dimensional changes, maintaining the conduit geometry required for accurate wire positioning even during prolonged deposition operations.
3Loss of energy
If the feed nozzle is made of copper for good thermal conductivity, then the heat dissipation capability is improved, but the nozzle still undergoes thermal expansion and deformation during long depositions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds radial extension through external fins, transforming the heat dissipation from a one-dimensional process through the nozzle wall into a three-dimensional process involving fin surfaces. This dramatically increases the effective heat transfer area, allowing the copper nozzle to dissipate heat more efficiently and maintain its dimensional stability despite the inherent thermal expansion properties of copper.
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
Ensures uninterrupted metal deposition by preventing nozzle deformation and maintaining wire flow, even during extended processes, through efficient heat dissipation and precise wire guidance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of external fins adapted to allow a heat dissipation by thermal exchange with the immediate surrounding of the feed nozzle
Implementation Method 2
external fins adapted to allow a heat dissipation by thermal exchange with the immediate surrounding of the feed nozzle
Implementation Method 3
a laser head adapted to generate the melting of the metal at the level of the outlet orifice of the feed nozzle
Implementation Method 4
a focused laser beam that produces a sufficiently high energy at its focal point to melt the metal
Implementation Method 5
the feed nozzle is conical in shape to minimally impede the flow of the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser metal deposition system, which comprises a feed nozzle (301), the tubular wall (306) of which has external fins (305) designed to allow heat dissipation by heat exchange with the immediate surroundings of the feed nozzle (301).