Fluid-Jet Guided Laser Cutting for Automated Diamond Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional methods for shaping ultra-hard materials like diamonds into complex facetted gems are time-consuming and require significant human intervention, with high precision and accuracy being difficult to achieve without manual checks and re-planning.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a fluid-jet guided laser beam to cut and shape ultra-hard workpieces automatically, with a predetermined cut-sequence and rotation-sequence, allowing for precise shaping of diamonds into brilliant or other facetted gems without human interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual cutting and polishing techniques are used, then flexibility and adaptability in handling complex shapes are maintained, but the process time increases significantly and human intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical cutting and polishing tools with a laser beam system. The laser beam is guided through a fluid jet to cut and shape diamond workpieces, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operations while achieving high precision and complex geometries automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated monitoring and control where the laser processing system itself performs the shaping operations based on pre-programmed parameters. The fluid jet guides the laser beam automatically, and the system can autonomously complete complex multi-step processing sequences without human intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple intermediate checks and re-planning are performed, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but the overall process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive pre-processing planning where the entire manufacturing sequence, including all cutting paths, polishing parameters, and processing sequences, is programmed before production begins. This preliminary programming eliminates the need for intermediate checks and re-planning during actual manufacturing, maintaining precision while reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring mechanisms that provide real-time feedback on processing quality, allowing the automated system to verify precision requirements are met without requiring manual intermediate inspections. This feedback loop ensures manufacturing precision is maintained throughout the continuous automated process
3Extent of automation
If conventional machine cutting techniques are used, then some automation is achieved, but full automation without human intervention is still not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam system serves multiple functions within a single integrated platform: it performs cutting, shaping, and can be programmed for different geometric configurations. This multi-functional capability enables complete automation of the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines and human operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves full automation by programmatically changing processing parameters (laser power, scanning speed, fluid pressure, focal position) to adapt to different manufacturing stages and geometries. This parametric control allows the same apparatus to automatically handle diverse operations without human intervention
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
The method enables the rapid and precise shaping of diamonds into facetted gems, significantly reducing process times and eliminating the need for intermediate checks and re-planning, while ensuring high surface quality and efficient material removal.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam that is guided in a fluid jet by internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam is used to cut the workpiece multiple times to shape the product
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a workpiece, specifically a rough diamond, into a product, specifically a brilliant. The method is performed by an apparatus providing a laser beam coupled into a pressurized fluid jet. The method comprises executing multiple cuts of the workpiece with the laser beam according to a predetermined cut-sequence to remove workpiece material with each completed cut. The method further comprises executing multiple rotations of the workpiece around the same axis of revolution according to a predetermined rotation-sequence. Thereby, a rotation is executed after a completed cut, and for executing a cut the laser beam is moved along a two-dimensional path.