Fluid-Jet-Guided Laser Pulsing for Deep Cuts With Low Chipping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cutting or ablating workpieces using a fluid-jet-guided laser beam often result in poor surface quality, high surface roughness, and defects such as chipping, especially when cutting deep or through hard and brittle materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of a complex pulsed laser beam, comprising at least two superimposed pulsations with different powers and frequencies, is coupled into a pressurized fluid jet to improve cutting or ablation quality. Each pulsation is selected based on the specific material properties to achieve a homogeneous cut surface or ablation surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional simple laser beam (continuous or single pulsation) is used for cutting or ablating a workpiece, then the cutting process can be performed, but the surface quality of the cut is poor with high surface roughness and random surface quality changes
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is segmented into multiple superimposed pulsations with different characteristics (e.g., different pulse widths, energies, or frequencies). Each pulsation component contributes differently to the material interaction, with some components responsible for material removal and others for surface smoothing, thereby resolving the contradiction between cutting capability and surface quality without requiring complex additional equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam parameters are changed by superimposing multiple pulsations with varying characteristics (pulse width, energy, frequency). This parameter modulation allows dynamic control of the material interaction process, enabling both effective material removal and surface quality improvement using the same laser system without adding complex external devices
2Length of stationary object
If a conventional simple laser beam is used for cutting deeply into or through a workpiece, then the cutting depth can be achieved, but defects such as material chipping occur and sharp edges are created along the cut
Solution Approach 1:
Before the main cutting pulsation acts on the material, preliminary pulsations with different characteristics are applied to pre-heat, pre-soften, or pre-fracture the material structure. This preliminary action reduces the stress concentration and prevents chipping during the subsequent deep cutting process, enabling defect-free deep cuts
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam applies periodic pulsations with different frequencies and amplitudes during the cutting process. This periodic action with varying characteristics allows controlled material removal at different depths, preventing stress accumulation and material chipping while achieving the desired cutting depth without defects
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional simple laser beam is used for cutting hard and brittle materials or new alloy materials, then the cutting process can be performed, but the surface quality deteriorates and defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam system achieves multi-functionality by superimposing multiple pulsations with different characteristics within a single beam. This universal approach allows the same laser system to effectively process diverse materials (hard and brittle materials, new alloys, etc.) while maintaining high surface quality, eliminating the need for material-specific equipment modifications
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 reduces surface roughness, minimizes defects and chippings, and allows for deeper cuts or thicker workpieces to be processed without compromising surface quality, making it suitable for cutting a wide range of materials including new alloy materials and very brittle materials.
Implementation Method 1
The laser beam is coupled into and guided in the fluid jet onto the workpiece by means of total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
Method for cutting or ablating a particular material of a workpiece with a pulsed laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method 100 and an apparatus 300 for cutting or ablating a particular material of the workpiece with a pulsed laser beam coupled into a fluid jet. The method comprises producing the pulsed laser beam with at least one laser source, providing the pressurized fluid jet onto the workpiece, and coupling the pulsed laser beam into the fluid jet towards the workpiece. The pulsed laser beam comprises at least two superimposed pulsations selected based on the particular material of the workpiece. A first pulsation has a different power and frequency than a second pulsation.