Fluid-Jet Guided Laser Turning for Hard and Brittle Workpieces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turning methods face challenges with hard, brittle, and heat-sensitive materials, struggle with high aspect ratio workpieces, and often result in unsatisfactory surface roughness, limiting integration with other machining processes and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a fluid-jet guided laser beam that allows for precise machining of various materials, including hard and brittle ones, by rotating the workpiece and positioning the laser beam at different orientations, enabling high precision and surface quality improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cutting tools are used for turning, then the machining process is simple and straightforward, but the tools cannot effectively machine hard, brittle, or heat-sensitive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical cutting tool with a laser beam as the machining tool. The laser beam interacts with the workpiece through optical and thermal fields rather than mechanical contact, enabling machining of hard, brittle, and heat-sensitive materials without the limitations of mechanical tool-material interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental machining parameter from mechanical force to laser energy. By controlling laser parameters such as power, pulse duration, and scanning speed, the system can adapt to different material types including hard, brittle, and heat-sensitive materials, achieving versatility across material classes
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional lasers are used for turning, then the equipment is relatively simple, but the surface roughness of the machined surface is unsatisfactory and requires further processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the machining process into multiple stages: roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing. Each stage uses optimized laser parameters to achieve the desired surface quality. The finishing stage with controlled laser parameters produces smooth surfaces directly, eliminating or reducing the need for post-processing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pulsed laser operation with specific pulse durations and repetition rates. The periodic action of pulsed laser delivers energy in controlled cycles, allowing material removal while minimizing heat accumulation and surface damage, thereby achieving better surface roughness
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional turning methods are used, then the setup is straightforward, but the process cannot be easily integrated with other machining processes like drilling, milling, or engraving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a laser beam that can perform multiple machining functions including turning, drilling, milling, and engraving. By programming the laser scanner and controlling beam parameters, the same laser system can execute different machining operations on the workpiece, enabling easy integration of multiple processes in a single setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser scanner as an intermediary device that directs and positions the laser beam. This scanner acts as a mediator between the laser source and the workpiece, enabling flexible positioning and multiple machining operations without requiring physical reconfiguration of the system
4Productivity
If conventional lasers are used for turning larger workpieces, then the equipment cost is lower, but the machining efficiency and precision decrease significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from contact-based mechanical turning to non-contact laser machining. This dimensional change allows the laser beam to reach and machine large workpieces without physical contact, eliminating limitations related to tool access and workpiece size, thereby maintaining high efficiency and precision for large-scale machining
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
Enables efficient machining of diverse materials with improved precision, surface quality, and reduced tool consumption, facilitating integration with other processes and handling larger workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
providing a laser beam that is guided in a fluid jet by internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to turning a workpiece with a laser beam coupled into a fluid jet, i.e., a fluid-jet guided laser beam. The disclosure respectively provides a method and an apparatus for machining a workpiece, wherein the machining comprises turning the workpiece. The method is carried out by the apparatus, which is configured to provide the fluid-jet guided laser beam. The method comprises turning the workpiece, wherein turning the workpiece comprises: rotating the workpiece around an axis of rotation during the machining; and providing the fluid-jet guided laser beam to a machined surface of the workpiece.