Forge Die Regeneration Using 3D-Scanned Welding Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional regeneration systems for forge dies are manual, leading to non-homogeneous welding layers, material waste, increased costs, and defects due to lack of precision and repeatability.

Innovation Solution

A regeneration system utilizing a 3D scanning device to create a precise model of the die, coupled with an automated welding apparatus and processor to define and execute zigzag welding pathways, ensuring homogeneous material deposition only where needed, reducing manual intervention and mechanical working costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual scarfing and welding processes are used, then the regeneration process is simple to implement, but the welding layer is non-homogeneous and imprecise leading to material waste and defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding layer precisionVSAvoidregeneration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (scarfing and welding) with automated systems. A 3D scanner captures the die geometry, software automatically generates welding pathways, and an automated welding apparatus executes the deposition. This substitution eliminates manual variability and achieves homogeneous, precise welding layers while reducing material waste and defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the die to be regenerated through an automated self-contained process. The 3D scanner detects the current die shape, the processing unit automatically plans the welding pathways based on the detected geometry, and the welding apparatus executes the regeneration without continuous manual intervention. This self-service approach ensures consistent precision while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of substance

If excessive welding material is deposited to cover the entire profile area, then complete coverage is achieved, but material waste increases and mechanical working costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding material wasteVSAvoidwelding layer precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies welding material only where needed based on the detected die geometry and predefined shape comparison. The processing unit identifies specific zones requiring regeneration and generates welding pathways targeted to those areas. This localized approach ensures complete coverage of deficient areas while minimizing material waste and reducing subsequent mechanical working requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and planning before welding. The 3D scanner captures the current die shape, and the processing unit compares it with the predefined shape to identify exactly where material needs to be deposited. This preliminary action enables precise material placement, avoiding both over-deposition and under-deposition, thereby reducing material waste while ensuring complete coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual operations are used for scarfing and welding, then the process is easier to operate, but the final product precision is dictated by professional skill rather than predefined steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess repeatabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operations with automated systems that execute predefined processes. The 3D scanner automatically captures geometry, the processing unit generates welding pathways based on algorithmic comparison with the predefined shape, and the welding apparatus executes the process automatically. This substitution ensures consistent repeatability regardless of operator skill while maintaining ease of operation through automated execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through the 3D scanning process that detects the actual die geometry before welding. This detected information feeds into the processing unit, which adjusts the welding pathways to match the actual conditions. This closed-loop feedback ensures high repeatability and reliability by adapting to variations in the starting condition while following predefined process logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Manufacturing precision

If a homogeneous and precise welding layer is achieved through automated means, then material waste is reduced and quality improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding layer homogeneityVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the regeneration process into distinct automated modules: 3D scanning for geometry detection, software processing for pathway generation, and automated welding for material deposition. Each module performs a specific function with high precision. This segmentation achieves homogeneous welding layers while managing system complexity through modular design, where each component can be independently optimized and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system achieves a homogeneous and precise welding layer, reducing material waste and costs, enhancing the quality and repeatability of the regeneration process while improving safety through automation.

Implementation Method 1

a detecting device of a shape of a die to be regenerated

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D scanning: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

a welding apparatus suitable for depositing welding material in the die

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2739423B1Regeneration system for a forge die
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 D G WELD
  • EP2739423B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2739423B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2739423B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A regenerating system for a forge die (1) according to the invention comprises a detecting device (10) of a shape (2) of a die (1) to be regenerated, a welding apparatus (30) configured such as to deposit welding material in the die (1), and a processor (20) configured such as to define welding pathways (11) in order to activate the welding device (30), wherein the welding pathways (11) are defined according to the shape (2) detected and a predefined shape of the die (1).