Guide Beam Patterning for Precise Laser Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining apparatuses lack precision in adjusting the position of workpieces with complex shapes, especially when the printing region is isolated from external features, leading to inaccuracies in machining desired positions.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining apparatus that includes a laser beam emission device, a guide beam emission device, a scanner, and a processor with memory, which acquires workpiece contour information, extracts feature points, generates a guide pattern, and draws it with a guide beam to assist in precise positional adjustments of the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional guide beam is used to project simplified printing content for positional adjustment, then the apparatus can provide visual guidance for workpiece positioning, but the positioning precision is insufficient especially for complex shapes with isolated printing regions
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pattern is segmented into multiple feature points distributed across the workpiece contour, including corner portions and intermediate portions. This segmentation allows the guide pattern to provide multiple reference markers that improve positioning precision even when the printing region is isolated from external features.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pattern extends beyond the simplified printing content by adding feature points at corner portions and intermediate portions of the workpiece contour. This dimensional expansion from minimal printing markers to comprehensive contour-based feature points enhances positioning accuracy without compromising visual guidance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printing content changes, then the projected image position changes accordingly, but the user must repeatedly adjust the workpiece position losing time
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pattern is pre-calculated and projected based on the specific printing content to be applied. By anticipating the printing content and preparing the corresponding guide pattern in advance, the system eliminates the need for repeated manual adjustments when printing content changes, thus saving time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pattern provides visual feedback that corresponds exactly to the printing content location. When printing content changes, the guide pattern is updated to reflect the new positions, giving immediate visual feedback to the user about where to position the workpiece, thereby eliminating repeated trial-and-adjustment cycles.
3Manufacturing precision
If the printing region is isolated from external features on complex shaped workpieces, then visual reference for positioning becomes difficult, but conventional guide beams cannot provide sufficient precision
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pattern serves multiple functions: it provides visual guidance for positioning, marks corner portions, indicates intermediate portions of the contour, and corresponds to the printing content location. This multi-functionality ensures that even isolated printing regions have adequate visual references for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pattern acts as an intermediary between the printing content and the workpiece contour features. By projecting feature points at corner and intermediate portions of the contour, the guide pattern creates visual reference markers that mediate the positioning process, making isolated printing regions easily locatable and alignable.
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 apparatus enables precise alignment of workpieces by using a guide pattern generated from feature points on the workpiece contour, improving the accuracy of machining on complex shapes and small, isolated regions.
Implementation Method 1
a guide beam emission device configured to emit a visible laser beam as a guide beam
Implementation Method 2
a galvano scanner that redirects the visible laser beam to irradiate the visible laser beam onto a printing target
Data Source
AI summary
A laser machining apparatus includes: a laser beam emission device; a guide beam emission device; a scanner; a processor; and a memory. The memory stores a set of computer-readable instructions therein. The set of computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, causes the laser machining apparatus to perform: acquiring workpiece contour information specifying a contour of the workpiece; extracting a plurality of feature points from the workpiece contour information, each of the plurality of feature points being on the contour of the workpiece; generating a guide pattern indicating a setup position of the workpiece according to the plurality of feature points; and drawing the guide pattern with the guide beam by controlling the guide beam emission device and the scanner.