Lamination Shaping Apparatus with Integrated Cutting Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lamination shaping apparatuses face challenges in reducing machining errors during subsequent cutting while avoiding upsizing and cost increases, and they struggle with simultaneous laser machining and cutting, leading to increased time and dimension errors in secondary machining.
Innovation Solution
A lamination shaping apparatus with a machining head that includes a tool bit capable of shaping reference surfaces perpendicular and parallel to the shaping table, allowing for precise positioning and reducing the need for large drivers, enabling downsizing and minimizing cutting allowances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a combined machine includes a driver for operating a cutting tool, then cutting capability is improved, but the entire machine or chamber tends to be upsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cutting function from a separate dedicated machine and integrates only the essential cutting capability into the lamination shaping apparatus. By removing unnecessary components and keeping only the critical cutting elements, the apparatus achieves cutting capability without requiring the full size of a conventional combined machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining head is designed to perform multiple functions - both lamination shaping and cutting operations. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to handle both forming and finishing operations without requiring separate dedicated machines, thereby avoiding the size increase associated with full combined machines while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of manufacture
If a combined machine performs dry cutting without cutting oil, then lubrication effects are lost, but high runout accuracy must be maintained to suppress tool runout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical cutting system with high runout requirements with a cutting tool that operates with minimal runout through alternative mechanical design. The cutting tool is designed to accommodate dry cutting conditions while maintaining sufficient precision through modified mechanical characteristics rather than relying on high runout accuracy.
3Volume of stationary object
If a lamination shaping apparatus does not have a cutting mechanism, then the apparatus remains small, but the shaped product must be fed to another machine for secondary machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lamination shaping function with a simplified cutting mechanism in a single integrated apparatus. This combination allows the shaped product to undergo both forming and finishing operations in one machine, eliminating the need for secondary machining on separate equipment and the associated dimensional accuracy problems.
4Productivity
If a combined machine performs laser machining and cutting simultaneously, then production line efficiency is improved, but the machine complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous operations into sequential or semi-independent functions. The lamination shaping and cutting operations are designed to be performed in a coordinated manner rather than fully simultaneous, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple high-speed operations while still improving overall productivity compared to completely separate processes.
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 achieves precise finishing of final products with reduced machining time and errors, eliminating the need for excessive cutting allowances and simplifying secondary machining by providing stable reference surfaces for accurate positioning.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a predetermined area of the material powder layer with laser light to sinter the material powder in the predetermined area
Implementation Method 2
irradiating a predetermined area of the material powder layer with laser light to sinter the material powder in the predetermined area
Data Source
AI summary
A lamination shaping apparatus that is able to reduce machining errors in subsequent cutting while suppressing upsizing and cost increase compared to a conventional lamination shaping apparatus. A lamination shaping apparatus includes a pair of first horizontal movement mechanisms, a gantry disposed on the pair of first horizontal movement mechanisms, a second horizontal movement mechanism mounted on the gantry, and a machining head disposed on the second horizontal movement mechanism. A shaping table is disposed between the pair of first horizontal movement mechanisms. The second horizontal movement mechanism is disposed above the shaping table. The machining head includes a tool bit.