Laser Beam Alignment for Clean-Edge Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining methods result in poor surface quality due to material deposition and shifting during machining, particularly at edges, leading to inaccuracies and unsatisfactory finishes.
Innovation Solution
Aligning the laser beam at an angle between 1° and 10° relative to the tangent of the workpiece surface to control the direction of vaporized material, preventing deposition and ensuring precise material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser beam is aligned perpendicular to the workpiece surface, then the material removal is efficient and straightforward, but the vaporized material deposits on the workpiece surface causing poor surface quality
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is aligned at an asymmetric angle (1° to 10°) relative to the normal of the workpiece surface, rather than perpendicular. This asymmetric alignment causes the vaporized material to be ejected away from the workpiece surface at an angle, preventing deposition and resolidification on the surface, thereby achieving both efficient material removal and high surface quality
2Length of moving object
If the laser beam is moved back and forth multiple times to create deep furrows, then the cutting depth increases, but the edge position shifts and surface quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By aligning the laser beam at an angle of 1° to 10° relative to the surface normal, the vaporized material is consistently ejected in a directional pattern away from the workpiece. This asymmetric ejection pattern maintains stable edge position during multiple passes, preventing the edge shifting that occurs with perpendicular alignment
3Productivity
If the laser beam is moved at high speed across the workpiece surface using a deflector, then the machining coverage increases, but the surface quality at edges deteriorates due to material deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The angled alignment (1° to 10°) of the laser beam creates an asymmetric material ejection pattern that directs vaporized material away from the workpiece surface. This prevents material deposition and resolidification on the surface, maintaining high edge surface quality even during high-speed machining with deflectors
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
Achieves high-quality workpiece surfaces with precise positioning and geometry, minimizing material deposition and maintaining surface integrity during machining.
Implementation Method 1
The high power density laser beam causes the material on the surface of the workpiece to heat up. The surface of the workpiece reaches such a high temperature locally that the material of the workpiece evaporates or sublimates.
Implementation Method 2
The surface of the workpiece reaches such a high temperature locally that the material of the workpiece evaporates or sublimates.
Implementation Method 3
At high laser power densities, a plasma of electrons and ions is created from the ablated material.
Implementation Method 4
The removal of material is also known as laser ablation or laser vaporization.
Implementation Method 5
The removal of material is also known as laser ablation or laser vaporization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for laser machining a workpiece, the method including producing a predetermined workpiece surface on the workpiece by removing material from the workpiece through a laser beam of a laser of a laser machining device, wherein the laser machining device is configured to align the workpiece received in the workpiece fixing device relative to the laser beam and to move the laser beam relative to the workpiece; aligning the workpiece and the laser beam of the laser relative to one another during the machining so that the beam axis of the laser beam encloses an angle α between 1° and 10° with a tangent to the predetermined workpiece surface in a respective point where the beam axis of the laser beam intersects the predetermined workpiece surface.