Laser Marking Head Beam Offset for Clean Deep Sheet Metal Scribing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing machines struggle to maintain a deeply engraved marking-off line on sheet metal surfaces while preventing molten metal from adhering to the marked line, especially when changing the traveling direction of the laser beam, which complicates the processing and results in poor quality markings.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing machine with a beam movement mechanism that adjusts the center of the laser beam by a predetermined distance to incline the direction of molten metal blow-off opposite to the marking line, combined with a processing head movement mechanism to align the irradiation position according to a processing program, ensuring the molten metal does not adhere to the marked line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the output energy of the laser beam is increased to create a deeply engraved marking-off line, then the marking depth is improved, but molten metal adheres to the marking-off line causing poor quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric positioning by shifting the laser beam center relative to the nozzle opening center. The beam movement mechanism displaces the laser beam center by a predetermined distance from the nozzle opening center in the direction opposite to the marking-off line, creating an asymmetric configuration that directs molten metal away from the marking area while maintaining deep engraving quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the problem solution by moving the laser beam center in the lateral direction (perpendicular to the marking path) rather than adjusting only the marking parameters. This dimensional shift allows the molten metal ejection direction to be controlled independently from the marking line position, resolving the adhesion issue while maintaining marking depth
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the center of the nozzle is shifted from the center of the laser beam to control molten metal direction, then molten metal blow-off direction is improved, but the processing becomes complicated when changing traveling direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static nozzle-centering approach into a dynamic system where the laser beam center is continuously adjusted during processing. The beam movement mechanism dynamically shifts the beam center relative to the nozzle opening based on real-time processing requirements, allowing the system to adapt to changing traveling directions without manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically shifting the nozzle center with an optical/electromechanical approach using a beam movement mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical repositioning of the entire nozzle assembly while achieving the same effect of controlling molten metal direction through precise beam positioning
3Ease of operation
If the laser beam center is fixed at the nozzle opening center, then the processing is simple, but the marking quality deteriorates due to molten metal adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the laser beam center at a shifted location relative to the nozzle opening center before marking begins. The beam movement mechanism establishes this offset configuration in advance, ensuring that molten metal is directed away from the marking path from the start of processing, thereby maintaining both simplicity and high marking quality throughout the operation
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
This solution allows for simple and high-quality marking of deeply engraved lines on sheet metal surfaces without molten metal adhering, enabling continuous processing without interruptions, even when changing the laser beam's direction, thus improving the overall marking quality.
Implementation Method 1
the laser processing machine irradiates a laser beam with a low energy output to such a degree that metal on the surface of the sheet metal vaporizes
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the surface of the sheet metal with a laser beam using a laser processing machine and engraving the sheet metal with the laser beam
Implementation Method 3
spraying an assist gas onto the sheet metal
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing machine includes a processing head that emits a laser beam from an opening; a focusing lens that focuses the laser beam on a surface of sheet metal; a carriage that moves a position of the processing head; a galvano scanner unit that moves the laser beam emitted from the opening; an assist gas supply device and an NC device. The NC device controls the galvano scanner unit such that the center of the laser beam that is emitted from the opening moves by a predetermined movement distance, from the center of the opening to the front of the traveling route of an irradiation position for the laser beam, and performs control for a mark-off line to be marked on the sheet metal by controlling the carriage in such a way as to move the irradiation position for the laser beam along the traveling route.