Laser Beam Shaping for One-Sided Cut Edge Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser cutting technologies produce identical cut quality on both sides of a workpiece, with the 'waste side' often having inferior quality, limiting the potential improvement of cut edge quality on the 'good side'.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that break the rotational symmetry of the laser beam's power density distribution perpendicular to the processing direction, allowing for non-rotationally symmetrical intensity distribution, which can be adjusted using a Siemens star or axicon to enhance cut edge quality on the desired side by redistributing power density and gas jet distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotationally symmetrical laser beam is used, then the cut quality is identical on both sides of the workpiece, but the cut edge quality on the 'good side' cannot be improved beyond this uniform quality level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally creating a non-rotationally symmetrical power density distribution in the laser beam. The beam is shaped such that the intensity is higher on one side (the 'good side') and lower on the other side (the 'waste side'), allowing improved cut edge quality on the desired side while accepting reduced quality on the discarded side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different intensity levels to different regions of the cut. The 'good side' receives higher power density for superior cut quality, while the 'waste side' receives lower power density. This localized differentiation optimizes the cut edge quality where it matters most.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional symmetrical laser beams are used, then cutting conditions are simple and consistent, but the potential for optimizing cut edge quality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the power density distribution parameters of the laser beam. Specifically, the beam intensity profile is changed from a symmetrical distribution to an asymmetrical distribution, with the intensity maximum shifted toward the 'good side'. This parameter modification enables improved cut edge quality without fundamentally changing the laser processing system.
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 approach improves the cut edge quality, particularly reducing roughness and burring on the 'good side' while maintaining consistent cutting conditions in all directions, with the ability to switch quality redistribution on and off remotely, and adapts to various materials and processing speeds.
Implementation Method 1
focusing optics for focusing the laser beam onto a workpiece
Implementation Method 2
the focusing optics defining an optical axis
Implementation Method 3
a first adjustment device for the laser beam, which is set up to adjust a power density distribution or intensity distribution of the laser beam perpendicularly to the processing direction in a non-rotationally symmetrical manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for working material by means of a laser beam along a working direction. The device comprises a focusing optical unit for focusing the laser beam onto a workpiece, the focusing optical unit defining an optical axis, and a setting assembly. The setting assembly comprises a setting device for the laser beam, which setting device is designed to asymmetrically set a power density distribution of the laser beam perpendicularly to the working direction, and/or a setting device for a gas jet, which setting device is designed to asymmetrically set a density distribution of the gas jet perpendicularly to the working direction.