Laser Sheet Metal Blank Production for Clean Weld Edges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing sheet metal blanks result in weakened weld connections due to foreign phases forming from the aluminum-silicon protective layer at the cut edges, which are time-consuming and costly to remove, leading to inefficient and defective weld seams.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous movement of the sheet metal strip where the aluminum-silicon protective layer is removed using a first laser, followed by cutting along a predetermined contour with a second laser, allowing simultaneous surface removal and cutting, with automatic correction of movement paths to prevent foreign phases from entering the weld seam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aluminum-silicon protective layer is removed after laser cutting using a separate laser or brush, then the protective layer is removed from the cut edge, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly, and weak spots still occur in the weld seam area
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is removed in advance during the laser cutting process itself, before welding occurs. The laser cutting parameters are optimized to simultaneously perform cutting and protective layer removal, eliminating the need for separate post-processing steps and ensuring the cut edge is clean and ready for welding immediately
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer removal function is merged with the laser cutting operation. A single laser cutting device performs both cutting and protective layer removal by optimizing its parameters, combining what were previously separate operations into one efficient process step
2Reliability
If the protective layer is removed after cutting in predetermined sections, then some protection is provided for welding areas, but the process remains time-consuming and foreign phases still form in the weld
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is removed in advance during the laser cutting process itself, before welding occurs. The laser cutting parameters are optimized to simultaneously perform cutting and protective layer removal, eliminating the need for separate post-processing steps and ensuring the cut edge is clean and ready for welding immediately
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer removal function is merged with the laser cutting operation. A single laser cutting device performs both cutting and protective layer removal by optimizing its parameters, combining what were previously separate operations into one efficient process step
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 method enables the efficient production of sheet metal blanks with reduced defects in weld seams, allowing for strong and reliable connections without unwanted foreign phases, improving the efficiency and quality of the welding process.
Implementation Method 1
concurrent superficial removal of material on an upper side of a sheet metal strip in at least one predetermined surface section by ablation using a first laser
Implementation Method 2
subsequently concurrent cutting of the sheet metal strip along a cutting path corresponding to the contour of the sheet metal blank using at least a second laser
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a sheet metal blank (12) having a predetermined contour, which has the following steps: continuous movement of the sheet metal strip (2) in the conveying direction x, simultaneous surface removal of material on a surface (O) of a sheet metal strip (2) in at least one predetermined surface section (7, 16) by ablation by means of a first laser (6), which is a an integral part of a first removal device, and subsequent simultaneous cutting of the sheet metal strip (2) along a cutting path (11) corresponding to contour of the sheet metal blank (12) by means of at least one second laser (10) which is an integral part of a cutting device provided downstream of the first removal device, wherein the production of the surface section on an upstream sheet metal blank and the simultaneous cutting of a downstream sheet metal blank occurs simultaneously.