Laser Processing Camera Arrangement for Plasma Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser processing systems face challenges in achieving precise and efficient laser processing due to limited accuracy in guiding the laser beam and interference from plasma plumes and melt expulsions, which hinder high-quality welds and require time-consuming path generation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a laser source, a laser scanning system, a camera inclined and spaced from the center beam axis, and a processing unit that uses a measurement beam to generate path data for controlling the working beam, allowing for accurate and fast laser processing while monitoring the process without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the camera is arranged on the center beam axis for monitoring laser processing, then the monitoring system is simple and aligned with the laser path, but the view of the workpiece is shielded by plasma plumes and melt expulsions
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned asymmetrically relative to the laser beam path, specifically at an inclined angle to the center beam axis. This asymmetric arrangement allows the camera to view the workpiece from a vantage point that is not directly in the path of plasma plumes and melt expulsions, thereby eliminating shielding while maintaining monitoring capability
2Device complexity
If the naked eye is used for visual assessment of guiding beam positioning, then no additional equipment is needed, but the accuracy is limited to around 0.25 mm and path generation is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The manual visual assessment method is replaced with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses a measurement beam and camera to detect workpiece features and automatically determine positioning, substituting the mechanical/visual process with an optical-electronic system that achieves micrometer-level precision and eliminates time-consuming manual operations
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
Enables fast, accurate, and efficient laser processing with improved monitoring capabilities, reducing the need for time-consuming path generation and external information about the workpiece, and allowing for high-quality results in laser welding, cutting, marking, and engraving.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source configured for generating a working beam and configured for generating a measurement beam
Implementation Method 2
a laser scanning system both defining a center beam axis and configured for scanning the measurement beam over the work piece and configured for scanning the working beam over the work piece
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system (10) for laser processing is provided. The system (10) comprises a laser source (12), a laser scanning system (16), a camera (18), a robot (14), a processing unit (20) and a control unit (22). The laser scanning system (16) defines a center beam axis and is configured for scanning a working beam and a measurement beam (30). The camera (18) is inclined to and spaced from the center beam axis and has a fixed relation to the laser scanning system (16). The robot (14) is configured for moving the laser scanning system (16). The processing unit (20) is configured for determining a relation between a setting of the system (10) and a position of a focus of the working beam or of a projection of the working beam and is configured for generating path data based on said determined relation and based on predefined criteria. The control unit (22) is configured for controlling the setting of the system (10) for scanning the working beam over a workpiece (38) according to the path data for processing the material of the workpiece (38).