Laser Cleaning Press Tool Deposits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressing tools used in the production of wood-based panels and coated wood-based panels face issues with residue accumulation, which leads to uneven heating, incomplete hardening, and reduced surface quality, requiring frequent and labor-intensive cleaning methods that also reduce tool lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The use of a laser system to target and evaporate deposits on the pressing tools, minimizing wear and allowing for continuous operation without the need for tool removal, using pulsed laser beams that absorb primarily by the deposits and are reflected by the tool surface to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used to remove deposits from pressing tools, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but labor intensity increases and tool lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated laser cleaning system. The laser beam removes deposits through photothermal and photomechanical effects without requiring physical contact or manual intervention, thereby eliminating labor intensity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness and extending tool lifespan through contactless operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If frequent cleaning of pressing tools is performed to maintain surface quality, then surface smoothness is improved, but production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser cleaning system enables continuous or near-continuous operation by rapidly removing deposits during or between pressing cycles without requiring tool removal or extended downtime. The automated system maintains surface quality continuously, eliminating production interruptions associated with traditional cleaning methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing tool surface is automatically cleaned by the laser system without requiring removal from the press or intervention by operators. The system performs self-maintenance by targeting and removing deposits directly on the tool surface, maintaining manufacturing precision without sacrificing productivity.
3Reliability
If water jet cleaning is used to remove deposits, then cleaning capability is improved, but complexity of water treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces water jet cleaning systems with a laser-based cleaning system. This substitution eliminates the need for water delivery infrastructure, pressure systems, and complex water treatment facilities. The laser method achieves equivalent or superior cleaning capability through photothermal vaporization and photomechanical shock wave effects without requiring any fluid handling or treatment infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If pressing tools are removed for cleaning, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam acts as an intermediary cleaning agent that can access and remove deposits from complex tool geometries without requiring physical access or tool removal. The laser energy penetrates and targets deposits on irregular surfaces, profiled areas, and tight radii that would be difficult to reach with manual or mechanical cleaning methods, maintaining both accessibility and operational efficiency.
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 maintains surface smoothness and gloss quality over time, extends tool lifespan, and allows for automated operation by removing deposits during continuous production without the need for manual cleaning or complex water treatment.
Implementation Method 1
the working surface in the pressing device is irradiated with the laser beam generated by the laser system
Implementation Method 2
The use of a laser system to target and evaporate deposits on the pressing tools
Implementation Method 3
using pulsed laser beams that absorb primarily by the deposits and are reflected by the tool surface to prevent damage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for removing deposits on a work surface of a press tool (2,3,21,22), in particular for producing a work piece in the form of a wood material plate, a coated wood material plate (9,23,26) and/or a laminate. In order to reliably and cost-effectively remove deposits in the form of residue on a press tool, it is provided that the work surface is irradiated by a laser beam (18) produced by a laser system (16,17,27) and that deposits adhering to the work surface are removed by the laser beam (18).