Laser Contour Machining with Synchronized Workpiece Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining methods are inefficient for producing workpieces with predetermined outer contours extending over entire circumferences, as they require reclamping and are time-consuming due to material removal in layers.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for laser machining that utilizes three simultaneous movements: workpiece rotation, controlled laser beam orientation along a predetermined path, and feed movement, allowing for continuous material removal along the circumference without reclamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If material is removed in layers by laser machining, then material removal is achieved, but machining time increases significantly and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is rotated during laser machining to enable continuous circumferential material removal. This dynamic approach transforms the static layer-by-layer removal process into a continuous circumferential machining process, significantly reducing machining time while maintaining material removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational movement around the workpiece circumference, adding a new dimensional aspect to the machining process. Instead of removing material only in linear layers, the laser beam now traverses the circumferential dimension through workpiece rotation, enabling complete circumferential contour production in a single clamping operation.
2Reliability
If the workpiece is clamped in a fixing device, then positioning stability is achieved, but accessing entire circumferential surfaces becomes difficult without reclamping
Solution Approach 1:
Rotating the workpiece during machining allows the laser beam to access different circumferential positions while the workpiece remains clamped. This dynamic positioning enables complete circumferential surface machining without requiring reclamping operations, maintaining both positioning stability and surface accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the clamped workpiece and the laser beam, enabling the laser to reach different circumferential positions indirectly through rotational movement rather than direct linear access, thus maintaining clamping stability while achieving full surface coverage.
3Productivity
If the laser beam is moved rapidly over the workpiece surface, then productivity increases, but precision in material removal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled rotation of the workpiece provides a stable, predictable movement pattern that maintains laser beam focus and energy concentration on the workpiece surface. This dynamic control enables rapid machining while preserving contour accuracy through precise rotational positioning and synchronized laser beam tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control to synchronize the laser beam movement with workpiece rotation, ensuring the laser remains precisely positioned relative to the rotating surface. This feedback mechanism maintains manufacturing precision while enabling rapid circumferential machining through coordinated motion control.
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 precise and rapid production of workpieces with complex outer contours extending over entire circumferences, improving efficiency and reducing production time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
Laser radiation with high power density causes a heating of a material at a surface of the workpiece. The surface of the workpiece locally reaches a temperature that is high enough for the material of the workpiece to evaporate or sublimate.
Implementation Method 2
The high-power density of the laser generate a plasma from electrons and ions of the removed material. The material removal is also designated as laser ablation or laser evaporation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for laser machining a workpiece, wherein a predetermined outer workpiece shape with a contour is produced on the workpiece by removing material using a laser beam from a laser machining device that includes a workpiece fixing device, which receives and fixes the workpiece, a movement device, which moves the workpiece fixing device relative to a device base, and a laser, which generates a laser beam directed along a beam axis, and a laser deflection device that deflects the laser beam in a controlled manner. A movement of the workpiece, a guidance of the laser beam, and an advancing movement of the workpiece and/or the laser beam are performed out in a synchronized manner when performing the method.