Laser Cutting Feedback Control for Transmitted Beam Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser cutting methods pose a risk of damaging machining devices due to the high energy portion of the laser beam that passes through the workpiece and is not absorbed, potentially causing local heating or device failure.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves irradiating the top side of a workpiece with a laser beam, cutting through the workpiece from the top to the underside, and limiting the power of the part of the laser beam that has passed through to a predetermined level, using imaging sensors to monitor and control the cutting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-power laser beam is used for cutting, then cutting speed and productivity are improved, but the risk of damaging machining devices increases due to excessive energy passing through the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using imaging sensors to monitor the cutting front and kerf geometry in real-time. The control unit processes this information to dynamically adjust laser power, ensuring that the transmitted beam power remains below the threshold that could damage the machining device while maintaining high cutting speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the laser power parameter based on real-time monitoring of cutting conditions. By adjusting the laser power according to the workpiece material properties, thickness, and cutting front geometry, the system maintains optimal cutting speed while preventing excessive energy transmission that could damage the machining device
2Productivity
If laser power is increased to improve cutting efficiency, then manufacturing precision may be compromised due to uncontrolled energy transmission and potential device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging sensors continuously monitor the cutting front position and kerf geometry, providing feedback to the control unit. This enables real-time adjustments to laser power to maintain precise cutting quality while operating at high efficiency, preventing both under-cutting and over-cutting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static laser power settings to dynamic power adjustment based on real-time cutting conditions. The laser power is continuously adapted according to the workpiece material properties, thickness variations, and cutting front geometry, maintaining optimal cutting precision throughout the process
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
Effectively reduces the risk of damaging machining devices by controlling the power of the laser beam that passes through the workpiece, preventing excessive energy from causing damage during the cutting process.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a top side of the workpiece with a laser beam, and cutting through the workpiece with the laser beam with a cut from the top side of the workpiece to an underside of the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
The machining device (10) has an image sensor (38) for image recording and a controller (40) for controlling the method and for determining a characteristic value
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring a process of cutting a workpiece with a laser beam includes irradiating a top side of the workpiece with a laser beam, and cutting through the workpiece with the laser beam with a cut from the top side of the workpiece to an underside of the workpiece, the underside of the workpiece being opposite the top side of the workpiece in a beam direction of the laser beam, thereby forming a cutting front and a kerf. The method further includes limiting a power of a part of the laser beam that has passed through the workpiece to a predetermined level. The part of the laser beam having passed through exits from the workpiece on the underside of the workpiece when cutting through the workpiece.