Laser Cutting Workpieces on Galvanic Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for producing workpieces from material plates are complex and costly due to the need for additional equipment and time-consuming repositioning and fastening steps after cutting, which increases manufacturing time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of metallization to the material plate followed by galvanic deposition of a carrier layer, allowing for efficient laser cutting and subsequent processing on the same carrier, with the workpieces remaining attached for further processing and easy removal later.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If workpieces are cut out from material plate and then repositioned on carrier for further processing, then further processing can be performed, but additional time and equipment are required increasing manufacturing complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The material plate is attached to the carrier before laser cutting, so that the workpieces remain in position during subsequent processing steps. This preliminary attachment eliminates the need for repositioning operations after cutting, reducing manufacturing time and simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting process and further processing steps are merged into a single continuous operation by keeping the workpieces on the carrier throughout. The carrier serves as both the support during cutting and the fixture for subsequent processing, eliminating the need for separate repositioning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional equipment is used for positioning and fastening workpieces on carrier, then workpieces can be processed further, but system complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is designed to serve multiple functions: it supports the material plate during laser cutting, holds the workpieces in position during further processing, and provides a stable base for the entire operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning and fastening equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning and fastening functions are extracted from separate equipment and integrated into the carrier itself. The carrier structure includes integrated features for holding the material plate and maintaining workpiece positions, removing the need for additional positioning devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If material plate is fastened to carrier before cutting, then workpieces remain in position for processing, but attachment method must be efficient and automated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece position stabilityVSAvoidattachment automation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment method replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler process. The material plate is attached to the carrier using a method that can be easily automated, such as adhesive application or mechanical clamping, providing stable positioning without requiring complex automated attachment equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach simplifies automation, reduces manufacturing time, and eliminates the need for additional equipment, enabling efficient and cost-effective handling and processing of workpieces by maintaining their position and stability throughout the process.

Implementation Method 1

cutting out individual workpieces from the material plate with a laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

galvanic deposition of a carrier layer forming the carrier onto the metallization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanic deposition: Electrodeposition

Data Source

PatentEP2907614B1Method for producing workpieces from a material panel
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 BLOESCH AG
  • EP2907614B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2907614B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP2907614B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a system for producing and further processing workpieces from a material sheet (2) using a laser (6). As a first step, the material sheet is mounted on a carrier (5). Subsequently, the individual workpieces (1) are cut out of the material sheet using a laser (6). The workpieces remain attached to the carrier (3) and can then be further processed, for example, coated. After further processing, the workpieces are removed from the carrier (5). The material sheet (2) is mounted on the carrier (5) by applying a metallization (3) to the material sheet (2) and electroplating a carrier layer (5) onto the metallization (3). Since the workpieces remain on the carrier (5) after cutting, they do not need to be individually repositioned for further processing.A system which produces workpieces according to the inventive method can transport and position the carrier (5) as a whole.