Laser Cutting Gas Offset for One-Side Edge Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser machining methods often face challenges in achieving consistent cutting quality on both sides of a workpiece, with existing techniques failing to effectively differentiate and satisfy distinct quality requirements for different regions during the cutting process.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining method that utilizes a machining head capable of emitting a laser beam and assist gas coaxially and non-coaxially, with a machining program specifying different cutting quality requirements for each region, and adjusts the center axis of the assist gas relative to the laser beam's optical axis to meet these requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the assist gas and laser beam are emitted coaxially, then the cutting process is simple and stable, but the cutting quality cannot be differentiated on both sides of the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by shifting the center axis of the assist gas emission from the optical axis of the laser beam. This creates an asymmetric configuration where the gas flows at an angle relative to the laser, enabling different cutting qualities on opposite sides of the workpiece. The asymmetric gas-laser relative position allows one side to achieve high-quality cuts while the other side can accommodate different requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between cutting quality differentiation and structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the center axis of assist gas is shifted from the optical axis of laser beam, then cutting quality on one side is improved, but the cutting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the center axis position of the assist gas adjustable and variable during the cutting process. The gas emission system can dynamically shift its center axis relative to the laser beam optical axis based on real-time cutting requirements. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to optimize cutting quality on one side while managing complexity through controlled variability rather than fixed complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the relative positional parameters between the assist gas center axis and the laser beam optical axis. By changing parameters such as gas flow angle, gas pressure, and relative offset distance, the system achieves different cutting qualities on opposite sides of the workpiece. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by using adjustable parameters rather than permanently complex mechanical structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different cutting quality requirements are specified for different regions, then customer needs are better met, but the machining program becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different cutting conditions to be applied to different regions of the workpiece. The machining program divides the workpiece into multiple regions with different quality requirements and adjusts the assist gas-laser relative position accordingly for each region. This local quality approach allows high-quality cuts where needed while accepting lower quality where acceptable, resolving the contradiction between meeting diverse customer needs and program complexity.
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 allows for effective satisfaction of cutting quality requirements by adjusting the assist gas flow relative to the laser beam, ensuring optimal cutting performance on both sides of the workpiece, even when quality demands differ.
Implementation Method 1
a laser machining method of cutting a workpiece using a machining head configured to emit a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
cutting quality requirements (a dimension of dross, roughness of a cut surface, a taper of a kerf, etc.)
Implementation Method 3
an assist gas emitted from a nozzle coaxially and non-coaxially with the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser machining method able to effectively satisfy cutting quality required on one side of a cutting spot of a workpiece. A laser machining method for cutting a workpiece W by using a machining head able to emit a laser beam and an assist gas coaxially and non-coaxially includes: preparing a machining program specifying, for the workpiece W, a cutting line, and a first region and a second region on both sides of the cutting line where cutting quality requirements are different; and maintaining a state in which a center axis of the assist gas is shifted from an optical axis of the laser beam toward the first region in response to the difference in the cutting quality requirements during the cutting between the first region and the second region along the cutting line in accordance with the machining program.