Laser Sheet Cutting With Nanojoints for Stable Workpiece Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser cutting methods for metal sheets often result in workpieces tilting or getting jammed due to incomplete support, and existing methods for separating workpieces from sheet skeletons are time-consuming and affect cutting edge quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a laser cutting machine where a metal sheet is cut with connecting portions of low height, referred to as 'nanojoints,' which allows for easy removal and separation of workpieces without compromising cutting edge quality, by adjusting laser power and cutting speed to prevent complete cutting through in specific regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the metal sheet is completely cut through to separate workpieces from the sheet skeleton, then the workpieces can be removed, but additional piercing is required which is time-consuming and reduces cutting edge quality
Solution Approach 1:
The laser cutting process is applied partially - the cut is interrupted before completely separating the workpiece from the sheet skeleton, leaving a connecting portion that prevents the need for additional piercing operations while maintaining workpiece removability
2Ease of operation
If the laser beam is interrupted to create connecting portions, then workpieces remain connected to the sheet skeleton, but the metal sheet must be pierced again which reduces cutting edge quality
Solution Approach 1:
The laser cutting is intentionally stopped before complete separation, creating a partial cut that leaves a connecting portion. This partial action maintains cutting edge quality by avoiding additional piercing while still enabling workpiece handling
3Ease of operation
If connecting portions extend over the entire thickness of the metal sheet (microjoints), then workpieces remain connected to the sheet skeleton, but it is complicated to separate the workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion has non-uniform thickness throughout the metal sheet - thinner in some regions and thicker in others. This local variation in quality makes the connecting portion easier to separate while maintaining connection during handling
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion does not extend through the entire thickness of the metal sheet. This partial connection provides sufficient holding strength for handling while being easier to separate than a full-thickness microjoint
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 efficient, automated, and high-quality production of metal workpieces by securely holding and easily separating workpieces from sheet skeletons, reducing the need for additional piercing and improving handling and processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
directing a laser beam onto the metal sheet along an outline of the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
The metal sheet is cut through in a main region of the outline
Implementation Method 3
The metal sheet is cut through in a main region of the outline
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cutting at least one workpiece from a metal sheet includes arranging a metal sheet on a support of a laser cutting machine, and directing a laser beam onto the metal sheet along an outline of the workpiece. The metal sheet is cut through in a main region of the outline. At least one connecting portion, which has a height that is less than a thickness of the metal sheet, remains in at least one connection region of the outline between the workpiece and an adjoining part of the metal sheet. The method further includes removing the at least one workpiece and the adjoining part connected thereto from the support, and separating the at least one workpiece from the adjoining part.