Laser Cutting Nozzle with Segmented Flow Paths for Surface Roughness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser cutting technologies often result in coarse surface roughness of cutting planes, necessitating additional processing steps to smooth the surface, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A laser cutting nozzle design featuring a sequence of control flow paths with specific diameter and length ratios (φA<φC<φB, φA:φC=1:1.3−3.0, φC:φB=1:1.1−3.0, and L2+L3≧2.0×φA) to reduce surface roughness by optimizing the assist gas flow around the laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional laser cutting nozzle with a simple cylindrical or tapered structure is used, then the cutting process is simple and efficient, but the surface roughness of the cutting plane becomes coarse
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle hole is divided into three distinct control flow paths (first, second, and third) with different diameter characteristics arranged in sequence from upstream to downstream. This segmentation allows each flow path to control different aspects of the assist gas flow, thereby reducing surface roughness through optimized gas distribution rather than using a complex external structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from controlling surface quality through post-processing (external dimension) to controlling it through the internal flow path geometry of the nozzle. By designing the flow paths with specific diameter relationships (φA<φC<φB) and length ratios, the patent achieves surface roughness control from within the nozzle structure itself
2Manufacturing precision
If additional post-processing is performed to reduce surface roughness, then the surface quality improves, but the processing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle structure is designed in advance with three control flow paths having specific dimensional relationships (φA<φC<φB and L2+L3≧2.0×φA) to pre-optimize the assist gas flow pattern. This preliminary design ensures that the cutting process itself produces smooth surfaces without requiring subsequent post-processing operations, thereby maintaining high productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If the assist gas flow is not optimized, then the nozzle structure remains simple, but cutting flaws occur on the cutting plane
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the nozzle hole are given different local characteristics through the three control flow paths. The first flow path (upstream) has diameter φA, the second (middle) has diameter φB, and the third (downstream) has diameter φC, where φA<φC<φB. This local variation in flow path dimensions optimizes the assist gas distribution at different stages of the cutting process, preventing cutting flaws while keeping the overall nozzle structure relatively simple
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
The nozzle configuration effectively minimizes surface roughness of the cutting plane, reducing the need for post-processing and lowering costs while maintaining efficient cutting performance.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam irradiated from a laser oscillator is focused by a condenser lens, a cutting portion is heated
Implementation Method 2
combustion reaction occurs in the cutting portion
Implementation Method 3
an assist gas is sprayed from a nozzle so as to surround the laser beam to cover the cutting portion, so that cutting is performed as a metal melted by the laser is blown away
Data Source
AI summary
A laser cutting nozzle configured such that a laser beam is irradiated through a nozzle hole formed in a nozzle main body from an opening of the nozzle hole, and an assist gas surrounding the laser beam is emitted. The nozzle hole includes a first control flow path, a second control flow path, and a third control flow path formed in a coaxial cylindrical shape, in sequence from upstream toward downstream in a flow direction of the assist gas. If a diameter of the first control flow path is φA, a diameter of the second control flow path is φB, and a diameter of the third control flow path is φC, an equation φA<φC<φB is satisfied.