Laser Cutting Separation Check for Incomplete Part Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting technologies face challenges in ensuring complete separation of workpiece parts from residual parts, leading to interference contours that can damage machinery and disrupt the cutting process.

Innovation Solution

A method and machine that utilize a machining jet, such as a laser beam, to check for incomplete separation by adjusting the intensity of the processing beam at a test position within the cutting contour, ensuring complete separation without re-cutting, using a cutting gas beam to gently dislodge the workpiece part if incomplete, and employing sensors to detect radiation interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cutting process is performed without verification, then productivity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to incomplete separation causing interference contours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete separation of workpiece partVSAvoidcutting process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using sensors to detect whether the workpiece part has been completely separated from the residual part after cutting. The detection unit monitors the cutting result and provides feedback to the control unit, which then determines whether verification cutting is necessary. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable separation verification while avoiding unnecessary re-cutting operations that would reduce productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If verification cutting is performed to ensure complete separation, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to additional cutting operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation completenessVSAvoidmachining cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing verification cutting only when necessary. The control unit evaluates the detection signal to determine whether the workpiece part is completely separated. Verification cutting is executed only when the evaluation indicates incomplete separation, rather than performing it unconditionally on every workpiece. This selective approach minimizes additional machining time while ensuring reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If high intensity beam is used for cutting, then cutting speed is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential damage to residual parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoiddamage to residual workpiece
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the processing beam intensity. The control unit adjusts the beam intensity based on the cutting phase and detection results. During verification cutting, the beam intensity is reduced compared to the main cutting operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high cutting speed during the primary cutting phase while minimizing damage to the residual workpiece during verification, thus reducing harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures reliable and safe separation of workpiece parts from residual parts, preventing interference contours and minimizing damage to machinery by avoiding re-cutting and ensuring precise control over the cutting process.

Implementation Method 1

employing sensors to detect radiation interactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation interaction: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

using a cutting gas beam to gently dislodge the workpiece part if incomplete

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas jet force: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP3528992B1Method and device for cutting workpieces
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3528992B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3528992B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP3528992B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for cutting a workpiece (2), comprising the steps: cutting the workpiece (2) along a predefined cutting contour (18a) in order to separate a workpiece part (17) from an offcut part (19), and checking whether the workpiece part (17) has been completely separated from the offcut part (19) during the cutting process. In one aspect of the invention, the workpiece (2) is re-cut along an additional cutting contour (18b) that is laterally offset to the predefined cutting contour (18a), if the check establishes that the workpiece part (17) has not been completely separated from the offcut part (19). In a further aspect, the check whether the workpiece part (17) has been separated from the offcut part (19) comprises the following steps: irradiating the workpiece (2) with a preferably pulsed machining beam (3) at a check position inside the predefined cutting contour (18a); detecting radiation generated by the interaction of the machining beam (3) and the workpiece (2); and evaluating the detected radiation in order to check whether the workpiece part (17) has been completely separated from the offcut part (19) during the cutting process, wherein the intensity of the machining beam (3) at the check position is increased during the irradiation with the machining beam (3) and the irradiation with the machining beam (3) is stopped as soon as the check determines that the workpiece part (17) has not been completely separated from the offcut part (19) during the cutting process. The invention also relates to an associated machine for cutting a workpiece (2).