Laser Cutting Support Slide for Small Part Stability and Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing machines face challenges in supporting small workpiece parts during cutting, as they tend to tilt due to high gas pressure, and struggle with efficient discharge of cut parts, especially when the gap width is large.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a displaceable support slide that moves freely within the gap between workpiece-bearing faces, allowing dynamic movement and independent positioning to support and discharge workpiece parts, with adjustable bearing faces and openings to accommodate various workpiece sizes and prevent tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large gap width is used in the workpiece bearing, then small to medium-size cutting waste and residual mesh parts can fall freely and be removed rapidly, but small workpiece parts are not adequately supported and may tilt due to high gas pressure from the processing nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece bearing is segmented into multiple discrete bearings rather than a continuous support surface. This segmentation creates gaps between bearings that allow cutting waste to fall through while providing discrete support points for workpiece parts, resolving the contradiction between waste removal and part support.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap width between workpiece bearings is optimized to provide local support where needed while maintaining open spaces for waste removal. The bearing arrangement creates localized support zones that prevent tilting of small parts while preserving overall gap accessibility for gravity-driven waste discharge.
2Reliability
If the workpiece bearing is continuous in the displacement range of the machining head, then the workpiece is well supported, but the workpiece bearing may be damaged by the processing beam and slag
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous workpiece bearing is extracted and replaced with discrete, discontinuous bearings arranged in a pattern that provides support while creating gaps. This removal of continuous support structure eliminates the vulnerability to beam damage while maintaining adequate workpiece support through strategic bearing placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The discontinuous bearing arrangement acts as an intermediary between the workpiece and the processing beam path. The gaps in the bearing structure allow the processing beam to pass through or near the bearing area without directly damaging a continuous support surface, while still providing necessary workpiece support.
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 solution ensures stable support and efficient discharge of workpiece parts, preventing tilting and facilitating the separation of small parts by dynamically adjusting the support slide's position and opening sizes, enhancing process reliability and part separation.
Implementation Method 1
the support slide and/or the bearing face thereof may be embodied so as to be downwardly pivotable
Implementation Method 2
machines for the separative machining, e.g., cutting and stamping, of plate-shaped workpieces, in particular laser processing machines
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to machines and methods for separative machining of plate-shaped workpieces by a processing beam. The machines include a first movement unit configured to move the workpiece in a first direction and a second movement unit including a machining head configured to emit the processing beam. The second movement unit is configured to move the machining head in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to direct the processing beam onto the workpiece. The machines include a first workpiece support unit including a first workpiece-bearing face and a second workpiece support unit including a second workpiece-bearing face spaced apart by a gap from the first workpiece support unit and the first workpiece-bearing face. The gap extends along the second direction. The machines include at least one support slide arranged to move in the second direction within the gap and including a support slide bearing face.