Laser Cut Edge Features Using Head Tilting in Sheet Metal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing local modifications on cutting edges of plate-shaped workpieces, such as sheet metal, require multiple cutting processes or interrupt the continuous edge during laser cutting, which can affect cutting speed and quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a laser processing head that can be inclined and moved to trace different contours on the workpiece, allowing for the integration of recesses or projections in a single laser cut, ensuring a continuous cutting edge by adjusting the laser beam's path and parameters to maintain cutting speed and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple cutting processes are used to produce local modifications on cutting edges, then the modifications can be achieved, but the cutting speed is reduced and the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cutting operations into a single continuous laser cutting process. The laser processing head performs both the main cutting operation and the local modification operations (recesses or projections) without interrupting the cutting process, thereby maintaining high cutting speed while achieving the desired local modifications on the cutting edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser processing head is equipped with dynamic tilting capability that allows it to change its inclination angle during the cutting process. By tilting the laser head at specific positions, the process creates recesses or projections on the cutting edge while maintaining continuous motion, thus avoiding speed reduction associated with multiple separate operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If the laser beam is interrupted to create local modifications, then the modifications can be produced, but the continuous cutting edge is affected and quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laser processing head dynamically tilts during the cutting process to create local modifications without interrupting the laser beam or the cutting motion. This dynamic tilting allows the laser to selectively remove or deposit material at specific positions, creating recesses or projections while maintaining the continuity of the cutting edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality changes by creating specific geometric features (recesses or projections) only at designated positions on the cutting edge. The laser processing head tilts locally at these positions to modify the material, while the rest of the cutting edge maintains its standard continuous structure, thus preserving overall cutting edge quality and reliability.
3Device complexity
If a simple laser cutting head is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot produce inclined recesses or projections on cutting edges
Solution Approach 1:
The laser processing head incorporates a tilting mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its inclination angle during the cutting process. This dynamic capability enables the head to produce inclined recesses or projections on the cutting edge by tilting at specific positions, significantly enhancing the versatility of the cutting system without requiring multiple separate devices.
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 and continuous integration of local modifications on cutting edges, enhancing functionality for subsequent processing like welding, positioning, and bending, without reducing cutting speed or quality.
Implementation Method 1
when cutting the cutting flank by means of a laser beam which emerges from a laser processing head
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~3b
AI summary
In a method for generating a recess (11) or a protrusion (12) on a cut edge (10) of a plate-shaped workpiece (2), in particular sheet metal, during the cutting of the cut edge (10) by means of a laser beam (3), which passes out of a laser processing head (1), which can be moved over the workpiece (2) in at least one direction (X, Y) in order to cut the cut edge (10), and the longitudinal axis (5) of which can be positioned transversely in relation to the surface normals (7) of the workpiece (2), according to the invention, during the cutting of the recess (11) or the protrusion (12), the laser processing head (1) is positioned and moved transversely in such a way that the laser beam (3) forms contours (14a, 14b) of different lengths on the two workpiece sides (13a, 13b) facing towards and facing away from the laser, in order to thereby create a transverse recess (11) or a transverse protrusion (12) in relation to the cut edge (10) itself.