Laser Groove Nozzle Layout for Plume-Suppressed Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser processing devices face accuracy degradation and increased man-hours for removing heat-affected layers due to plume generation during processing, particularly when working with carbon fiber reinforced resins.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing device equipped with a nozzle unit featuring multiple ejection holes aligned in the scanning direction to eject gas into the processing groove, effectively removing the plume and reducing thermal influence on the workpiece surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser processing is performed on the workpiece, then a processing groove is formed on the workpiece, but a plume is generated which causes a heat-affected layer to form on the cutting surface
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful plume is extracted and removed from the processing area by ejecting gas through multiple ejection holes positioned to blow the plume away from the cutting surface, preventing the plume from causing heat-affected layer formation
Solution Approach 2:
Gas is introduced as an intermediary substance through the ejection holes to interact with and remove the plume, preventing direct contact between the plume and the workpiece cutting surface
2Productivity
If laser processing is performed on CFRP, then material is removed, but resin component drops out or carbonizes forming heat-affected layer
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful byproducts (dropped resin and carbonized material) are extracted from the processing area by the gas flow generated through the ejection holes, preventing these materials from forming a heat-affected layer on the workpiece surface
Solution Approach 2:
Gas flow is utilized through the ejection holes to pneumatically remove the harmful byproducts from the laser processing zone, preventing surface degradation without interfering with the material removal process
3Ease of operation
If conventional laser processing device is used, then processing can be performed, but accuracy is degraded due to plume exposure
Solution Approach 1:
Gas is introduced as an intermediary to separate the plume from the workpiece surface, allowing the laser processing to continue while preventing the plume from degrading the processing accuracy
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 solution significantly suppresses the formation of heat-affected layers, enhancing processing accuracy and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional scavenging devices.
Implementation Method 1
thermal energy of the laser light can be transmitted to a workpiece by moving the laser on (scanning) a surface of the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
forms a processing groove extending in a scanning direction on a workpiece by performing laser processing on the workpiece while scanning a surface of the workpiece
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle unit that has a plurality of ejection holes aligned in the scanning direction to eject gas toward the processing groove from each of the ejection holes
Data Source
AI summary
This laser processing device is provided with a laser radiating unit which forms a processed groove extending in a scanning direction on a workpiece, by subjecting the workpiece to laser processing while scanning the surface of the workpiece, and a nozzle portion which has a plurality of ejection holes arranged side by side in the scanning direction, and which ejects a gas toward the processed groove from each of the ejection holes. With this laser processing device, since a plume is eliminated by ejecting gas into the processed groove by means of the nozzle portion, the formation of a heat affected layer by the plume can be suppressed to an even greater extent.