Laser Head Gas Channel Layout for Homogeneous Cutting Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining heads face challenges in achieving uniform gas flow distribution during laser cutting, particularly with increasing sheet thicknesses and higher laser powers, which affects surface quality and cutting edge perpendicularity.
Innovation Solution
A gas supply device with a branched gas channel system that splits and merges the gas flow symmetrically to ensure a homogeneous and symmetrical distribution of flow variables, superimposing the gas flow with the laser beam for improved melt expulsion and oxidation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional gas supply system is used, then the structure is simple, but the gas flow distribution is non-uniform affecting surface quality and cutting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The gas channel system is divided into multiple branches (at least three) that split and recombine the gas flow symmetrically. Each branch acts as an independent pathway that contributes to the overall homogeneous distribution, transforming a single complex flow path into multiple manageable segments that collectively achieve uniform flow distribution at the outlet.
2Productivity
If gas flow is not homogeneously distributed, then the gas supply device is simpler, but the cutting speed and surface quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gas flow branches are merged symmetrically at a common convergence point before exiting through a single outlet opening. This merging process combines the flow from all branches into a homogeneous mixed flow, ensuring uniform distribution while maintaining a relatively simple outlet structure that does not compromise cutting performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If a branched gas channel system is implemented, then homogeneous gas flow is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall system achieves symmetrical flow distribution, the individual gas channels can have asymmetric cross-sectional shapes or orientations. This allows optimization of each channel's flow characteristics while maintaining the symmetrical arrangement of multiple channels, achieving homogeneous flow without requiring all channels to be identical in every dimension.
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 enhances surface quality, perpendicularity of cutting edges, and increases cutting speed by providing a uniform gas flow distribution, improving machining results.
Implementation Method 1
a gas channel system (130) branching at least twice starting from a gas inlet (110) and connecting the gas inlet (110) with a plurality of, in particular at least three, outlet openings (132) at the shared volume (120)
Implementation Method 2
it supports the expulsion of the melted material from the kerf by transmitting pressure and shear forces on the cutting front and on the cutting flanks
Implementation Method 3
The cutting gas supports the separation process in this case of application by enabling the conversion of iron to iron oxide. In this way, in addition to the laser radiation, reaction heat is additionally introduced into the process
Implementation Method 4
the cutting gas prevents contamination of the last optical element in the machining head by deflecting process emissions through momentum transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A gas supply device for a laser machining head is provided for generating a homogeneous gas flow. The gas supply device includes a gas inlet, a shared volume for superimposing a laser beam and the gas flow, and a gas channel system which, starting from the gas inlet, branches at least twice and connects the gas inlet with several outlet openings at the shared volume. The gas channel system and the outlet openings are configured to provide a substantially homogeneous gas flow to the shared volume.