Laser Machining Head Positioning During Synchronous Workpiece Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser processing systems face high stress on mechanical components due to sequential movements of the processing head and workpiece changer, leading to increased changeover times and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing synchronous movement control of the workpiece changer and processing head, integrated into the machine control system, to minimize changeover time and prevent collisions, allowing for simultaneous movement during the rotation of the workpiece changer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sequential movement of processing head and workpiece changer is used, then collision prevention is simplified, but changeover time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the movement of the processing head with the rotation of the workpiece changer into a single synchronized operation. Both movements are executed simultaneously rather than sequentially, reducing the total changeover time from approximately 5.2-5.5 seconds to a shorter duration where both actions complete within the same time window, thereby increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically coordinates the speed and timing of the processing head movement with the workpiece changer rotation. The control system adjusts the movement parameters in real-time to ensure both components reach their target positions simultaneously, optimizing the changeover process while maintaining collision-free operation.
2Productivity
If simultaneous movement of processing head and workpiece changer is implemented, then productivity increases, but risk of collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the positions of the processing head and workpiece changer during simultaneous movement. By implementing feedback control, the system can detect any deviations from the planned trajectory and make real-time adjustments to prevent collisions, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of movement trajectories and timing before execution. The control program pre-determines the safe paths and synchronized timing for both the processing head and workpiece changer, ensuring that collisions are avoided while maximizing the efficiency of the simultaneous operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If sequential step chains are executed during workpiece changeover, then positioning precision is maintained, but total processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by executing positioning steps for the processing head simultaneously with the workpiece changer rotation. Instead of completing all positioning steps sequentially before starting the changer rotation, the system performs both operations in parallel, ensuring that precision positioning is achieved while minimizing idle time and reducing the overall changeover duration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for positioning a machining head (6) of a laser machining system (1) during machining of workpieces (2a-2d) which are moved into a machining position (5) successively by means of a movable, in particular rotatable, workpiece changer (3), in which method a machined workpiece (2a) is moved away out of the machining position (5) and a workpiece (2b) to be machined next is moved into the machining position (5) by moving the workpiece changer (3). According to the invention, at least one of the following steps a) to c) is carried out synchronously or partially synchronously with the movement of the workpiece changer (3): a) moving the machining head (6) away from the machined workpiece (2a), b) moving the machining head (6) in order to direct the laser beam at the workpiece (2b) to be machined next, c) moving the machining head (6) towards the workpiece (2b) to be machined next.