Laser-Liquid Jet Processing Head for Recast Layer Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing heads are limited to single-technique processing, leading to the formation of recast layers and low precision due to inability to combine laser emission with a liquid jet for surface refinement.
Innovation Solution
A combined processing head that emits a laser and a liquid jet to produce an abrasive flow, utilizing a jetting mechanism with a saturated salt solution and a cooling mechanism to precipitate fine grains for surface grinding, thereby removing recast layers and improving surface quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single laser processing technique is used to melt and vaporize material, then processing speed is high, but a recast layer is formed and precision is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser processing with liquid jet technology into a single integrated system. The laser module and liquid jet module are merged in a unified processing head, allowing simultaneous laser melting/vaporization and liquid jet impact on the workpiece surface. This combination enables the laser to perform high-speed material removal while the liquid jet prevents recast layer formation through cooling and flushing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining laser energy with liquid jet medium (water or other liquids). The liquid jet acts as a composite element that enhances the laser processing effect by providing cooling, preventing material re-solidification, and removing debris. This composite action of laser + liquid jet eliminates the harmful recast layer while maintaining high processing speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a laser processing head is designed for single-technique processing, then device structure is simple, but combined processing cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal processing head that can perform multiple functions: laser processing, liquid jet processing, and combined processing. The processing head includes both a laser module and a liquid jet module, allowing it to adapt to different processing requirements. The same processing head can switch between single-technique and combined-technique modes, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing head is segmented into independent functional modules: a laser module, a liquid jet module, and a control system. This modular segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system integration. The laser module and liquid jet module can be adjusted and controlled separately, enabling flexible combination processing while keeping the structural complexity manageable through modular design.
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid is injected directly into the processing area, then surface refinement can occur, but turbulence affects laser beam irradiation and propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid injection point from the direct laser beam path. The liquid jet is injected at a position that allows it to interact with the workpiece surface after the laser has completed its processing action. This spatial separation ensures that the liquid jet does not create turbulence that would interfere with laser beam propagation, while still achieving surface refinement through the liquid jet's cooling and flushing effects on the processed surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a specially designed liquid jet delivery system that acts as an intermediary between the liquid source and the workpiece surface. The delivery mechanism controls the liquid flow to minimize turbulence and ensures that the liquid reaches the workpiece in a controlled manner that does not interfere with the laser beam. The intermediary delivery system mediates between the need for liquid jet surface refinement and the requirement to maintain clear laser beam propagation.
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 combined processing head effectively removes recast layers and reduces surface roughness by using the abrasive flow to grind the workpiece surface, enhancing the precision and quality of laser processing.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling mechanism including a cooling cylinder having openings at two ends, where the cooling cylinder is provided therein with a cooling tube configured to cool the saturated salt solution ejected from the nozzle and flowing through the cooling cylinder, so that fine grains are precipitated from the saturated salt solution
Implementation Method 2
fine grains are precipitated from the saturated salt solution by using the cooling mechanism to form an abrasive flow
Implementation Method 3
Laser processing is non-contact processing, which requires no tool, features high processing speed and small surface deformation
Implementation Method 4
melting and vaporizing the material only by using high temperature of the laser
Implementation Method 5
melting and vaporizing the material only by using high temperature of the laser
Implementation Method 6
the fine grains are precipitated from the saturated salt solution by using the cooling mechanism to form an abrasive flow to impact and grind a workpiece surface
Implementation Method 7
the fine grains are precipitated from the saturated salt solution by using the cooling mechanism to form an abrasive flow to impact and grind a workpiece surface
Data Source
AI summary
A combined processing head includes: a jetting mechanism including a connection portion having a passage in communication with a nozzle and lens cylinder inner space, one connection portion end is connected to the lens cylinder and the other end to the nozzle extending therein and having a flange in close contact with a nozzle side wall forming an annular cavity with the side wall, the flange having through holes in communication with the annular cavity and a nozzle inner space, the nozzle side wall position at which the annular cavity is located has a liquid injection port to inject a saturated salt solution at a set pressure into the annular cavity; and a cooling mechanism including a cooling cylinder having openings at two ends, the cooling cylinder inside having a cooling tube to cool the ejected and flowing saturated salt solution to enable fine crystalline grains to be precipitated.