Laser Machining Control Device for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining apparatuses face challenges in synchronously controlling multiple lasers and scanners to ensure precise tracking and efficient machining, particularly in additive manufacturing using the powder bed fusion method, where maintaining focal point alignment and beam synchronization across multiple systems is complex.
Innovation Solution
A control device that includes a scanner control unit and a laser control unit, capable of performing tracking control by synchronizing the operation and laser output of multiple scanners and lasers, allowing for temporary buffer adjustments to ensure that laser beams from different systems irradiate the same location and scan the same path, with options to adjust beam diameters and machining conditions for optimized performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If synchronous control is used to maintain focal point alignment across multiple scanners, then machining precision is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent scanner control units, each capable of autonomous tracking control. This allows each scanner to maintain focal point alignment independently while reducing the complexity of centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where each scanner monitors its own focal point position and adjusts its operation accordingly. This self-regulating feedback loop maintains precision without requiring complex inter-scanner coordination.
2Productivity
If tracking control is implemented to allow sequential laser beam irradiation, then machining efficiency is improved, but the coordination difficulty between scanners increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the first scanner complete its irradiation sequence before the second scanner begins. This sequential pre-coordination simplifies the tracking control logic while maintaining high machining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operation timing of each scanner based on real-time conditions. This dynamic coordination allows flexible sequencing without requiring rigid pre-planning, reducing control complexity.
3Speed
If multiple lasers operate simultaneously on the same path, then machining speed is improved, but the risk of focal point misalignment and harmful thermal effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by having the first scanner complete its irradiation before the second scanner begins on the same path. This prevents harmful thermal interference while maintaining high overall machining speed through parallel processing of different paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses periodic action by alternating between scanners in a structured sequence. This periodic operation pattern allows efficient use of multiple lasers while preventing thermal interference through controlled timing intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a laser machining apparatus includes: a plurality of lasers, a plurality of scanners which respectively scans the laser beams outputted from the plurality of lasers, a scanner control unit which synchronously controls the plurality of scanners, and a laser control unit which synchronously controls the plurality of lasers, in which the scanner control unit performs tracking control to precede or delay operation of at least one scanner among the plurality of scanners relative to operation of another scanner among the plurality of scanners; and the laser control unit performs tracking control to precede or delay laser output of at least one laser among the plurality of lasers corresponding to the at least one scanner, relative to the laser output of another laser among the plurality of lasers corresponding to the other scanner.