Laser Machining Simulation for Predicting Profiles Without Trial Cuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser machining technologies require numerous preliminary experiments and material samples to define optimal machining parameters, leading to prolonged device usage and high costs, as they lack a method to predict machining results without actual system use.

Innovation Solution

A simulation method that uses a central unit to determine machining profiles by inputting material and laser system parameters, including delta, threshold fluence, incubation coefficient, and complex refractive index, to predict optimal machining parameters for efficient laser machining without empirical tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If preliminary machining experiments are performed to set laser machining parameters, then machining quality can be ensured, but the time required and number of material samples needed increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining qualityVSAvoidtime for preliminary experiments
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing virtual experiments through simulation before actual machining. The simulation model predicts machining outcomes by calculating laser-material interaction based on material properties and laser parameters, allowing optimal parameters to be determined in advance without physical trial-and-error experiments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a virtual replica of the machining process through simulation. Instead of physically testing on real material samples, the system creates a digital model that replicates laser-material interaction physics, allowing prediction of machining results without consuming physical materials or machine time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If numerous material samples are used for characterization, then accurate machining parameters can be obtained, but the cost and complexity of the process increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical material characterization with virtual modeling. By implementing physics-based simulation that calculates laser-material interaction from fundamental material properties, the system eliminates the need for extensive physical sampling and empirical characterization, reducing both material consumption and process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the approach from empirical parameter determination to physics-based parameter calculation. By changing from experimental measurement to theoretical calculation based on material optical properties and laser parameters, the system achieves accurate predictions without requiring numerous physical tests

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a large number of preliminary experiments are conducted, then optimal machining parameters can be identified, but the productivity of the laser machining device decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal parameter identificationVSAvoiddevice utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs optimal parameter identification in advance through simulation before actual production machining. The simulation model determines the best laser parameters for given material and target geometry, allowing the laser device to be used immediately for productive machining without time-consuming preliminary experiments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses virtual copying to identify optimal parameters without using the actual laser machining device. By simulating the machining process digitally, the system determines optimal parameters while the physical device remains available for productive work, maintaining high device utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

This approach allows for accurate simulation of laser-material interactions, reducing the need for extensive experiments and enabling precise prediction of machining outcomes, thus improving machining quality and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Laser beams are used in particular for machining workpieces. It is possible to melt, evaporate or sublimate part of a material exposed to a laser beam.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

The simulation method comprises determining a machining profile... on the basis of information relating to the material to be machined... and information relating to the laser machining system... The simulation method makes it possible to solve the technical problem thanks, in particular, to the proper consideration of laser-material interaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11928401B2Laser machining simulation method, laser machining system having means for implementing the method, and computer program for implementing this method
Publication Date: 2024.03.12 LASER ENG APPL
  • US11928401B2 patent drawing
  • US11928401B2 patent drawing
  • US11928401B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for simulating laser machining of a material by a laser machining system comprising the following steps: providing a central unit with: information relating to the material to be machined: delta δ, threshold fluence, incubation coefficient S, complex refractive index n+ik, information about the laser processing system: information relating to a polarization, pulse energy EP, diameter of said machining laser beam at a focal point w, order of a Gaussian p, pulse repetition rate PRR n, wavelength; determining with said central unit on the basis of the information relating to said material to be machined and the laser machining system, a machining profile in two dimensions corresponding to the simulation of a machining of said material to be machined with said laser machining system.