Laser Machining Apparatus Unmachinable Position Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining apparatuses face challenges in machining desired positions on three-dimensional workpieces due to obstructions, requiring repetitive adjustments of the workpiece position and angle to avoid unmachinable regions, which is burdensome for users.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining apparatus with a workpiece setting portion, a laser beam emission device, a scanner, and a controller that acquires shape and machining pattern data to calculate and display unmachinable positions, allowing users to identify and adjust for printable regions more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the conventional laser machining apparatus detects and displays machinable and unmachinable regions while the user varies the workpiece position, then the user can identify regions suitable for machining, but the repetitive trial-and-error process becomes burdensome and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of unmachinable regions by calculating shadow areas based on the workpiece three-dimensional shape data and laser beam emission directions before actual machining begins. This preliminary identification of problematic regions allows the user to plan machining strategies in advance, avoiding repetitive trial-and-error positioning adjustments and significantly improving setup efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the laser beam is emitted in a fixed direction from the scanner, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but certain positions on three-dimensional workpieces become unmachinable due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses the limitation of fixed-direction laser emission by introducing a computational dimension. Instead of physically moving the scanner to multiple positions, the system calculates shadow areas and unmachinable regions by simulating laser beam paths from multiple potential emission directions. This allows the simple fixed scanner to effectively handle complex three-dimensional workpieces by identifying and avoiding obstruction zones through computational analysis.
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
Enables precise identification and machining of desired patterns on workpieces by determining and displaying unmachinable positions, reducing the need for repetitive adjustments and improving the efficiency of the machining process.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam emission device for emitting a laser beam for machining the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
In a laser machining apparatus, a scanner is configured to scan a laser beam emitted from a laser beam emission device. A first part of a workpiece is exposed through an opening formed in the workpiece. A controller is configured to perform: acquiring shape data indicative of a shape of the workpiece; acquiring machining pattern data indicative of a machining pattern to be machined on the first part; acquiring a length of the machining pattern based on the machining pattern data; calculating an unmachinable position on a setting surface using the length and the shape data, the unmachinable position resulting from a second part of the workpiece hindering the laser beam reaching the first part, at least a part of the machining pattern being unmachinable on the first part in a state where the workpiece is set on the unmachinable position; and displaying the unmachinable position on a display.