Laser Nozzle Cooling Control for Continuous High-Output Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to effectively cool nozzles during high-output laser beam machining, leading to unstable temperature control and difficulty in maintaining continuous processing.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam machining method that includes standby processes and cooling mechanisms, such as jetting assist gas and flowing coolant through a nozzle cooling circuit, to manage nozzle temperature, along with gold plating to reflect laser beams and prevent absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser beam output is increased to improve machining efficiency, then productivity increases, but the nozzle temperature rises excessively making continuous processing unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic interruption of the laser beam during machining operations. By alternating between laser irradiation periods and interruption periods, the system allows the nozzle to cool down periodically while maintaining overall high productivity. The control unit automatically manages this periodic action based on machining time and nozzle temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by dynamically adjusting the laser beam output and interruption timing based on nozzle temperature conditions. The control unit modifies the laser irradiation parameters (on/off timing, output intensity) to maintain nozzle temperature within acceptable ranges while maximizing machining efficiency.
2Productivity
If continuous machining is performed to improve productivity, then output increases, but the cumulative heating effect causes temperature instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors machining time and nozzle temperature conditions. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines when to interrupt the laser beam and adjusts operational parameters to maintain temperature stability during continuous processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces periodic interruptions in the laser beam during continuous machining operations. These regular interruptions prevent cumulative heating by allowing the nozzle to cool down at scheduled intervals, thereby maintaining temperature stability while preserving overall productivity.
3Temperature
If cooling water flow is increased to suppress temperature rise, then temperature control improves, but the complexity of the cooling system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a complex active cooling system and replaces it with a simpler passive approach. By using periodic laser beam interruptions and natural cooling mechanisms, the system achieves effective temperature control without requiring complex cooling water flow control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the nozzle to cool itself through periodic interruption of the laser beam and natural heat dissipation. This self-service cooling approach eliminates the need for complex active cooling systems with multiple control components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.
4Temperature
If metal plating is applied to the nozzle to reflect laser beams, then temperature rise is suppressed, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to prevent laser beam absorption through complex plating processes, the patent converts the heating problem into a timing problem. By using periodic interruptions of the laser beam, the system allows controlled heating during machining followed by cooling periods, thereby avoiding the need for complex reflective plating while achieving similar temperature control效果.
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
Stabilizes nozzle temperature and enables continuous, high-precision machining by effectively cooling the nozzle during high-output laser operations.
Implementation Method 1
a method of suppressing absorption of the laser beam and suppressing a temperature rise by applying metal plating (for example, gold plating or nickel chromium plating) having a high reflectance with respect to the laser
Implementation Method 2
a flow path for flowing cooling water is provided in the nozzle, and the cooling water is made to flow during machining, thereby suppressing the temperature rise
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser beam machining method includes performing a machining process including machining a workpiece by irradiating the workpiece with a laser beam from a nozzle, and performing a standby process including suspending output of the laser beam. The standby process starts when a cumulative time of the machining process without the standby process interposed between the machining processes exceeds a threshold time that is predetermined.