Laser Beam Guiding Optics With Isolated Actuator Cooling Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining apparatuses face issues with contamination and reliability due to the interaction of cooling media with optical elements, leading to reduced cut quality and increased error rates, especially at high heat exposure and vibration frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A machining apparatus with a cooling system that isolates the actuator from the cooling fluid, using a primary circuit to cool the actuator without contact and a secondary circuit for closed-loop cooling of the actuator, maintaining cleanliness and stability even at high frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling media are used to cool actuators in laser machining apparatuses, then actuator temperature is reduced, but contamination of optical elements occurs leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two separate circuits: a primary cooling circuit that does not contact the actuator, and a secondary cooling circuit that contacts the actuator. This segmentation prevents contamination while maintaining effective cooling, as the primary circuit coolant cannot reach the optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger serves as an intermediary between the primary and secondary cooling circuits. The primary circuit coolant cools the secondary circuit coolant through the heat exchanger, which then cools the actuator. This intermediary mechanism allows indirect cooling without direct contact between the primary coolant and the actuator or optical elements.
2Loss of energy
If cooling fluid flows directly over the actuator, then cooling efficiency is improved, but contamination and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system separates the cooling function into two independent circuits. The secondary circuit provides direct contact cooling to the actuator with its own dedicated coolant, while the primary circuit provides indirect cooling through the heat exchanger. This segmentation allows efficient direct cooling without the contamination risks associated with a single open system.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary cooling circuit creates a controlled, isolated environment for the actuator cooling process. By containing the secondary coolant within a closed circuit that only contacts the actuator, the system maintains a clean, inert cooling environment that prevents contamination of optical elements while preserving cooling efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high vibration frequencies are used for dynamic beam shaping, then beam shaping capability is improved, but heat exposure and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-circuit cooling system ensures continuous, uninterrupted cooling of the actuator during high-frequency dynamic beam shaping operations. The primary circuit continuously circulates coolant through the heat exchanger, maintaining constant thermal management even during intense high-frequency operation, thereby preventing heat buildup and associated errors.
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 solution ensures reliable and error-prone laser beam shaping by preventing contamination and maintaining actuator functionality at high frequencies, enhancing cut quality and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device for cooling the at least one actuator, wherein the cooling device has at least one primary circuit through which a first cooling fluid can flow without contact with the actuator
Implementation Method 2
an optical system between the first interface and the outlet opening, which has at least one laser beam guiding device having at least one movable surface
Implementation Method 3
an optical system between the first interface and the outlet opening, which has at least one laser beam guiding device
Data Source
AI summary
A machining apparatus for laser machining a workpiece (12) in a machining zone (13) is provided, having a first interface (14) for a machining laser source for generating a machining laser beam (15), an outlet opening (18) for the machining laser beam (15), In an optical system between the first interface (14) and the outlet opening (18), which has at least one laser beam guiding device (22) having at least one movable surface (24) and at least one actuator (26), with which the movable surface (24) is dynamically adjustable, and a cooling device (28) for cooling the at least one actuator (26), wherein the cooling device (28) has at least one primary circuit (30) through which a first cooling fluid can flow without contact with the actuator (26). Furthermore, a set of parts for a machining apparatus for laser machining a workpiece (12) and a method of laser machining a workpiece (12) using such machining apparatus are also provided.