Laser Beam Path Switching for Continuous Dual-Spot Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing devices using two laser oscillators require complex timing control and incur a rise time, leading to slow processing speeds due to the need for a second laser oscillator's rise time and periods of low power or beam stoppage.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing device with a laser-beam switcher that selectively switches between two optical paths, one with a smaller fiber for initial melting and another with a larger fiber for subsequent processing, allowing for continuous high-power density processing without the need for a second laser oscillator's rise time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two laser oscillators are used to provide different condensed-beam diameters, then both melting and processing functions are achieved, but control complexity increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser oscillator is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different optical paths. The first optical path provides a condensed-beam diameter suitable for melting, while the second optical path provides a condensed-beam diameter suitable for processing. This eliminates the need for a second laser oscillator and its associated control complexity, while maintaining the ability to adapt to different processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different optical paths during laser processing. The controller switches from the first optical path to the second optical path based on processing requirements, allowing the same laser oscillator to adapt its beam characteristics in real-time without requiring complex multi-oscillator coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two laser oscillators are used, then different beam diameters are available, but rise time is required and processing speed slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The laser oscillator maintains continuous operation without interruption when switching between optical paths. Since only the optical path changes and not the laser oscillator itself, there is no rise time required and no period of low power or beam stoppage. This ensures continuous useful action and maintains high processing speed throughout the entire processing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares both optical paths in advance with the single laser oscillator, so when switching is needed, the oscillator is already ready to emit beams through the new path without requiring a rise time. This preliminary preparation eliminates delays and maintains processing speed.
3Device complexity
If a single laser oscillator is used with optical path switching, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide different beam diameters may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Optical paths act as intermediaries between the single laser oscillator and the workpiece. The first optical path transforms the laser beam to achieve a condensed-beam diameter suitable for melting, while the second optical path transforms it to achieve a condensed-beam diameter suitable for processing. This intermediary approach allows a single oscillator to provide multiple beam characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into multiple optical paths, each with different characteristics. By selecting which optical path to use, the system can provide different condensed-beam diameters. This segmentation allows functionality multiplication without adding more oscillators.
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 configuration improves processing speed by allowing rapid initiation of high-power density melting followed by suitable beam diameter for processing, eliminating the need for complex timing control and reducing unnecessary downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a first fiber, the second optical path including a second fiber that has a core diameter that is larger than a core diameter of the first fiber
Implementation Method 2
metal as a typical workpiece has a low absorption coefficient of laser beam in a solid state and a high absorption coefficient of laser beam in a molten state
Implementation Method 3
a second optical path including a second fiber that has a core diameter that is larger than a core diameter of the first fiber
Implementation Method 4
metal as a typical workpiece has a low absorption coefficient of laser beam in a solid state and a high absorption coefficient of laser beam in a molten state
Data Source
AI summary
Laser processing device (1) includes: laser-beam switching apparatus (70) that switches between a first optical path and a second optical path as an optical path along which a laser beam is to travel, the first optical path including first fiber (11), the second optical path including second fiber (21) that has a core diameter that is larger than a core diameter of first fiber (11); and processing head (80) that illuminates a same processed point on workpiece (900) with a laser beam that has passed through the first optical path or the second optical path. When illumination with laser beam that has passed through the first optical path is performed for a predetermined period of time, laser-beam switching apparatus (70) switches from the first optical path to the second optical path.