Laser Beam Path Compensation for Non-Circular Cutting Traces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cutting machines, such as laser machining devices, are unable to accurately compensate for the tool radius when the cutting trace has a non-circular shape, as they assume a circular shape based on fixed tool positions.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine and method that utilize a tool path control unit to vibrate the laser beam in a non-circular pattern, allowing for accurate tool radius compensation by generating and controlling tool radius compensation information based on the specific shape of the tool path, enabling precise cutting even with non-circular traces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional tool radius compensation is used assuming a circular cutting trace, then the cutting process is simple and fast, but the compensation is inaccurate when the cutting trace has a non-circular shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tool radius compensation value variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the compensation value based on the instantaneous position of the cutting tool along the tool path, allowing the compensation to adapt to changing trace shapes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate non-circular trace compensation without requiring a completely different control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of tool radius compensation from a constant value to a position-dependent variable. By calculating and applying different compensation values at different positions along the tool path, the system achieves accurate compensation for non-circular traces. This parameter change approach maintains compatibility with existing control systems while improving precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting tool position is fixed, then the control system is simple, but the cutting trace can only be circular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cutting tool position dynamic by implementing a tool path control unit that moves the tool along a predetermined non-circular path. This dynamic positioning capability enables versatile cutting trace shapes while maintaining a relatively simple control structure by using predefined path data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the tool path geometry before the cutting operation. The tool path control unit uses this predetermined path information to guide the cutting tool, allowing the system to achieve complex trace shapes without real-time complex calculations during the actual cutting process.
3Manufacturing precision
If tool radius compensation is not applied, then the control system is simplest, but the cutting precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves cutting precision by changing the control parameter from no compensation to position-dependent compensation. The control unit calculates appropriate compensation values based on the tool's instantaneous position and the desired trace geometry, achieving high precision without requiring fundamentally complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with computational methods. Instead of using physical mechanisms to adjust tool position or orientation, the system uses software-based calculations to determine compensation values, simplifying the mechanical system while improving precision.
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 accurate tool radius compensation for non-circular cutting traces, improving the precision and effectiveness of cutting processes by dynamically adjusting the cutting tool path according to the shape of the cutting tool.
Implementation Method 1
a beam vibration mechanism that vibrates, in a non-circular vibration pattern, a beam spot of the laser beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A cutting machine (1) is provided with a machine main body (100) and an NC device (200). The NC device (200) controls the machine main body (100) and has a tool radius compensation amount calculation unit (201), a machining path calculation unit (202), and a drive control unit (203). The tool radius compensation amount calculation unit (201) generates tool radius compensation information (TC). The machining path calculation unit (202) generates a tool radius compensation control signal (TS). The drive control unit (203) generates a drive control signal (CS). The machine main body (100) has a machining unit (104) and a tool path control unit (300). The machining unit (104) cuts a workpiece (W) by changing a relative position thereof with respect to the workpiece (W). Based on the drive control signal (CS), the tool path control unit (300) controls a tool path corresponding to a cutting tool and having a non-circular shape.