Laser Machining Path Compensation for Welding Shrinkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for welding elongated members do not adequately consider welding shrinkage, leading to difficulties in positioning and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A machining path generation method that includes modeling elongated members, determining welding shrinkage amounts, and correcting shapes to account for shrinkage, enabling the generation of machining paths that facilitate easy positioning and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional welding methods are used without considering shrinkage, then the welding process is simple, but the positioning precision and assembly accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The machining path generation model incorporates welding shrinkage compensation in advance by correcting the shape of the workpiece model based on predicted shrinkage amounts and positioning shapes. This preliminary correction ensures that after welding, the actual dimensions and positions match the design requirements, eliminating the need for post-welding adjustments or complex positioning jigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the machining path generation model by applying shape corrections based on welding shrinkage predictions. The model adjusts dimensions, positions, and orientations of features to compensate for expected shrinkage, transforming the original design model into a compensated machining model that accounts for welding-induced dimensional changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning jigs are used for welding elongated members, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the need for external positioning jigs by integrating shrinkage compensation directly into the machining path generation process. The positioning information that would traditionally be provided by physical jigs is instead embedded in the digitally corrected machining model, eliminating complex positioning hardware while maintaining assembly accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the positioning requirements within the machining path generation model. By correcting the virtual model to account for shrinkage, the system replicates the function of physical positioning jigs in the digital domain, allowing accurate positioning without physical intervention devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If welding shrinkage is not compensated in the machining path, then the machining process is straightforward, but the final dimensional accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary shape correction on the machining path generation model by calculating predicted welding shrinkage amounts and applying compensatory geometric transformations. This advance correction ensures that when the workpiece is actually welded and shrinks, the final dimensions match the design specifications, achieving high dimensional accuracy without complex post-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining process incorporates parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the machining path model to account for welding shrinkage. The system adjusts coordinates, dimensions, and feature locations in the digital model to compensate for expected dimensional changes during welding, transforming the machining parameters to achieve the desired final dimensions.
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 method allows for the generation of machining paths that consider welding shrinkage, ensuring accurate and easy positioning of elongated members, potentially reducing the need for positioning jigs.
Implementation Method 1
produce the first elongated member from a first elongated workpiece by irradiating the first elongated workpiece with a laser beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A machining path generation method includes: preparing a plurality of models including a first model obtained by modeling a first elongated member and a second model obtained by modeling a second elongated member; determining a first shape as a first positioning shape between the first elongated member and the second elongated member at a first welding portion defined as a portion where the first elongated member and the second elongated member are to be welded; determining a first value indicating a first shrinkage amount of the first elongated member as a result of the welding at the first welding portion; creating a first machining path generation model from the first model by correcting a shape of the first model based at least on the first shape and the first value; and generating a first machining path for producing the first elongated member based on the first machining path generation model.