Laser Beam Path Switching for Faster Melt-to-Cut 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 slower processing speeds due to the need for a second oscillator's rise time and periods of low power or beam stoppage.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing device that switches between a first optical path for high-power, small-diameter beams suitable for melting and a second optical path for larger-diameter beams suitable for processing, eliminating the need for a second oscillator's rise time by using a single laser oscillator and a laser-beam switching apparatus to control the beam path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two laser oscillators are used to provide different beam diameters, then both melting and processing functions are achieved, but control complexity increases and processing speed decreases due to rise time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into multiple paths (first optical path with condenser lens for small beam diameter, second optical path for larger beam diameter), allowing selection of appropriate beam characteristics for different processing stages without requiring multiple laser oscillators
Solution Approach 2:
A laser beam switching apparatus acts as an intermediary device that redirects the laser beam from the single oscillator to different optical paths based on processing requirements, eliminating the need for complex multi-oscillator coordination
2Adaptability or versatility
If two laser oscillators are used, then different beam diameters are available, but processing speed is reduced due to rise time and beam stoppage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The laser oscillator operates continuously without interruption, switching between different optical paths maintains uninterrupted laser beam delivery to the workpiece, eliminating idle periods associated with oscillator startup and shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is made dynamically switchable between different configurations during operation, allowing real-time adaptation of beam diameter without stopping the laser source or requiring multiple oscillators
3Productivity
If a single laser oscillator is used with optical path switching, then processing speed improves, but beam diameter adaptability must be maintained through path selection
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser oscillator is made multi-functional through the optical path switching system, enabling it to serve both melting (small beam diameter) and processing (larger beam diameter) functions by redirecting the beam through different optical paths
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 laser processing with high-power density for melting and subsequent processing with beams of suitable diameter for laser cutting, reducing unnecessary downtime and enhancing overall processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second laser oscillator emits a laser beam, and the laser beam propagates through a fiber
Implementation Method 2
a condenser lens concentrates the emitted laser on a point to be processed
Implementation Method 3
a condenser lens concentrates the emitted laser on a point to be processed
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
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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.