Laser-Induced Plasma Channel for Arc Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing workpieces with laser and arc devices face limitations in achieving high power density and energy input, leading to inefficiencies in material processing accuracy, speed, and material destruction.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that increase the conductivity of the plasma gas jet by directing a laser beam into the plasma gas jet immediately before it hits the workpiece, creating a channel that enhances arc current and energy input, allowing for precise control of the plasma channel diameter and ionized gas concentration, thereby improving processing efficiency and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a laser beam is directed into the plasma gas jet to create a channel and increase conductivity, then energy input and processing precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser device and arc device into a single processing system where the laser beam is integrated into the plasma gas jet path. The laser channel creation and arc discharge occur in the same spatial region, merging two energy sources to achieve synergistic effects in material processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma gas jet serves as an intermediary medium between the laser beam and the workpiece. The laser beam first ionizes the plasma gas to create a conductive channel, which then guides the arc discharge to the workpiece surface, enabling controlled energy delivery.
2Productivity
If arc current is increased through laser-induced plasma channel, then processing speed and energy input improve, but material destruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser creates a localized plasma channel with high conductivity in a specific region of the plasma gas jet. This concentrates the arc current into a focused pathway, delivering high energy density to the target area while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the plasma gas from neutral to ionized by laser irradiation. This parameter change increases electrical conductivity by several orders of magnitude, enabling controlled high-current arc discharge with precise spatial localization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If plasma gas jet conductivity is increased by laser beam, then arc current and energy input improve, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is activated first to pre-ionize the plasma gas and create the conductive channel before the arc discharge is initiated. This preliminary action prepares the medium for subsequent arc current flow, ensuring stable and controllable energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam continuously maintains the plasma channel ionization state during the arc discharge process. This continuous energy input ensures sustained high conductivity throughout the processing cycle, enabling stable arc current flow without interruption.
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 approach enables increased energy input with reduced material destruction and higher precision, allowing for effective surface treatment, cutting, welding, and joining of materials like steel and aluminum, while maintaining high processing speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the laser beam is brought up to the plasma gas jet from the outside and cuts the plasma gas jet. This creates a channel through the laser beam within the plasma gas jet, which causes a controlled increase in the conductivity of the plasma gas jet
Implementation Method 2
an arc device (28), through which a plasma gas jet (23) is directed onto a processing point (22) of a workpiece (12)
Implementation Method 3
A laser beam (19) from a laser device (17) is directed onto a workpiece (12), the laser beam being focused via a focusing lens
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for processing workpieces (12) by means of a laser apparatus and an arc apparatus, wherein one or more arcs of the arc apparatus are guided by a laser beam (19) of the laser apparatus as a guide apparatus, wherein between the arc apparatus and a processing location (22) on or in the workpiece (12), a plasma gas jet (23) is fed by the arc apparatus to the processing location (22), wherein immediately before the plasma gas jet strikes the processing location (22) of the workpiece (12), the laser beam (19) is moved to the plasma gas jet (23) from outside and cuts the plasma gas jet (23), or the at least one laser beam (19) is oriented completely within the plasma gas jet (23), and a channel for increasing the conductivity of the plasma gas jet (23) in a controlled manner is formed in the plasma gas jet (23) by the laser beam (19); and a device therefor.