Laser Processing Head with Adjustable Powder Feeder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser cladding methods using powdered filler materials face challenges in controlling cladding track width and maintaining stable shielding properties during adjustments, as changing powder concentration position and diameter requires discontinuation of the cladding process and affects gas shielding properties.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing head with a powder feeder that allows independent vertical adjustment along the laser optical axis, adjustable powder delivery angle, and a gas flow mechanism to maintain constant shielding properties, enabling arbitrary control of cladding track width without disrupting the cladding operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the powder concentration position and powder concentration diameter are adjusted by vertically adjusting the relative position between the laser emitting unit and powder feed nozzle, then the cladding track width can be changed, but the shielding properties of the gas change and the cladding operation must be discontinued
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the adjustment of powder concentration parameters from the shielding gas system. The powder feeder can independently adjust powder concentration position and diameter without affecting the shield gas nozzle position, thus maintaining stable shielding properties while enabling cladding track width adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capability for the powder feeder position and powder concentration diameter during the cladding operation. This allows real-time modification of cladding track width without discontinuing the operation, while the shield gas system remains static to maintain stable shielding
2Adaptability or versatility
If the powder concentration position and powder concentration diameter are adjusted, then the cladding track width can be modified, but the distance between the laser emitting unit tip and workpiece surface changes, affecting the process stability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention decouples the adjustment mechanisms: the powder feeder can adjust powder concentration parameters independently without changing the laser emitting unit position relative to the workpiece. This segmentation allows track width modification while maintaining stable laser-workpiece distance and process conditions
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 precise control of cladding track width and powder concentration diameter during the process while maintaining stable shielding properties, allowing continuous operation and improved clad shape controllability.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitting unit to irradiate a workpiece with a laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing head in accordance with the present invention comprises: a laser emitting unit for irradiating a workpiece with a laser light; and a powder feeder disposed around a periphery of the laser emitting unit for discharging filler material powder to the workpiece, in which the powder feeder includes: a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position where the powder concentrates; and a powder concentration diameter adjustment mechanism for adjusting a diameter of the filler material powder. The laser processing head further comprises a controller for controlling the position adjustment mechanism and the powder concentration diameter adjustment mechanism.