Laser Processing Head Liquid Column Suction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The liquid column jetted from a nozzle in laser beam processing machines collides with and splashes against the workpiece, causing water droplets to adhere to the nozzle and create turbulence, which deflects the pulse laser beam and prevents precise targeting.
Innovation Solution
A water droplet suction mechanism with an annular suction port is integrated below the liquid column forming mechanism, using negative pressure to remove adhering droplets and prevent them from contacting the liquid column, ensuring precise laser beam direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a liquid column is jetted from a jet nozzle to cool and guide the laser beam, then heat degradation of the workpiece is prevented and laser processing can be performed regardless of focal position, but water droplets adhere to the nozzle and create turbulence that deflects the laser beam
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful water droplets are extracted from the system by introducing a stream of dry gas (nitrogen or air) that flows along the inner wall of the nozzle to carry droplets away before they can fall back and create turbulence. This separates the cooling function from the harmful droplet accumulation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
A stream of dry gas is introduced as an intermediary substance between the liquid column and the nozzle inner wall. This gas stream acts as a mediator that captures water droplets through airflow, preventing them from adhering to the nozzle and disrupting the liquid column stability.
2Temperature
If the liquid column is used to cool the workpiece during laser processing, then heat degradation is prevented, but the liquid column becomes unstable due to droplet turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
Unstable water droplets are extracted from the liquid column system by introducing dry gas flow that captures and removes droplets before they can fall back and disrupt the column stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Dry gas serves as an intermediary that stabilizes the liquid column by intercepting droplets through airflow, preventing them from rejoining the column and causing turbulence.
3Manufacturing precision
If a protective coating film is applied to the workpiece surface before laser processing, then debris adhesion is prevented, but productivity decreases due to the additional step
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid column itself serves a dual function: it cools the workpiece and also acts as a protective barrier that prevents laser-induced debris from adhering to the device surface, eliminating the need for separate protective coating steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid column is given multiple functions: it serves as both a cooling medium to prevent heat degradation and as a protective barrier against debris adhesion, replacing the need for separate protective coating processes.
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
Prevents deflection of the laser beam by removing splashed water droplets, allowing for precise laser processing by maintaining the stability of the liquid column and ensuring accurate targeting.
Implementation Method 1
a water droplet suction mechanism disposed below the liquid column forming mechanism and provided with an insertion passage through which a liquid column jetted from the jet nozzle is passed and with an annular suction port formed to surround the insertion passage and communicate with suction means
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam processing machine is provided which includes a laser beam irradiation unit including a laser beam oscillation unit and a processing head provided with a condenser lens condensing a laser beam oscillated from the laser beam oscillation unit. The processing head includes a liquid column forming mechanism provided with a jet nozzle adapted to jet liquid along an optical path for the laser beam condensed by the condenser lens, and a water droplet suction mechanism disposed below the liquid column forming mechanism and provided with an insertion passage through which a liquid column jetted from the jet nozzle is passed and with an annular suction port formed to surround the insertion passage and communicate with suction means.