Laser Processing Sequence Planning for Single-Station Metal Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes for metal elements require multiple machines and complex sequencing, leading to increased costs and time consumption, as they involve various processes like laser cutting, bending, and forming, which are challenging to integrate into a single laser device without impairing the process sequence.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for planning laser processing sequences, including identifying base and processing structures, generating laser process specifications, and creating instructions for laser cutting, bending, and forming processes to produce a final metal element efficiently using a single laser device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple machines are used for different processing processes, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions (cutting, bending, forming, welding, heating) into a single laser device. The laser device is configured to perform multiple operations sequentially on the element, eliminating the need for separate machines for each process and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The laser device is designed as a universal processing system that can perform multiple different processing operations on elements. By implementing a control system that plans and sequences various laser processes, the single device achieves the versatility previously requiring multiple specialized machines
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple machines are used for different processing processes, then processing capability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple processing operations into one laser device, the element remains stationary and processes are performed sequentially without the time required for moving the element between different machines. The control system coordinates cutting, bending, forming, and welding operations in an optimized sequence within a single location
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary planning of the entire processing sequence before execution. It calculates the optimal order of operations and prepares processing paths in advance, enabling seamless transitions between different laser processes without idle time or repositioning delays
3Adaptability or versatility
If more operators are hired to operate multiple machines, then processing capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser device with its integrated control system performs processing operations autonomously without requiring multiple operators. The control system automatically plans, sequences, and executes multiple processing functions, and can self-adjust parameters based on feedback, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually operate and coordinate multiple specialized machines
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 method enables efficient and reliable manufacturing of complex metal elements by optimizing the sequence of processes, reducing the need for multiple machines and operators, and improving accuracy and time efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
identifying the laser processing to use, in order to process the element model into the final model, the laser processing comprising one or more of a laser cutting process, a laser bending process and a laser forming process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for planning laser processing of one or more elements into one or more final elements, such as planning a process of creating a final element from a sheet metal by creating a 5 model of both the sheet metal to be processed and the final element and determining a plurality of processing steps to create said final element. The method is based on a plurality of rules for taking into account, how to process the element by a plurality of processing steps, said processing steps comprising laser process specifications and generating at least a first set of instructions for an 10 associated laser processing device.