Laser Cutting Support Channels for Miniature Workpiece Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser cutting supports face challenges in securely fixing delicate workpieces and efficiently removing process gas, particularly when producing miniature components, due to small support areas, wear, damage to workpieces, and inefficient gas extraction.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing support with a flat, continuous surface and integrated channels below the support surface, where the channels can be opened selectively to facilitate gas removal and secure workpiece fixation, using materials like metal or ceramic that can be processed with laser radiation, and incorporating additive manufacturing for complex channel designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional contoured laser cutting supports are used, then the workpiece can be positioned for laser processing, but the support areas are too small to ensure secure support of the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into multiple functional zones: a flat support surface area for workpiece placement, and separate channel structures for gas removal. This segmentation allows the support surface to provide adequate area for secure workpiece support while channels handle gas extraction independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves gas removal functionality to a different dimension by creating channels beneath the support surface rather than attempting to integrate support and gas removal on the same plane. This vertical dimensionality allows the support surface to maintain large area while channels provide gas extraction pathways.
2Reliability
If conventional contoured laser cutting supports are used, then the workpiece can be positioned, but the support points wear out after just a few cutting operations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex contoured surfaces that wear at contact points, the invention uses a simple flat support surface that distributes contact evenly. The channels are positioned beneath this simple surface, allowing the support function to be copied repeatedly without wear accumulation at specific points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface is made homogeneous and flat rather than contoured, distributing mechanical contact uniformly across the surface. This homogeneity prevents localized wear at support points, extending the service life of the support element.
3Reliability
If conventional contoured laser cutting supports are used, then the workpiece can be positioned, but the support points leave damage on the workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of point contact damage is extracted by removing the contoured support points entirely. The flat support surface distributes contact pressure uniformly, while gas removal functionality is extracted into separate subsurface channels, eliminating the source of workpiece damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The homogeneous flat support surface distributes mechanical contact uniformly across the workpiece, preventing localized stress concentrations that cause damage. This uniform distribution protects workpiece integrity while maintaining positioning capability.
4Productivity
If conventional laser cutting supports are used, then the workpiece can be processed, but the removal of the process gas is difficult as it has to travel long distances and is difficult to extract
Solution Approach 1:
The channels act as intermediary structures beneath the support surface, providing dedicated pathways for process gas removal. These intermediaries capture gas close to the laser processing zone and transport it away, eliminating the need for gas to travel long distances across the workpiece surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas removal is moved to a different dimension by creating subsurface channels rather than relying on surface-level gas flow. This vertical channel structure allows gas to be extracted directly from beneath the workpiece, dramatically reducing gas travel distance and improving removal efficiency.
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 solution enables secure fixation and damage-free processing of miniature workpieces by providing a flat support surface and efficient gas removal through the channels, reducing process gas flow counterpressure and preventing thermal inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
The support element is formed from a material that can be processed using laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
processing the support element by means of a laser processing process to produce at least a first processing contour in the support surface
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of channels are provided beneath the support surface, which are designed to discharge process gas used in the manufacture of the workpiece by means of a laser processing process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laser cutting support comprising a support element (2) having a support surface (2.1), wherein the support element (2) is formed from a material which can be processed by means of laser radiation and wherein a plurality of channels (3) are provided below the support surface (2.1).