Laser Machining Support Layout for Short Workpiece Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining apparatuses face challenges in accurately machining short workpieces due to bending caused by their own weight, leading to reduced accuracy and deflection issues during oblique machining.
Innovation Solution
The laser machining apparatus includes a chuck for rotating workpieces, a laser machining head for machining with a laser beam, and a parts catcher with multiple catcher workpiece supports that can adjust to support short workpieces, ensuring accurate machining by preventing bending and deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If short workpieces are supported only by the chuck, then the structure is simple, but the workpieces bend due to their own weight causing reduced machining accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A projected workpiece support is introduced as an intermediary component between the chuck and the short workpiece. This support extends from the chuck to provide additional support points for the workpiece, preventing bending caused by self-weight during machining while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a spatial dimension to the workpiece support system by extending a support structure from the chuck along the axial direction. This creates an additional support plane that divides the workpiece into supported sections, eliminating bending without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first workpiece support is positioned far from the chuck, then it can support longer workpieces, but short workpieces cannot be properly supported causing deflection during oblique machining
Solution Approach 1:
The laser machining head is configured to be movable relative to the workpiece support, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on workpiece length. For short workpieces, the head can be positioned closer to the chuck where the projected workpiece support provides effective support, preventing deflection during oblique machining while maintaining versatility for different workpiece lengths.
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
The apparatus enables precise machining of short workpieces by supporting them effectively, reducing deflection and improving accuracy, even during oblique machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
The laser machining head is provided on the first side and is configured to machine the projected workpiece with laser beam to manufacture a product
Data Source
AI summary
A laser machining apparatus includes a chuck configured to hold a workpiece such that the workpiece is rotatable about a rotational axis, a first workpiece support provided on a first side with respect to the chuck in an axial direction along the rotational axis and configured to support a projected workpiece projecting from the chuck on the first side, and a parts catcher configured to receive a product when the projected workpiece is not supported by the first workpiece support and convey the product to a loading dock. The parts catcher includes a first catcher workpiece support configured to support the projected workpiece. In the axial direction, a first distance between the first catcher workpiece support and the chuck is shorter than a second distance between the first workpiece support and the chuck.