Laser Texture Engraving with Pixel-Based Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser ablation methods for engraving textures on physical objects are limited by inflexible machining parameters, requiring numerous layers and extensive processing time to achieve desired depth and optical effects, leading to inefficient machining and prolonged production cycles.

Innovation Solution

A 5-axis laser machine tool method that divides image pixels into groups based on characteristics, allowing tailored machining parameters for each group, enabling adaptive control of laser parameters such as power and pulse duration to optimize texture creation and reduce the number of required layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the same machining parameters are used for all pixels, then the machining process is simple to control, but the number of layers required increases and processing time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidmachining parameter control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image representing the texture is divided into multiple pixel groups based on characteristics such as gray level values. Each pixel group is assigned a specific set of machining parameters, allowing different parameters to be applied to different regions of the workpiece surface. This segmentation enables optimized processing for each region, reducing the total number of layers needed and shortening processing time without requiring complete reconfiguration of the machining system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different machining parameters (such as laser power, pulse duration, scanning speed) are assigned to different pixel groups based on their specific characteristics. This allows each region of the workpiece to be processed with parameters optimized for its local requirements, achieving better surface quality and depth control while reducing the overall number of passes needed compared to using uniform parameters across the entire surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the number of machining layers is increased to achieve desired depth, then the texture depth and quality improve, but the processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture depth controlVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes machining parameters (laser power, pulse duration, scanning speed) dynamically across different pixel groups rather than maintaining constant parameters. By adjusting parameters according to the specific requirements of each pixel group (e.g., based on gray level values representing desired depth), the system achieves the desired texture depth with fewer layers, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining or improving texture quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The machining process transitions from static, uniform parameters applied to all pixels to dynamic parameters that vary across different pixel groups. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize each region's processing in real-time, achieving the required depth and quality faster by avoiding unnecessary processing passes on areas that don't require maximum depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If uniform machining parameters are applied to all regions, then the control system remains simple, but the optical effects and surface quality vary poorly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical effect qualityVSAvoidparameter assignment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image is segmented into pixel groups based on characteristics like gray level values, with each group assigned specific machining parameters. This segmentation enables different optical effects to be achieved in different regions by tailoring parameters to local requirements, significantly improving surface quality and visual effects while using a straightforward grouping and assignment methodology that doesn't overly complicate the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By assigning different machining parameters to different pixel groups, each region of the workpiece can achieve its optimal surface quality and optical effects. For example, regions requiring high reflectivity can use parameters optimized for that effect, while other regions can use parameters for different optical characteristics, all within a unified control framework that manages complexity through systematic parameter grouping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach enhances machining flexibility and efficiency by allowing varying machining parameters for different pixel groups, reducing the number of layers needed to achieve desired depth and optical effects, thereby shortening processing time and improving the quality of the machined surface.

Implementation Method 1

Laser ablation methods are widely used for engraving a texture on the surface of a physical object by sublimating the material on the surface of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

by sublimating the material on the surface of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSublimation: Sublimation

Data Source

PatentEP4197687A1Laser ablation method for engraving a texture on a physical object
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 GF MACHINING SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP4197687A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4197687A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4197687A1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The present invention is related to a method for engraving a texture on a physical object by a laser beam emitted by a laser head through a galvanometer integrated in a machine tool, in particular a 5-axis laser machine tool comprises the following steps: providing an image representing the texture, wherein the image includes a plurality of pixels; defining a plurality of groups of the pixels in accordance with at least one characteristic of the pixels, assigning to each group of the pixels a set of machining parameters; emitting the laser beam on the physical object to engrave the texture on the surface of the object, wherein the set of machining parameter is applied to engrave the corresponding group of pixels on the physical object.