Laser Beam Vibration Control for Consistent Sheet Metal Kerf
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining apparatuses face challenges in cutting sheet metal effectively when the focal point of the laser beam is moved orthogonal to the surface while vibrating the beam in a predetermined pattern, as they fail to maintain consistent cutting quality and kerf width.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining apparatus and method that includes a machining head, focusing lens, moving mechanism, beam vibration mechanism, focal point moving mechanism, and control sections to precisely control the focal point and vibration amplitude of the laser beam, allowing it to be moved orthogonally and vibrated in specific patterns to maintain consistent cutting performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the focal point of the laser beam is moved in the orthogonal direction while vibrating the beam in a predetermined pattern, then the cutting range is expanded, but the kerf width becomes inconsistent and cutting quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the vibration amplitude adjustable based on focal point position. When the focal point is moved in the orthogonal direction, the system dynamically changes the vibration amplitude to compensate for the focal shift, thereby maintaining consistent kerf width across different cutting depths and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vibration amplitude parameter according to the focal point position in the orthogonal direction. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system compensates for focal variations and maintains uniform cutting width, resolving the contradiction between expanded cutting range and consistent kerf width.
2Length of moving object
If the focal point position is changed in the orthogonal direction, then different cutting depths are achieved, but the cutting quality deteriorates due to inconsistent energy distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the vibration amplitude based on the focal point's orthogonal position. This dynamic adjustment ensures that energy distribution remains consistent even when cutting at different depths, thereby maintaining high cutting quality across the full range of focal positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback control where the vibration amplitude is adjusted according to the focal point position. This feedback mechanism ensures that any deviation in focal position is compensated by corresponding changes in vibration amplitude, maintaining consistent cutting quality throughout the process.
3Productivity
If beam vibration is applied during laser cutting, then cutting speed is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control section serves multiple functions: it controls both the focal point position and the vibration amplitude based on the focal position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while still achieving improved cutting speed through beam vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vibration amplitude parameter according to focal point position, allowing the system to optimize cutting speed across different cutting conditions. This parameter adjustment approach enables productivity improvement without requiring complex additional control mechanisms, as it builds upon the existing focal control system.
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
Enables favorable cutting of sheet metal with maintained kerf width and expanded cutting range, even when the focal point is moved orthogonal to the surface, by adjusting the vibration amplitude based on the focal point position, ensuring high-quality cuts.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing lens configured to focus the laser beam to irradiate a sheet metal with the laser beam so as to form a beam spot on a surface of the sheet metal
Implementation Method 2
a beam vibration mechanism configured to vibrate the laser beam when the sheet metal is cut by the irradiation of the sheet metal with the laser beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A galvano scanner unit (32) vibrates a laser beam when sheet metal (W) is cut by irradiation of the sheet metal (W) with the laser beam while a machining head is relatively moved with respect to the sheet metal (W). A focusing lens drive section (340) moves a focal point of the laser beam with which the sheet metal (W) is irradiated in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a surface of the sheet metal (W). A focal position control section (502) controls the focusing lens drive section (340) to locate the focal point of the laser beam in a predetermined position in the orthogonal direction. A galvano control section (501) controls the galvano scanner unit (32) to change an amplitude with which the laser beam is vibrated, according to a position of the focal point in the orthogonal direction.