Laser Beam Vibration Control for Precise Sheet Metal Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser machining apparatuses lack the ability to appropriately select a vibration pattern for the laser beam based on specific machining conditions of sheet metals, which affects the cutting efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining apparatus and method that include a moving mechanism, a beam vibrating mechanism, and a machining condition setting section to select and set a vibration pattern of the laser beam according to specified machining conditions, using a machining program and database to control the movement and vibration of the laser beam for precise cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed vibration pattern is used for laser beam cutting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and cutting quality deteriorate when machining conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of vibration patterns based on machining conditions. The system automatically adjusts the vibration pattern (e.g., circular, linear, elliptical) and parameters (amplitude, frequency) according to the sheet metal thickness, material type, and cutting speed specified in the machining program, rather than using a fixed vibration pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters of the vibration pattern including the vibration type (circular, linear, elliptical), amplitude, frequency, and phase based on the machining conditions. The machining condition setting section reads the machining program and automatically selects appropriate vibration parameters to optimize cutting quality for different sheet metal thicknesses and materials.
2Manufacturing precision
If the vibration pattern is manually set for each machining condition, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically reading the machining program, identifying the sheet metal thickness and material type from the machining conditions, and selecting the appropriate vibration pattern without requiring manual intervention. The machining condition setting section automatically configures the vibration parameters based on the machining program data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the machining program information (sheet metal thickness, material type, cutting speed) to automatically adjust the vibration pattern. The machining condition setting section continuously monitors the machining conditions and adjusts the vibration parameters in real-time to maintain optimal cutting precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the vibration pattern is changed for each machining condition, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining multiple vibration patterns (circular, linear, elliptical) with different parameters in the control device. The machining condition setting section reads the machining program in advance and automatically selects the appropriate pre-defined vibration pattern based on the sheet metal thickness and material type, eliminating the need for manual pattern creation or adjustment during setup.
4Ease of operation
If a single vibration pattern is used for all sheet metal thicknesses, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates for varying thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent automatically changes the vibration parameters including amplitude, frequency, and pattern type based on the sheet metal thickness specified in the machining program. For thin sheets, smaller amplitude and frequency are used, while for thick sheets, larger amplitude and different pattern types are selected to maintain cutting precision across varying thicknesses.
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 the appropriate selection of vibration patterns for laser beams, improving cutting efficiency and precision by aligning the machining conditions with the specific requirements of the sheet metal, resulting in higher quality cuts and product shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a beam vibrating mechanism configured to vibrate the laser beam for irradiation on the sheet metal
Data Source
AI summary
A moving mechanism relatively moves a machining head emitting a laser beam, with respect to a sheet metal along a surface of the sheet metal. A beam vibrating mechanism vibrates the laser beam for irradiation on the sheet metal, while the machining head is relatively moved by the moving mechanism. A machining condition setting section sets pattern selection information to select a vibration pattern of the laser beam by the beam vibrating mechanism, and a parameter to determine a vibrating way in the vibration pattern, in accordance with machining conditions specified for each machining command to machine the sheet metal in a machining program generated to machine the sheet metal, and including a machining velocity of the sheet metal associated with relative movement of the machining head by the moving mechanism.