Laser Build-Up Welding Machine with Movable Inert Gas Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools used for laser build-up welding face challenges in maintaining dimensional accuracy and preventing oxidation during the process, particularly due to temperature variations and the complexity of tool changes between machining and laser processing.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a movable shielding gas device equipped with an induction coil, which can be positioned around the workpiece to create a shielding gas atmosphere and preheat the workpiece, reducing oxidation and temperature gradients, and allowing for efficient tool configuration for both additive and subtractive processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a stationary shielding gas chamber is installed on the machine tool, then oxidation protection is provided, but the machine complexity and tool change difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding gas function is segmented from the main machine structure and implemented as a separate, movable gas device that can be independently positioned and removed. This allows the shielding gas chamber to operate as a modular component rather than a fixed integrated system, reducing overall machine complexity while maintaining oxidation protection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding gas device is designed to be movable rather than stationary, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to different workpiece locations and easily removed when not needed. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex fixed installations and tool change mechanisms, simplifying the overall machine structure
2Device complexity
If the shielding gas device is made movable and positionable, then the machine complexity is reduced and tool configuration is simplified, but the ability to maintain consistent shielding atmosphere may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control device monitors the position of the movable shielding gas device and adjusts gas flow parameters accordingly to maintain consistent shielding atmosphere regardless of position. This feedback mechanism ensures that oxidation protection reliability is maintained even as the device moves between different workpiece locations
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shielding gas device is designed to automatically position itself and adjust its operation based on workpiece requirements, reducing the need for complex external control systems. The device self-regulates to maintain proper shielding atmosphere, ensuring reliability without adding machine complexity
3Productivity
If tool changes between machining and laser processing are facilitated, then productivity increases, but the risk of contamination and oxidation during transition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable shielding gas device is positioned and activated in advance before tool changes occur, creating a protective atmosphere that prevents contamination during the transition between machining and laser processing tools. This preliminary shielding action ensures that the workpiece remains protected throughout the tool change process, maintaining both productivity and contamination control
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 solution enhances processing accuracy, reduces processing time, and allows for simultaneous machining of multiple workpieces by preventing oxidation and minimizing temperature gradients, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
The machine tool (100) comprises a shielding gas device (108) which can be filled with a shielding gas for processing the workpiece (105A) by the laser head (101) under a shielding gas atmosphere, and a positioning device for moving and positioning the shielding gas device (108) on the work table (105). The shielding gas device (108) has an induction coil (111) for preheating the workpiece (105A).
Implementation Method 2
The shielding gas device (108) has an induction coil (111) for preheating the workpiece (105A).
Implementation Method 3
The so-called laser build-up welding is a special form of additive manufacturing in which the shaping is created by adding a material in which a surface of a workpiece is processed by applying and fusing a secondary material (e.g. metal powder, wire) by means of a laser beam.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a machine tool (100) having a work table (105) for mounting at least one workpiece (105A), a laser head (101) having a powder nozzle (106) for applying a material to the workpiece and for welding the material to the workpiece (105A), a laser head positioning device for positioning the laser head with respect to the workpiece in order to machine the workpiece (105A) by application and welding of the applied material, an inert gas device (108), fillable with inert gas, for machining the workpiece (105A) by way of the laser head (101) under an inert gas atmosphere, and a positioning device for moving and positioning the inert gas device (108) on the work table (105), said machine tool (100) allowing flexible machining in the scope of subtractive and additive steps of machining a workpiece on a machine tool.