Liquid Laser Processing Chamber With Orthogonal Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser processing in liquid environments creates micro- and nanoparticles that scatter the beam and form cavitation bubbles, leading to interference effects and limited processing size due to closed chamber designs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a process chamber featuring a transparent window, flow generators for orthogonal liquid flow, and adjustable positioning units to manage particle and bubble interference, allowing flexible chamber design for various workpiece sizes and improved cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser processing is performed in liquid to improve cooling and prevent material re-deposition, then cutting quality and surface quality are improved, but micro- and nanoparticles are created that scatter the laser beam and cause interference effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful particles and cavitation bubbles from the processing zone using a flow generator that creates liquid flow to transport these interfering elements away from the laser beam path, thereby eliminating beam scattering while maintaining the beneficial cooling effect of liquid processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic flow generated by a flow generator to create liquid movement that removes particles and bubbles from the processing area. The liquid flow acts as a transport medium to carry away interfering elements, solving the beam scattering problem while preserving the cooling advantage of liquid-based processing
2Stability of the object's composition
If a closed process chamber is used to contain the liquid processing environment, then processing stability is improved, but the processing size is limited and particle removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the process chamber into functional zones: a containment area for processing stability and an open area for particle removal. The flow generator creates directed flow paths that segment the liquid movement, allowing particles to be transported out of the processing zone while maintaining a stable liquid environment for the workpiece
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic liquid flow into the previously static closed chamber environment. The flow generator creates controllable liquid movement that adapts to different processing requirements, enabling both stable processing conditions and effective particle removal, while also allowing the processing volume to be effectively expanded
3Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid flow is introduced to remove particles and bubbles, then beam interference is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow generator performs multiple functions simultaneously: it creates liquid flow for particle and bubble removal, provides cooling to the workpiece, and maintains a stable liquid environment for laser processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while effectively reducing beam interference
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
Efficient removal of particles and bubbles reduces interference, enhances cutting quality, and enables processing of larger workpieces with optimized liquid flow and chamber configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam source for generating pulsed laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
laser processing methods are often divided into material-ablative and material-additive methods. Material-ablative laser processing methods include laser cutting and laser drilling
Implementation Method 3
the laser radiation used is usually focused on the workpiece to be processed by means of a focusing unit. The focused radiation locally heats the workpiece
Implementation Method 4
cavitation bubbles often form during processing, leading to additional interference effects
Implementation Method 5
a flow generator for generating a flow within the interior of the process chamber
Implementation Method 6
a first side having a transparent process window for letting pass laser radiation
Implementation Method 7
The relative movement of the focused laser radiation along the workpiece surface is typically achieved by using a laser scanner configured to redirect the laser radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for material-ablative laser processing of workpieces in liquid is provided witha laser beam source for generating pulsed laser radiation;a focusing unit for focusing the laser radiation onto a workpiece;and a process chamber for receiving a workpiece. The process chamber includesa first side having a transparent process window for letting pass laser radiation;a second side arranged opposite the first side;a chamber wall surrounding an interior of the process chamber; anda flow generator for generating a flow within the interior of the process chamber. The flow generator includes a first flow generator unit for generating a first flow along a first flow axis and a second flow generator unit for generating a second flow along a second flow axis; anda positioning unit for adjusting the position of the laser radiation on the workpiece.