Machining Center Laser Edging for Free-Form Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining centers for wooden workpieces are limited in their ability to perform laser-assisted edging of free forms, as the stationary laser technology only allows for edging one edge of a workpiece in the through-feed direction, restricting flexibility and applicability to continuous processes.
Innovation Solution
A machining center equipped with a movable radiation source and flexible beam paths that allow the laser radiation to be guided to the edging unit in multiple spatial directions, enabling relative movement between the workpiece and beam exit position in at least two dimensions, and using semiconductor lasers like diode or CO2 lasers with variable beam paths and shielding to ensure safety and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stationary laser technology is used for edging, then the edging process can be performed in a continuous through-feed manner, but only one edge of the workpiece can be edged in one clamping, limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The laser radiation source is made movable relative to the workpiece through a coupling mechanism that enables relative movement in at least one plane defined by two spatial directions. This dynamic configuration allows the laser beam to reach different edges of the workpiece during one clamping operation, thereby increasing versatility while maintaining continuous process capability
Solution Approach 2:
The edging unit is designed to perform multiple functions by enabling the laser radiation to edge multiple edges of the workpiece in different orientations. The coupling mechanism allows the beam exit position to be moved relative to the workpiece, making a single clamping operation universal for edging multiple edges rather than being limited to one edge only
2Productivity
If hot-melt adhesive is used for edging, then the edging process is simple and efficient, but visible glue joints form between the edge band and workpiece edge, adversely affecting appearance and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical adhesive application system is replaced with a laser-based thermal processing system. Instead of applying hot-melt adhesive that creates visible joints, the laser radiation directly melts the softer plastic component of the edge band, enabling welding with thermoplastic parts of the workpiece and diffusion into gaps, thereby eliminating visible glue joints while maintaining process efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The edge band material is designed with a two-component structure where the inner layer undergoes phase transition (melting) when irradiated by laser radiation. This phase transition allows the softer plastic to flow and connect with the workpiece through diffusion and welding, creating a seamless appearance without visible joints while maintaining efficient processing
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible beam path with variable length is used to guide laser radiation, then the beam can be guided to multiple positions, but the device complexity increases due to additional beam path components and shielding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The beam path system is designed with nested or integrated components where beam paths can be coupled together in different directions (first beam path in X direction, second beam path in Y direction, third beam path in Z direction). This nesting approach allows flexible positioning while managing complexity through systematic integration of beam path segments
Solution Approach 2:
The edging unit itself serves as an intermediary component that guides the laser beam from the beam path to the beam exit position. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by integrating beam guidance functions into the existing edging unit rather than requiring separate complex positioning mechanisms
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 solution allows for the laser-assisted edging of free forms and multiple edges of a workpiece, enhancing the machining center's flexibility and improving the appearance and quality of the finished product by eliminating visible glue joints.
Implementation Method 1
the laser radiation taken from the radiation source can be guided to the edging unit at a radiation exit position via a coupling mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the softer plastic component on the inside is melted, with the harder outer layer remaining unaffected
Implementation Method 3
The flowing material of the edge band irradiated in this way connects to the edge of the workpiece on the one hand by diffusing into existing gaps and on the other hand by welding with thermoplastic parts of the workpiece
Implementation Method 4
Tubes or other paths that can be shielded from the outside can be used as beam paths. The ability to be shielded is essential if, for example, the laser radiation is coupled into a first beam path
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machining center for workpieces (7, 8); particularly wood workpieces, comprises an edging aggregate (3) for applying edge strips (10) to the edge of the workpiece (7, 8) machined with a predefined contour shape. The workpiece (7, 8) and the machining aggregate (3) can be displaced relative to each other for applying the edge band (10). According to the invention, a beam source (13) generating a laser beam is designed for preparing the edge band (10) such that, when pressed onto the edge of the workpiece (7, 8), it adheres thereto. The laser beam taken from the beam source (13, 29) can be guided to a beam exit position (11, 21) at the edging aggregate by means of a decoupling mechanism, wherein the workpiece (7, 8) and the beam exit position (11, 21) are implemented relative to each other in a displaceable manner in at least one plane defined by two spatial directions (X, Y).