Multi-Laser Machining Control for Synchronized Scanner Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining apparatuses require complex control systems to synchronously manage multiple lasers and scanners for additive manufacturing, necessitating the preparation and individual analysis of multiple machining programs to ensure precise coordination of laser beams on a powder bed.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a laser control unit that analyzes machining programs, generates condition commands, and includes storage for machining conditions, allowing for the easy synchronous control of multiple lasers and scanners by referencing and setting appropriate machining conditions and adjusting timing to ensure that laser beams from different systems irradiate the same location and scan the same path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple machining programs are prepared and analyzed individually for each laser system, then synchronous control of multiple lasers can be achieved, but the control complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser control systems into a unified control architecture where a single machining program is shared across all laser systems. The control device integrates machining program analysis, machining condition management, and laser control functions into one coordinated system, eliminating the need for separate program analysis for each laser while maintaining synchronous control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple laser systems through a single machining program. The machining condition information storage and retrieval mechanism allows the same program to be adaptively applied across different laser systems with different machining conditions, reducing control complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple machining programs are prepared for each laser system, then precise coordination of laser beams can be ensured, but the preparation and execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing machining condition information for multiple laser systems in a centralized database before actual machining operations. When a single machining program is executed, the control device automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-configured machining conditions for each laser system, eliminating the need for real-time program preparation and reducing execution time while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If complex control mechanisms are implemented to synchronously control multiple lasers, then laser beams can irradiate the same location and scan the same path, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copying mechanism where a single machining program is replicated and distributed to multiple laser control systems simultaneously. The control device copies the machining program and automatically matches it with stored machining condition information for each laser system, simplifying operator interaction while ensuring all systems execute the same machining path and timing requirements.
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 simplifies the control of multiple lasers and scanners, enabling efficient synchronous operation by preparing and executing a single machining program, which reduces complexity and enhances the precision and efficiency of additive manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
melts the powder material of the powder bed using a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
melts the powder material of the powder bed using a laser beam, and allows to solidify and fuse
Data Source
AI summary
In a control device for a laser machining apparatus including a plurality of lasers and a plurality of scanners which respectively scans laser beams outputted from the plurality of lasers, the control device includes: a laser control unit which controls the plurality of lasers, in which the laser control unit includes: a machining program analysis unit which analyzes a machining program, and generates a machining condition command for setting a machining condition of the plurality of lasers, a storage unit which stores machining condition information in which a plurality of the machining conditions and a plurality of the machining condition commands are respectively associated, and a plurality of machining condition reading units which references the machining condition information and reads a machining condition corresponding to a machining condition command analyzed by the machining program analysis unit, and sets the machining condition which was read in a laser of a control target.