NC Program Generator for Laser Machining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining techniques are inefficient as they do not minimize movement time, leading to potential collisions and defects, especially when using linear interpolation movements, and result in suboptimal machining times due to unnecessary retraction of the machining head.
Innovation Solution
An NC program generating device that selects between rapid traverse and linear interpolation movement commands based on calculated movement times to determine the shortest path, using a movement time calculation unit and movement method selection unit to generate an NC program that optimizes machining speed and prevents collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rapid traverse command is used to move machining head between machining points, then movement speed is improved, but machining head may collide with workpiece or machining table
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between rapid traverse command (G00) and linear interpolation movement command (G01) based on real-time analysis of machining locus geometry. When the locus allows safe rapid movement, G00 is used for high speed; when the locus requires tracing to avoid collisions, G01 is used for safety. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and collision risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the movement control parameters by selecting different NC commands (G00 vs G01) based on machining conditions. The movement method selection unit analyzes the machining locus and determines whether to use rapid traverse (higher speed parameter) or linear interpolation with tracing (lower speed parameter but safer path), thereby adjusting the speed-safety balance according to specific machining scenarios.
2Reliability
If linear interpolation movement command is used to always trace workpiece, then collision risk is reduced, but machining time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machining path is segmented into multiple sections, and for each section between machining points, the system independently determines whether to use rapid traverse or linear interpolation based on local geometry analysis. This segmentation allows the system to apply the safest method only where necessary while using faster methods elsewhere, thereby reducing overall machining time while maintaining collision prevention where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always using linear interpolation (excessive safety action), the system applies tracing-only movement (G01) partially only when the machining locus geometry requires it for collision avoidance. For other sections where the path is clear, rapid traverse (G00) is used, thus avoiding unnecessary time loss while still providing sufficient safety where needed.
3Reliability
If machining head is retracted to predetermined height before moving to next machining point, then collision risk is reduced, but movement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the machining locus geometry before generating movement commands. By analyzing the path in advance, the system can determine whether rapid traverse is safe or if linear interpolation with tracing is required, eliminating the need for conservative retraction-to-predetermined-height movements in all cases. This preliminary assessment allows optimized movement that maintains safety while reducing unnecessary time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an NC program generating device that generates an NC program used in laser machining, using a rapid traverse command that moves a relative position between a machining head and a workpiece at a first movement speed, and a linear interpolation movement command that moves the relative position at a second speed, while causing the relative position to trace the workpiece, the device comprising: a movement time calculation unit that calculates a first movement time of the relative position when using the rapid traverse command and a second movement time of the relative position when using the linear interpolation command, a movement method selection unit that selects the movement command corresponding to the shorter time of the first movement time and the second movement time, and an NC program generating unit that generates an NC program by setting the selected movement command between the machining points.