Non-Circular Tool Path Compensation in Laser Cutting Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cutting machines, such as laser machining devices, are unable to accurately compensate for the tool radius when the cutting trace has a non-circular shape, as they typically assume a circular shape based on fixed tool coordinates.

Innovation Solution

A cutting machine and method that include a tool radius compensation unit to generate compensation information and control signals for non-circular tool paths, allowing precise adjustment of the cutting tool's path based on product shape information, enabling accurate compensation even for non-circular cutting traces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional tool radius compensation is used assuming a circular cutting trace, then the compensation is simple and based on fixed tool coordinates, but it cannot accurately compensate when the cutting trace has a non-circular shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool radius compensation accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to non-circular cutting traces
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed tool coordinates to dynamic tool path control. The cutting trace shape information is obtained in real-time during machining, and the tool radius compensation amount is dynamically adjusted based on the actual cutting trace shape (circular or non-circular), enabling accurate compensation for both circular and non-circular traces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of tool radius compensation from a fixed value based on circular assumption to a variable parameter determined by the actual cutting trace shape. The control unit calculates different compensation amounts based on whether the trace is circular or non-circular, adapting the compensation parameter to match the actual machining conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the cutting machine uses fixed tool coordinates, then the control system is simple, but the cutting trace shape cannot be accurately controlled for non-circular products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting trace shape accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by obtaining cutting trace shape information during the machining process and using this information to adjust the tool radius compensation. The control unit receives feedback about whether the trace is circular or non-circular and automatically adjusts the compensation amount accordingly, improving accuracy without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining the cutting trace shape and calculating the appropriate tool radius compensation without external intervention. The control unit autonomously adjusts the compensation parameters based on the detected trace shape, eliminating the need for manual recalibration for different trace shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11537098B2Cutting machine and cutting method including tool radius compensation relative to a laser path
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 AMADA CO LTD
  • US11537098B2 patent drawing
  • US11537098B2 patent drawing
  • US11537098B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cutting machine is provided with a machine main body and an NC device. The NC device controls the machine main body and has a tool radius compensation amount calculation unit, a machining path calculation unit, and a drive control unit. The tool radius compensation amount calculation unit generates tool radius compensation information. The machining path calculation unit generates a tool radius compensation control signal. The drive control unit generates a drive control signal. The machine main body has a machining unit and a tool path control unit. The machining unit cuts a workpiece by changing a relative position thereof with respect to the workpiece. Based on the drive control signal, the tool path control unit controls a tool path corresponding to a cutting tool and having a non-circular shape.