Numerical Controller Laser Cutting Speed Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numerical controllers struggle to achieve the required block processing time (BPT) for high-speed laser cutting, leading to waiting times and decreased cutting speed due to the need for multiple command blocks for switching laser outputs.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller that divides the laser cutting range into sections with individual laser outputs, storing division and laser output conditions associated with a cutting condition identifier, allowing for sequential application of these conditions through a single command block, thereby reducing BPT and eliminating waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple command blocks are used to switch laser outputs for different sections, then laser output switching is achieved, but block processing time increases and cutting speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple command blocks into a single command block by integrating section division information and laser output conditions into one unified command structure. This allows the numerical controller to process all section information and laser output switching instructions in one block, eliminating the need for multiple separate command blocks and thereby reducing block processing time while maintaining the ability to switch laser outputs across different sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing laser output conditions for multiple sections within the single command block before execution. The numerical controller reads all section information and corresponding laser output conditions in advance, prepares the execution data beforehand, and then executes the entire cutting path with automatic laser output switching. This eliminates waiting time during execution and improves cutting speed.
2Productivity
If the number of command blocks is reduced to improve cutting speed, then block processing time decreases, but the ability to switch laser outputs between sections is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the command block structure by incorporating section identification information and associated laser output conditions as additional data fields within the single command block. Instead of using multiple separate command blocks along the time dimension, the solution embeds multi-section information within the spatial/structural dimension of a single command block, allowing the controller to differentiate sections and switch laser outputs without increasing the number of command blocks.
3Productivity
If block processing time is shortened to match high cutting speeds, then cutting speed is maintained, but processing accuracy and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing complete data preparation and validation for the entire cutting path within the single command block before execution begins. The numerical controller reads all section information, validates the cutting conditions, and prepares the execution data in advance during the shortened block processing time. This upfront preparation ensures that all necessary information is verified before cutting starts, maintaining reliability even with reduced processing time during actual cutting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a numerical controller, a numerical control method and a numerical control program enabling to improve laser cutting speed. A numerical controller for dividing a laser cutting range into a plurality of sections and performing cutting in the respective sections with individual laser outputs includes a nonvolatile memory for storing division conditions and laser output conditions for the plurality of respective sections in association with a cutting condition identifier, and a CPU for specifying the cutting condition identifier as a command value along with an axial movement command in a cutting program, thereby sequentially applying the stored laser output conditions to the plurality of respective sections.