Multi-Beam Laser Ablation for Deep Workpiece Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The effectiveness of laser-based workpiece separation methods decreases with increasing processing depth due to shadowing and changes in hole geometry, requiring multiple sweeps of the laser beam, which increases processing time and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a beam splitter optical unit to split the laser beam into multiple partial beams, which are focused along a separation line, with adjustable laser power per beam based on ablation depth to maintain efficient material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the laser beam is used for material ablation with increasing processing depth, then the ablation depth increases, but the effectiveness of the cutting process reduces due to shadowing and hole geometry changes
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is divided into multiple partial laser beams that are arranged next to one another along the separation line. This segmentation allows simultaneous ablation at multiple positions, compensating for the reduced effectiveness at greater depths by distributing the ablation task across multiple beams rather than relying on a single beam that must traverse the entire depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point ablation approach to a multi-point parallel ablation approach by arranging multiple partial laser beams side by side. This dimensional expansion from one beam to multiple beams allows the system to maintain cutting effectiveness despite the shadowing effects that occur with increased processing depth.
2Manufacturing precision
If the laser beam sweeps multiple times over the separation line to achieve sufficient ablation depth, then the material ablation effectiveness improves, but the processing time increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple partial laser beams are combined in parallel to perform ablation simultaneously at different positions along the separation line. This merging of multiple beams into a coordinated array eliminates the need for repeated single-beam traverses, achieving the same ablation effectiveness in a single pass and thereby reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple partial laser beams operate continuously and simultaneously along the separation line, maintaining useful ablation action at all times rather than requiring intermittent repeated passes. This continuous parallel action eliminates idle time between traverses and maintains constant productivity throughout the cutting process.
3Productivity
If multiple partial laser beams are used to increase ablation efficiency, then the processing time reduces, but the energy of each partial beam decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts parameters such as the number of partial beams, their spacing, and individual beam energies to optimize the balance between productivity and energy distribution. By changing these parameters, the invention achieves high ablation efficiency with multiple lower-energy beams while maintaining overall process effectiveness.
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 approach enhances the efficiency and edge quality of the cutting process by optimizing laser power distribution along the separation line, reducing processing time and maintaining consistent ablation speed across varying depths.
Implementation Method 1
splitting the laser beam into a plurality of partial laser beams using a beam splitter optical unit
Implementation Method 2
focusing the plurality of partial laser beams onto a surface of the workpiece and/or into a volume of the workpiece using a focusing optical unit
Implementation Method 3
ablating material of the workpiece along the separation line by introducing the laser pulses of the plurality of partial laser beams into the workpiece
Implementation Method 4
material ablation in the workpiece being able to be achieved by way of the laser beam impinging on the workpiece, the ablation for example being able to be achieved by sublimation of the workpiece
Implementation Method 5
the ablation for example being able to be achieved by sublimation of the workpiece or by fusing, with the melt subsequently being driven out
Data Source
AI summary
A method for separating a workpiece along a separation line by using laser pulses of a laser beam includes splitting the laser beam into a plurality of partial laser beams using a beam splitter optical unit, focusing the plurality of partial laser beams onto a surface of the workpiece and/or into a volume of the workpiece using a focusing optical unit, so that the plurality of partial laser beams are arranged next to one another and spaced apart from one another along the separation line, and ablating material of the workpiece along the separation line by introducing the laser pulses of the plurality of partial laser beams into the workpiece. The laser power per partial laser beam is adjusted depending on an ablation depth obtained in the workpiece.