Rotatable Laser Profile Measurement for SLM Edge Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser light profile measuring devices for selective laser melting (SLM) are large and can only measure laser light in one predetermined direction, making it difficult to accurately measure laser light profiles at the circumferential edge portion of the processing region.
Innovation Solution
A compact laser light profile measuring device that includes a reflection attenuation part, a capture unit, a cooling body, a refrigerant supply unit, and a rotation support part, allowing for accurate measurement of laser light profiles at both the central and circumferential edge portions of the processing region by aligning the radiation direction of the laser light with the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measuring device is disposed inside the chamber to measure laser light profile, then measurement capability is provided, but the device becomes large in dimensions and can only measure in one predetermined direction
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into a compact modular structure consisting of a measurement unit, a support unit with rotation mechanism, and a housing unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while reducing the overall device size and enabling multi-directional measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit incorporates a rotation mechanism that enables the measurement unit to rotate around the laser light incident path. This dynamic capability allows the device to measure laser light profiles from multiple directions and angles, resolving the limitation of fixed-direction measurement while maintaining a compact form factor.
2Device complexity
If a measuring device measures laser light only in one predetermined direction, then device structure is simplified, but accurate measurement at circumferential edge portion cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism in the support unit transforms the device from a static single-direction measurement tool to a dynamic multi-directional measurement system. The measurement unit can be rotated to align with laser light incident from different directions, enabling accurate measurement at both central and circumferential edge portions while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed with universal measurement capability through the rotation mechanism, allowing it to measure laser light profiles regardless of the incident direction. This multi-functionality enables the same device structure to accurately measure at various positions including central and circumferential edge portions of the processing region.
3Measurement precision
If the measurement unit is placed directly in the laser path, then direct measurement is achieved, but the measurement unit overheats due to laser heat
Solution Approach 1:
A housing unit with heat dissipation structure is introduced as an intermediary between the laser light path and the measurement unit. The housing allows the measurement unit to be positioned in the laser path for direct measurement while providing thermal isolation and active heat dissipation through refrigerant circulation, preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
A refrigerant circulation system is implemented within the housing unit to actively cool the measurement unit. The refrigerant flows through heat dissipation channels in the housing, absorbing heat from the measurement unit and carrying it away, thereby maintaining operational temperature despite direct exposure to laser heat.
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
The device enables precise and accurate measurement of laser light profiles at various angles, improving the quality of molded objects in SLM processes by allowing for better adjustment and control of laser light profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection attenuation part reflecting and attenuating at least part of laser light incident from a first direction in a direction different from the first direction to generate measurement target laser light traveling in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant supply unit configured to forcibly feed a refrigerant toward the cooling body
Data Source
AI summary
A laser light profile measuring device of the present disclosure includes a reflection attenuation part reflecting and attenuating at least part of laser light incident from a first direction in a direction different from the first direction to generate measurement target laser light traveling in the first direction, a capture unit placed on one side of the reflection attenuation part in the first direction and which captures the measurement target laser light, a cooling body covering at least part of the reflection attenuation part and the capture unit in a circumferential direction with respect to the first direction, a refrigerant supply unit forcibly feeding a refrigerant toward the cooling body, and a rotation support part supporting the reflection attenuation part, the cooling body, and the refrigerant supply unit to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction.