Sheet Metal Cutting Path Correction for Strip Width Deviations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet metal cutting installations struggle to maintain accuracy when the sheet metal strip deviates from a constant width or has non-homogeneous supply, leading to deviations in the cut format from the predetermined contour.
Innovation Solution
A method and installation that measure deviations in the sheet metal strip's width by detecting distances from reference points perpendicular to the movement direction, allowing for the calculation and adjustment of a corrected cutting path for the cutting head to ensure the desired contour is achieved, even with deviations in the sheet metal strip's supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the cutting head follows a predetermined cutting path based on ideal sheet metal supply conditions, then the cutting process is simple and efficient, but the cut format deviates from the predetermined contour when the sheet metal strip has width variations or supply deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the actual position of the sheet metal strip edges relative to reference points during the cutting process. These measurements are fed back to the control device, which calculates a corrected cutting path based on the detected deviations. The cutting head then follows this corrected path, ensuring that the final format contour matches the predetermined contour despite variations in sheet metal supply or width.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting path is transformed from a static predetermined trajectory to a dynamic corrected trajectory that adapts in real-time to the actual sheet metal strip conditions. The control device continuously adjusts the cutting head's movement path based on current measurements of strip position and width, making the cutting system responsive to varying input conditions while maintaining output precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cutting path is adjusted to compensate for sheet metal strip deviations, then the cut format accuracy is maintained, but the control system becomes more complex requiring additional measurement and calculation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs measurement devices that continuously monitor the actual position of the sheet metal strip edges during cutting. These measurements provide feedback to the control device, which processes the data and generates a corrected cutting path. This closed-loop control ensures that format contour precision is maintained while the added complexity is confined to the measurement and calculation subsystems, not the fundamental cutting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a computational approach. Instead of physically adjusting the cutting path through mechanical means, the system uses measurement devices and control algorithms to calculate and guide the corrected path, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic and computational systems that offer greater precision and flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cutting head moves according to a corrected cutting path calculated from measured distances, then the desired format contour is achieved despite sheet metal variations, but the cutting process time increases due to real-time measurement and calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement of strip position and width, the calculation of the corrected cutting path, and the execution of the cut are performed continuously and simultaneously during the cutting process. The system does not pause or interrupt the cutting operation to perform measurements or calculations; instead, these functions occur in parallel, ensuring that the useful action of cutting continues uninterrupted while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device pre-calculates the corrected cutting path based on initial measurements taken before the cutting head reaches each section of the strip. This allows the cutting head to immediately follow the corrected path without delay, as the correction data is already prepared and available, eliminating any potential interruption to the cutting speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and installation for cutting a sheet metal format with a predetermined contour from a sheet metal strip supplied in a forward movement direction. The sheet metal is cut by means of a cutting head. A distance is measured from a point of an edge of the sheet metal strip aligned with the cutting head in a direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction is measured with respect to a reference point and in perpendicular direction. A corrected cutting path is calculated from a predetermined cutting path depending on the measured distance, and the cutting head is caused to follow the corrected cutting path.