Switchable Beam Profile Optical Irradiation Device for SLM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current selective laser melting (SLM) and selective laser sintering (SLS) technologies require two different beam profiles for core-shell strategies, necessitating the use of two separate beams and inefficient light utilization.
Innovation Solution
An optical irradiation device employing a multimode optical fiber and a switching device to selectively switch between a Gaussian and a homogeneous beam profile, allowing a single beam to be redirected for efficient core-shell processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If two separate beams with different beam profiles are used for core-shell processing, then the required beam profiles (Gaussian for shell, homogeneous for core) can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and light utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate beams into a single beam system. By using a beam switching device, the same optical path and laser source are shared between two different beam profiles (Gaussian and homogeneous), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver both beam types for core-shell processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability between different beam profiles using a beam switching device. The single beam can be dynamically reconfigured between Gaussian and homogeneous profiles based on processing requirements, allowing the system to adapt between different beam types without requiring separate static beam paths
2Manufacturing precision
If two separate beams are used for core-shell processing, then both beam profiles can be provided, but light utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single laser beam is designed to serve multiple functions by being switchable between Gaussian and homogeneous profiles. This multi-functionality allows the same light source to fulfill both beam profile requirements, improving light utilization efficiency by eliminating the need for separate laser sources and reducing energy waste
3Device complexity
If a single beam is used without switching capability, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform core-shell processing with different beam profiles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The beam switching device introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the single beam system. The beam profile can be changed on-demand between Gaussian and homogeneous types based on whether shell or core processing is required, providing adaptability without increasing the number of physical beams
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
Enables efficient production of three-dimensional workpieces by allowing a single beam to be switched between two profiles, optimizing light utilization and reducing the need for multiple beams, thus enhancing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a multimode optical fiber, which is suitable for multimode guidance for a central wavelength λ of a beam of light which has a first beam profile and enters through an input connection
Implementation Method 2
a laser, which generates a beam of light with a wavelength λ
Implementation Method 3
a switching device, which is switchable selectively between a first light conducting state and a second light conducting state and is configured for conducting the beam of light entering through the input connection to an output connection
Data Source
AI summary
An optical irradiation device is provided which includes a multimode optical fiber suitable for the central wavelength of a beam of light having a first beam profile which enters through an input connection for multimode guidance; a switching device, which can be switched between a first and second light conducting state and is configured to conduct the beam of light entering through the input connection in the first light conducting state to an output connection, such that the beam of light has the first beam profile on emerging from the output connection, and guides the beam of light entering the input connection to the output connection by the multimode optical fiber in the second light conducting state, so that the beam of light has a second beam profile different from the first beam profile on emerging from the output connection by the multimode guidance in the multimode optical fiber.