Switchable Laser Assembly for Fast Cutting and Edge Finishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing methods for producing cutting tools with high-quality edges and surfaces are inefficient and often compromise on edge quality due to heat-affected zones, which affect the properties of the cutting tool.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode laser processing device with a first laser head for high-power nanosecond pulses for rough machining and a second laser head for low-power picosecond pulses for precise ablation, allowing for efficient removal of heat-affected zones, enabling high-quality edge finishing in a single clamping process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-power nanosecond laser pulses are used for rough machining, then productivity is improved, but heat-affected zones are created that deteriorate edge quality
Solution Approach 1:
The laser processing is divided into two distinct segments: a first laser head for rough machining using high-power nanosecond pulses, and a second laser head for precision finishing using low-power picosecond pulses. This segmentation allows each laser head to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between productivity and precision by applying different processing modes to different stages of the same workpiece.
2Device complexity
If a single laser head is used for both rough and precision machining, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes impossible to eliminate heat-affected zones
Solution Approach 1:
The laser processing device is designed with multi-functionality, where two laser heads with different characteristics (nanosecond and picosecond pulses) are integrated into a single system. This allows the device to perform both rough machining and precision finishing functions, enabling the elimination of heat-affected zones while maintaining reasonable device complexity through shared control and positioning systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate processing steps are used for rough machining and finishing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rough machining and precision finishing operations are merged into a single integrated processing step by using two laser heads that can operate sequentially on the same workpiece without requiring removal and re-clamping. This combining of operations maintains high manufacturing precision while minimizing time loss by eliminating intermediate handling steps.
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 dual-mode approach enables efficient and high-quality production of cutting tools with reduced heat-affected zones, ensuring both economic processing and superior edge quality.
Implementation Method 1
In the first operating mode, the workpiece is processed by the thermal action of the laser pulses
Implementation Method 2
In the second operating mode, the laser arrangement processes the workpiece by laser ablation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The apparatus (10) has laser head (14) used for machining workpiece (11) at high advance speeds to form rough desired contour with pulses having duration in nanosecond range resulting in laser melt cutting, when apparatus casing is operated in predetermined operating mode. The laser pulses with having pulse duration in picoseconds range, and laser head (15) is activated by optical scanner system to direct laser pulses to two-dimensional pulse area on surface of workpiece for removing material by laser ablation, when apparatus casing is operated in preset operating mode. An independent claim is included for method for processing workpiece.