Vacuum Sucker Unloading During Laser Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser cutting methods in machine tools with redundant axes face inefficiencies during the unloading of workpiece parts, leading to time delays and reduced productivity due to the need for machine axes to stop and restart, resulting in start marks on cut edges and limited speed synchronization between dynamic and automation axes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an unloading element, such as a vacuum sucker, that decelerates synchronously with the workpiece and activates vacuum suction after the workpiece has stopped, allowing for parallel processing and immediate unloading without time delays, while maintaining constant cutting speed by dividing laser beam movement into main and auxiliary axes and switching machining modes without breaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the machine axes stop before the workpiece part is cut free and the workpiece part is secured to the vacuum suction cup, then the workpiece part is prevented from tipping during cutting free, but the highly dynamic machine axes can only move slowly in accordance with the maximum speed of the automation axes
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading element is positioned and vacuum is activated before the cutting free operation begins, so that the workpiece part is already secured to the unloading element during the final cut. This preliminary action allows the workpiece part to be stabilized in advance, enabling high-speed cutting without risking tipping, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine axes stop and restart during mode switching, then the laser beam can be re-ignited in slave machining mode, but start marks are created at the place of the cut edge where the laser beam stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is kept active and continues to move without stopping during the mode transition from master to slave machining mode. The control system coordinates the axes movements and laser power delivery to maintain continuous cutting action, thereby eliminating start marks and preserving cut edge quality while enabling mode switching.
3Productivity
If the unloading element is activated before the workpiece comes to a standstill, then unloading can begin earlier, but the workpiece part may tip or the vacuum suction may be compromised during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading element is positioned and vacuum is activated in advance, but only after the workpiece has decelerated to a standstill or near-standstill condition. This timing ensures that the vacuum suction is established when relative motion is minimal, preventing tipping and suction loss, while still enabling immediate unloading once the cut is complete, thus optimizing both productivity and reliability.
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 the efficient unloading of workpiece parts without time delays, maintaining productivity by synchronizing the unloading element with the workpiece's deceleration, preventing tipping, and ensuring constant cutting speed, thus eliminating start marks and optimizing the removal process.
Implementation Method 1
an unloading element having a vacuum sucker
Data Source
AI summary
In the method according to the disclosure for the unloading of a workpiece part from a workpiece, in parallel with processing time, by means of an unloading element, e.g. a vacuum sucker, the workpiece part is cut from an especially plate-form workpiece by means of a laser beam. The movement of the laser beam relative to the workpiece at least along a first movement axis (X) is divided into a movement of the workpiece and a movement of the laser beam. Before executing a final cut, which separates the workpiece part from the workpiece, the workpiece is decelerated until standstill and the final cut is then executed for example, by moving the laser beam. The workpiece part is being unloaded by an unloading element that operates at least partially during cutting of the workpiece. The unloading element operates according to one of three operating options.