A machine (M) for laser processing, in particular for laser cutting, of tubes and profiles, is described, which comprises at least one support element (10) for supporting the tube or profile being processed. The support element (10) comprises: a main body (14), a channel-like outer portion (16) of which defines a receiving cavity (12) for the tube, an outer layer (18) which covers the receiving cavity (12) and is intended to come into contact with the tube or profile when the latter is resting on the support element (10), and an intermediate layer (20) interposed between the outer layer (18) and the outer portion (16) of the main body (14) so as to support the outer layer (18), wherein the intermediate layer (20) is made as an elastically deformable structure, in particular as a three- dimensional lattice structure comprising a plurality of elementary cells interconnected with each other, so as to act as a dampening layer.
B23K 37/053 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work aligning cylindrical workClamping devices therefor
A machine (M) for laser processing, in particular for laser cutting, of tubes and profiles is described, which comprises at least one support element (10) for supporting the tube or profile being processed. The support element (10) comprises: a main body (14) having an outer portion (16) in the shape of a channel defining a receiving cavity (12) for the tube or profile, and an outer layer (18) which covers the receiving cavity (12) and is intended to come into contact with the tube or profile when the latter is resting on the support element (10). The outer layer (18) is made as a separate piece with respect to the outer portion (16) of the main body (14) and is connected to the latter in a removable manner.
B23K 37/053 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work aligning cylindrical workClamping devices therefor
A laser processing method comprises directing a laser beam onto a work piece, executing a relative movement between the laser beam and the work piece, monitoring the laser processing process, determining at least one first quality parameter and verifying whether the at least one first quality parameter corresponds to a respective desired first quality parameter. Process parameters may then be modified in response to a determination that the first quality parameter does not correspond to the desired first quality parameter. Further steps include estimating whether a second quality parameter corresponds to a desired second quality parameter after the modification of the process parameters during the preceding steps and varying the process parameters when the second quality parameter does not correspond to the desired second quality parameter until the second quality parameter corresponds to the desired second quality parameter.
A laser processing machine for metal workpieces selected from the group of elongated metal elements to produce cut workpieces, comprising a laser device (4) to direct a laser beam (5) onto the workpiece (2), a movement unit (6) to induce a relative movement between the workpiece (2) and the laser beam (5), a control unit (7) configured to control the laser device (4) and the movement unit (6) to cut the workpiece (2) according to a predetermined cutting pattern, a monitoring device (10) configured to acquire, in use, a plurality of images (11) of at least one portion of the workpiece (2) and an analysis unit (17). The analysis unit (17), for each zone (8), is configured to identify in the at least one image (11) the respective cut shape using in the identification of the respective cut shape the respective shape to be cut according to the cutting pattern. The analysis unit (17) is also configured to determine for each zone (8) in the at least one respective image (11) at least a first point (41) and at least a second point (42) of the identified cut shape and measures a measured distance (d) between the first point (41) and the second point (42).
A machine for the laser processing (1) is described, configured to cut a workpiece (2), comprising a laser device (4) configured to direct a laser beam (5) onto the workpiece (2); a movement unit (6) for inducing a relative movement between the workpiece (2) and the laser beam (5); a control unit (7) configured to control in a coordinated manner the laser device (4) and the movement unit (6) to cut the workpiece (2) according to a predetermined cutting pattern; a monitoring device (10) configured to acquire, in use, a plurality of images (11) of at least a portion of the workpiece (2); and an analyzing unit (17) connected to the monitoring device (10) and configured to analyze each image (11) to attribute to each of one or more regions present in the image (11) a respective characteristic parameter. The analyzing unit (17) is configured to attribute to each region (19) an expected characteristic parameter dependent on the predetermined cutting pattern and to compare for each region (19) whether the characteristic parameter corresponds to the expected characteristic parameter.
A method for laser cutting of metal parts (T) is described, comprising the operations of emitting onto a surface (S) of the part (T) to be processed, through an emission nozzle (14) of a working head (12) of a laser cutting machine (M), a dual-beam laser having an internal laser beam (Bi) and an external laser beam (Be) arranged around the internal laser beam (Bi), and at the same time moving the working head (12) with respect to the part (T) so as to move the hitting point of the laser on the surface (S) of the part (T) along at least one given cutting line, wherein the internal laser beam (Bi) is generated with process parameters such as to allow said beam to perform a cutting operation on the part (T), while the external laser beam (Be) is generated with process parameters different from those of the internal laser beam (Bi) so as to allow said beam to perform a cleaning or homogenization operation on the surface (S) of the part (T), consisting in the removal of a surface layer, of a thickness not exceeding 100 micrometers, of the same metal material of the part (T).
A machine and a method for laser processing of a metallic material are provided. The method involves controlling an emission of at least one pulse of a characterization laser beam on a predetermined region of the metallic material in a characterization atmosphere to generate a metal vapor and/or plasma from the metallic material, acquiring spectral data representative of an optical emission spectrum of the metal vapor or plasma indicative of the metallic material being processed, identifying one of a plurality of predetermined classes of material or predetermined classes of processing parameters corresponding to the spectral data acquired by electronic processing and automatic recognition devices configured in a supervised learning phase through a set of training spectral data samples indicative of predetermined classes of material or predetermined classes of material processing parameters, and selecting current processing parameters of the metallic material depending on the identified class of material or class of processing parameters.
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
B23K 26/0622 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing by direct control of the laser beam by shaping pulses
B23K 26/382 - Removing material by boring or cutting by boring
B23K 26/40 - Removing material taking account of the properties of the material involved
B23K 31/12 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups relating to investigating the properties, e.g. the weldability, of materials
8.
METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR A LASER PROCESSING WITH ROUGHNESS ESTIMATION
A laser processing method may comprise: a) directing a laser beam onto the work piece at a processing zone of the work piece for executing a laser processing; b) executing a relative movement between the laser beam and the work piece; c) acquiring optical signals, more preferentially a plurality of acquired images, from the processing zone; d) determining a time course of one or more characteristic parameters obtained starting from the optical signals, more preferentially from the plurality of acquired images; e) estimating in dependence of each time course of the one or more characteristic parameters a roughness obtained during the laser processing. During the step e) at least one respective statistical parameter is determined from the time course of the one or more characteristic parameters and afterwards a continuous estimate in real time of the roughness is calculated in function of each determined statistical parameter.
G06T 7/41 - Analysis of texture based on statistical description of texture
9.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE LOCAL POSITION OF AT LEAST ONE OPTICAL ELEMENT IN A MACHINE FOR LASER PROCESSING OF A MATERIAL, USING LOW-COHERENCE OPTICAL INTERFEROMETRY TECHNIQUES
A method for determining local position of an optical element associated with an optical path for transporting a laser beam in a working head of a machine for laser processing a material, includes generating a measurement beam of low coherence optical radiation traveling a measurement optical path, leading the measurement beam towards the optical element and the reflected or diffused measurement beam towards an optical interferometric sensor arrangement, generating a reference beam of low coherence optical radiation traveling a reference optical path and leading the reference beam towards the interferometric optical sensor arrangement, superimposing the measurement and reference beams on a common region of incidence, detecting a position of a pattern of interference fringes between the measurement and reference beams, and determining a difference in optical length between the measurement and reference optical paths as a function of the position of the interference pattern along an illumination axis.
A machine for laser processing of a metallic material and a related method comprising the steps of (a) controlling the emission of at least one pulse of a characterization laser beam on a predetermined region of the material in a characterization atmosphere so as to generate a metal vapor and/or plasma from the material, (b) acquiring spectral data representative of an optical emission spectrum of the metal vapor or plasma indicative of the material being processed, (c) identifying one of a plurality of predetermined classes of material or processing parameters corresponding to the spectral data acquired by electronic processing and automatic recognition means configured in a supervised learning phase through a set of training spectral data samples indicative of predetermined classes of material or of material processing parameters, and (d) selecting current processing parameters of the material depending on the material class or class of processing parameters identified.
B23K 31/12 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups relating to investigating the properties, e.g. the weldability, of materials
11.
A METHOD FOR LASER PROCESSING OF A METALLIC MATERIAL, BASED ON THE AUTOMATIC DETERMINATION OF THE MATERIAL OR PROCESSING PARAMETERS
A machine for laser processing of a metallic material and a related method comprising the steps of (a) controlling the emission of at least one pulse of a characterization laser beam on a predetermined region of the material in a characterization atmosphere so as to generate a metal vapor and/or plasma from the material, (b) acquiring spectral data representative of an optical emission spectrum of the metal vapor or plasma indicative of the material being processed is described, (c) identifying one of a plurality of predetermined classes of material or predetermined classes of processing parameters corresponding to the spectral data acquired by electronic processing and automatic recognition means configured in a supervised learning phase through a set of training spectral data samples indicative of predetermined classes of material or predetermined classes of material processing parameters, and (d) selecting current processing parameters of the material depending on the material class or class of processing parameters identified.
B23K 31/12 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups relating to investigating the properties, e.g. the weldability, of materials
12.
METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR A LASER PROCESSING WITH ROUGHNESS ESTIMATION
A laser processing method of a work piece (2), preferentially of a metallic material, is described comprising at least the steps of: a) directing a laser beam (5) onto the work piece (2) at a processing zone (7) of the work piece (2) for executing a laser processing; b) executing a relative movement between the laser beam (5) and the work piece (2); c) acquiring optical signals, more preferentially a plurality of acquired images (9), from the processing zone (7); d) determining a time course of one or more characteristic parameters obtained starting from the optical signals, more preferentially from the plurality of acquired images (9); e) estimating in dependence of each time course of the one or more characteristic parameters a roughness obtained during the laser processing. During the step e) at least one respective statistical parameter is determined from the time course of the one or more characteristic parameters and afterwards a continuous estimate in real time of the roughness is calculated in function of each determined statistical parameter.
G05B 19/401 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for measuring, e.g. calibration and initialisation, measuring workpiece for machining purposes
A laser processing method is described comprising at least the steps of a) directing a laser beam (5) onto a work piece (2), b) executing a relative movement between the laser beam (5) and the work piece (2), c) monitoring the laser processing process, d) determining at least one first quality parameter (y) and e) verifying whether the at least one first quality parameter (y) corresponds to a respective desired first quality parameter (y0). The method also comprises the steps of f) modifying process parameters in response to the determination during the step e) that the first quality parameter (y) does not correspond ttoo the desired first quality parameter (y0), g) estimating after the step f) whether a second quality parameter (z) corresponds to a desired second quality parameter (z0) after the modification of the process parameters during the step f) and h) varying the process parameters in response to the estimate during the step g) that the second quality parameter (z) does not correspond to the desired second quality parameter (z0) and for obtaining that the second quality parameter (z) corresponds to the desired second quality parameter (z0).
B23K 31/12 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups relating to investigating the properties, e.g. the weldability, of materials
14.
Method for operating a machine for laser machining of tubes and profiled sections with an automatic system for the application of threaded inserts integrated in the machine
A method for operating a machine for laser cutting of tubes and profiled sections is provided. The machine has a working head having a focusing device adapted to focus a laser beam on the surface of the tube or profiled section to be worked, a carriage on which the working head is mounted, and an automatic insert application system for placing a threaded insert in a housing formed in a wall of the tube or profiled section by the laser beam. The automatic insert application system is integrated into the machine and configured to operate in a coordinated manner with the working head.
A laser device configured to emit a coherent optical radiation is provided. The laser device has an amplifier system having a single interferometric optical amplification arrangement or a plurality of interferometric optical amplification arrangements in series, an optical return path of an optical beam emerging from the amplifier system and entering the amplifier system to form an optical ring resonant structure, and a radiation output for extracting a portion of the optical beam emerging from the amplifier system and deliver the extracted portion of the optical beam emerging from the amplifier system as output laser radiation of the laser device.
H01S 3/081 - Construction or shape of optical resonators or components thereof comprising three or more reflectors
16.
Method and system for determining the position of an element of an optical system in an assembly for processing or measuring an object, as well as the position of said object relative to said assembly, by parallel interferometric measurements
A method and a system for determining relative position of an element of an optical system of an assembly for processing or measuring an object along a measurement line, involve generating a measurement beam and a reference beam of low coherence optical radiation. The measurement and reference beams, alternately or in combination, have a main beam and a multiplexed additional beam. The measurement beam, led toward the element of the optical system, and back-reflected, is superimposed on the reference beam in a region of common incidence of an interferometric optical sensor arrangement. Position or frequency of a main interference fringe pattern and an additional interference fringe pattern is detected.
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
17.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AND CONTROLLING THE SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN A WORKING HEAD OF A LASER PROCESSING MACHINE AND THE SURFACE OF AN OBJECT BEING PROCESSED BY MEANS OF LOW COHERENCE OPTICAL INTERFEROMETRY TECHNIQUES
A method for determining a separation distance between a working head in a machine for laser processing a material and a surface of the material includes generating a measurement beam of low coherence optical radiation, leading the measurement beam towards the material and a reflected or diffused measurement beam towards an optical interferometric sensor arrangement in a first direction of incidence, generating a reference beam of low coherence optical radiation, leading the reference beam towards the optical interferometric sensor arrangement in a second direction of incidence superimposing the measurement and reference beams on a common region of incidence, detecting a position of a pattern of interference fringes between the measurement and reference beams on the common region of incidence, and determining a difference in optical length between the measurement and reference optical paths based on the position of the pattern of interference fringes along an illumination axis.
Method and system for determining the local position of at least one optical element in a machine for laser processing of a material, using low-coherence optical interferometry techniques
A method for determining local position of an optical element associated with an optical path for transporting a laser beam in a working head of a machine for laser processing a material, includes generating a measurement beam of low coherence optical radiation traveling a measurement optical path, leading the measurement beam towards the optical element and the reflected or diffused measurement beam towards an optical interferometric sensor arrangement, generating a reference beam of low coherence optical radiation traveling a reference optical path and leading the reference beam towards the interferometric optical sensor arrangement, superimposing the measurement and reference beams on a common region of incidence, detecting a position of a pattern of interference fringes between the measurement and reference beams, and determining a difference in optical length between the measurement and reference optical paths as a function of the position of the interference pattern along an illumination axis, or of the frequency of the interference pattern in the frequency domain.
METHOD FOR OPERATING A MACHINE FOR LASER MACHINING OF TUBES AND PROFILED SECTIONS WITH AN AUTOMATIC SYSTEM FOR THE APPLICATION OF THREADED INSERTS INTEGRATED IN THE MACHINE
A method for operating a machine for laser cutting of tubes and profiled sections, wherein the machine comprises: a working head (12) having a focusing device (18) adapted to focus a laser beam on the surface of the tube or profiled section (T) to be worked, a carriage (28) on which the working head (12) is mounted, and an automatic insert application system (30) for placing a threaded insert (I) in a housing (H) formed in a wall (w) of the tube or profiled section (T) by means of the laser beam, the automatic insert application system being integrated into the machine and being configured to operate in a coordinated manner with the working head (12).
B21J 15/28 - Control devices specially adapted to riveting machines not restricted to one of the preceding subgroups
B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
B23K 26/382 - Removing material by boring or cutting by boring
B23P 23/00 - Machines or arrangements of machines for performing specified combinations of different metal-working operations not covered by a single other subclass
B23Q 39/00 - Metal-working machines incorporating a plurality of sub-assemblies, each capable of performing a metal-working operation
B25B 27/00 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
F16B 37/12 - Nuts or like thread-engaging members with thread-engaging surfaces formed by inserted coil-springs, discs, or the likeIndependent pieces of wound wire used as nutsThreaded inserts for holes
A combined optical system for determining temperature of the surface of an object or material and its distance with respect to a predetermined reference point associated with the system includes an optical radiation source emitting optical probe radiation at a predetermined wavelength or in a predetermined wavelength range, a source control unit controlling switching of the source from an operative condition, in which it emits optical probe radiation, to an inoperative condition, in which it does not emit optical probe radiation, optical detectors acquiring scattered optical radiation and thermally emitted optical radiation from the surface of the object or material, and a processing unit determining the distance of the surface of the object/material based on scattered optical probe radiation when the source is operative, and the local temperature of the surface of the object/material on the basis of thermally emitted optical radiation when the source is inoperative.
B23K 26/144 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor the fluid stream containing particles, e.g. powder
B23K 26/046 - Automatically focusing the laser beam
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
21.
COMBINED OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR DIMENSIONAL AND THERMAL MEASUREMENTS, AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF
Combined optical system for dimensional and thermal measurements, and the operating procedure thereof A combined optical system is described for determining the temperature of the surface of an object or material and its distance with respect to a predetermined reference point associated with the system, which comprises an optical radiation source adapted to emit at least one optical probe radiation at a predetermined wavelength or in a predetermined wavelength range, a source control unit arranged to alternately control the switching of the source from an operative condition, in which it emits an optical probe radiation, to an inoperative condition, in which it does not emit the optical probe radiation, optical detectors adapted to acquire at least one scattered optical radiation and one thermally emitted optical radiation from the surface of the object or material, and a processing unit synchronized with the control unit and arranged to determine the distance of the surface of the object or of the material on the basis of the optical probe radiation scattered from the surface of the object or material and received by the detectors when the source is operative and to determine the local temperature of the surface of the object or material on the basis of the optical radiation thermally emitted from the surface of the object or material received by the detectors when the source is inoperative.
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
G01J 5/00 - Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry
G01K 11/00 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or
G01S 17/32 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated
G01S 17/36 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated with phase comparison between the received signal and the contemporaneously transmitted signal
A laser device adapted to emit a coherent optical radiation is described that includes an optical beam amplifier system (12) comprising a single interferometric optical amplification arrangement (20) or a plurality of interferometric optical amplification arrangements (20, 20') in series, each said interferometric optical amplification arrangement (20) comprising a Mach-Zehnder type interferometer with an amplification arm (20a) including an active gain region (G) and a passive propagation arm (20b) not including a gain region. The laser device (10) further comprises an optical return path (14) to conduct the beam (B0) emerging from the optical beam amplifier system (12) to an input of the optical beam amplifier system so as to form an optical ring resonant structure, and a radiation output element arranged to extract a portion of the beam emerging from the amplifier system and deliver the portion of the beam extracted as output radiation (BL) of the laser device.
H01S 3/07 - Construction or shape of active medium consisting of a plurality of parts, e.g. segments
H01S 3/082 - Construction or shape of optical resonators or components thereof comprising three or more reflectors defining a plurality of resonators, e.g. for mode selection or suppression
A laser device adapted to emit a coherent optical radiation is described that includes an optical beam amplifier system (12) comprising a single interferometric optical amplification arrangement (20) or a plurality of interferometric optical amplification arrangements (20, 20') in series, each said interferometric optical amplification arrangement (20) comprising a Mach-Zehnder type interferometer with an amplification arm (20a) including an active gain region (G) and a passive propagation arm (20b) not including a gain region. The laser device (10) further comprises an optical return path (14) to conduct the beam (B0) emerging from the optical beam amplifier system (12) to an input of the optical beam amplifier system so as to form an optical ring resonant structure, and a radiation output element arranged to extract a portion of the beam emerging from the amplifier system and deliver the portion of the beam extracted as output radiation (BL) of the laser device.
H01S 5/10 - Construction or shape of the optical resonator
H01S 5/40 - Arrangement of two or more semiconductor lasers, not provided for in groups
H01S 3/082 - Construction or shape of optical resonators or components thereof comprising three or more reflectors defining a plurality of resonators, e.g. for mode selection or suppression
A laser treatment method of a metallic work piece comprising of at least a) directing a laser beam onto the work piece at a working zone of the working piece to execute a cutting and/or piercing; b) executing a relative movement between the laser beam and the work piece at a determined velocity; c) acquiring a plurality of acquired images of the working zone; d) determining a time course of at least one characteristic parameter from the acquired images; e) calculating at least one statistical parameter from the time course of the characteristic parameter; f) establishing a quality value from the statistical parameter; and g) controlling one or more process parameters, in particular at least an intensity, laser frequency, and/or position of the focus of the laser beam; the determined velocity; a gas jet; and/or a gas pressure of the gas jet, in function of the quality value.
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
A laser treatment method of a metallic work piece comprising at least the steps of a) directing a laser beam onto the work piece at a working zone of the working piece in order to execute a cutting and/or piercing; b) executing a relative movement between the laser beam and the work piece at a determined velocity; c) acquiring a plurality of acquired images of the working zone; d) determining a time course of at least one characteristic parameter from the acquiredimages; e) calculating at least one statistical parameter from the time course of the characteristic parameter; f) establishing a quality value from the statistical parameter; and g) controlling one or more process parameters, in particular at least an intensity of the laser beam and/or alaser frequency of the laser beam and/or a position of the focus of the laser beam and/or the determined velocity and/or a gas jet and/or a gas pressure of the gas jet, in function of the quality value.Main Figure: Figure 12 0Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-18
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE LOCAL POSITION OF AT LEAST ONE OPTICAL ELEMENT IN A MACHINE FOR LASER PROCESSING OF A MATERIAL, USING LOW-COHERENCE OPTICAL INTERFEROMETRY TECHNIQUES
A method and a system are described for determining the local position of at least one optical element associated with an optical path for transporting a laser beam in a working head of a machine for laser processing of a material, comprising: - generating a respective measurement low coherence optical radiation beam, leading the measurement beam towards the optical element and leading the reflected or diffused measurement beam from the optical element towards an optical interferometric sensor arrangement; - generating a respective beam of the reference low coherence optical radiation and the leading of the reference beam towards the interferometric optical sensor arrangement; - superimposing the measurement beam and the reference beam on a common region of incidence of the sensor means; - detecting the position of a pattern of interference fringes between the measurement beam and the reference beam on the region of incidence; and - determining a difference in optical length between the measurement optical path and the reference optical path as a function of the position of the interference pattern along an illumination axis of the region of incidence, or of the frequency of the interference pattern in the frequency domain, which is indicative of a difference between (a) the current local position of the optical element and (b) the predetermined nominal local position of the optical element.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AND CONTROLLING THE SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN A WORKING HEAD OF A LASER PROCESSING MACHINE AND THE SURFACE OF AN OBJECT BEING PROCESSED BY MEANS OF LOW COHERENCE OPTICAL INTERFEROMETRY TECHNIQUES
A method and a system are described for determining and controlling the separation distance between a processing head of a machine tool and the surface of a material, comprising: - generating a measurement low coherence optical radiation beam, leading the measurement beam towards the material and leading the reflected or diffused measurement beam from the surface of the material towards an optical interferometric sensor arrangement in a first direction of incidence, - generating a reference low coherence optical radiation beam, and leading the reference beam towards the optical interferometric sensor arrangement in a second direction of incidence at a preset angle of incidence with respect to the first direction of incidence of the measurement beam; - superimposing the measurement beam and the reference beam on a common region of incidence of the sensor arrangement; - detecting the position of a pattern of interference fringes between the measurement beam and the reference beam on the region of incidence; and - determining a difference in optical length between the measurement optical path and the reference optical path on the basis of the position of the pattern of interference fringes along an illumination axis of the region of incidence, which is indicative of a difference between (a) the current separation distance between the working head and the surface of the material and (b) a predetermined nominal separation distance.
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
28.
Method and system for determining the separation distance between a body and the surface of an object by means of low coherence optical interferometry techniques under distortion due to sub-sampling
Method and system for determining separation distance between an object and a processing or measuring tool involve generating a measurement beam of low coherence optical radiation, leading the measurement beam towards the object and the reflected measurement beam towards an optical interferometric sensor assembly in a first direction of incidence, generating a reference beam of low coherence optical radiation, and leading the reference beam towards the optical interferometric sensor assembly in a second direction of incidence, superimposing the measurement and reference beams on a common region of incidence, detecting position of a pattern of interference fringes between the measurement and reference beams on the region of incidence, and determining difference in optical length between a measurement optical path and a reference optical path on position of the pattern of interference fringes along an illumination axis to determine current separation distance between the processing or measuring tool and the object.
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
29.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF AN ELEMENT OF AN OPTICAL SYSTEM IN AN ASSEMBLY FOR PROCESSING OR MEASURING AN OBJECT, AS WELL AS THE POSITION OF SAID OBJECT RELATIVE TO SAID ASSEMBLY, BY PARALLEL INTERFEROMETRIC MEASUREMENTS
There are described methods and systems for the determination of the relative position of an element of an optical system of an assembly for processing or for measurement of an object along a predetermined measurement line associated with the system, and for the determination of the separation distance between a processing tool or a measuring instrument and an object external thereto. These involve the generating of a measurement beam and of a reference beam of a low-coherence optical radiation, wherein the measurement beam and the reference beam, alternately or in combination, comprise a main beam and a multiplexed additional beam. The measurement beam, led toward the element of the optical system or toward the object, and back-reflected there, is superimposed on the reference beam in a region of common incidence of an interferometric optical sensor arrangement. The position or the frequency of a main interference fringe pattern and an additional interference fringe pattern is detected thereon, and as a function of these a difference is determined between (a) the position of the element of the optical system or the separation distance between the processing tool or measuring instrument and the object external thereto, and (b) a nominal predetermined position, or respectively a nominal separation distance.
Method for detecting the operating condition of an optical element arranged along a propagation path of a laser beam of a machine for processing a material, system for carrying out said method and laser processing machine provided with said system
A method and system for detecting an operating condition of an optical element along a propagation path of a power laser beam in a laser processing machine head are based on a first signal of a back-propagating optical radiation at the wavelength of the laser beam; a second signal of a back-propagating optical radiation having a wavelength in the near infrared; a third signal of an optical radiation emitted by the optical element in the infrared in proximity to its surface; a fourth signal which is a function of the time-of-flight of an acoustic wave launched through the volume of the optical element.
B23K 26/04 - Automatically aligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam, e.g. using the back-scattered light
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
31.
METHOD FOR DETECTING THE OPERATING CONDITION OF AN OPTICAL ELEMENT ARRANGED ALONG A PROPAGATION PATH OF A LASER BEAM OF A MACHINE FOR PROCESSING A MATERIAL, SYSTEM FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD AND A LASER PROCESSING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH SAID SYSTEM
A method and system for detecting an operating condition of an optical element along a propagation path of a power laser beam in a laser processing machine head are based on a first signal of a back-propagating optical radiation at the wavelength of the laser beam; a second signal of a back-propagating optical radiation having a wavelength in the near infrared; a third signal of an optical radiation emitted by the optical element in the infrared in proximity to its surface; a fourth signal which is a function of the time-of-flight of an acoustic wave launched through the volume of die optical element.
G01M 11/00 - Testing of optical apparatusTesting structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
G07C 3/00 - Registering or indicating the condition or the working of machines or other apparatus, other than vehicles
H01S 3/30 - Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range using scattering effects, e.g. stimulated Brillouin or Raman effects
32.
LASER TUBE CUTTING MACHINE EQUIPPED WITH APPARATUS FOR CLEANING THE TUBES BEING WORKED
The apparatus (10) comprises: a rod (14) extending in a longitudinal direction (x); a collecting head (16) mounted at an end of the rod (14) facing in use towards the tube (T) being worked; a first support structure (22) supporting the rod (14); first driving means for controlling the movement of the rod (14) relative to the first support structure (22) in the longitudinal direction (x); an abutment member (24) provided with a bush (26) through which the rod (14) extends; a second support structure (28) which supports the abutment member (24) and which is mounted on the first support structure (22) so as to be movable relative to the latter in the longitudinal direction (x); first locking means (26, 30) joined to the abutment member (24) and switchable between a disengaged position, wherein they allow the abutment member (24) to move relative to the rod (14) in the longitudinal direction (x), and an engaged position, wherein they integrally connect the abutment member (24) in translation with the rod (14) in the longitudinal direction (x); and second locking means joined to the second support structure (28) and switchable between a disengaged position, wherein they allow the second support structure (28) to move relative to the first support structure (22) in the longitudinal direction (x), and an engaged position, wherein they lock longitudinally the second support structure (28) relative to the first support structure (22).
A building element is provided which comprises a panel of non-metallic material having a pair of flat and parallel faces, namely a top face and a bottom face, and a plurality of lateral faces extending between the flat and parallel faces, at least one beam of metallic material, having a pair of opposed faces, namely a proximal face and a distal face, and a plurality of connection elements of metallic material that rigidly connect the at least one beam to the panel. Each beam is arranged along a respective lateral face of the panel with the proximal face in contact with the lateral face. Each connection element is a plate element comprising a first portion, which is inserted into a respective seat provided on a respective lateral face of the panel and is fixed therein by an adhesive, and a second portion which protrudes from said respective lateral face.
E04C 2/38 - Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure with attached ribs, flanges, or the like, e.g. framed panels
E04C 2/26 - Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials composed of materials covered by two or more of groups , , , or of materials covered by one of these groups with a material not specified in one of these groups
E04F 13/10 - Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elementsSub-structures thereforFastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements of wood
34.
Method and a machine of laser processing of a metallic material
by controlling the arrangement of the reflection areas to establish a predetermined transverse power distribution of the beam on at least one working plane of the metallic material as a function of the area of the current working plane and/or of the current direction of the working path on the metallic material.
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
B23K 26/082 - Scanning systems, i.e. devices involving movement of the laser beam relative to the laser head
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
35.
Machine for laser working of tubes and profiled sections with a scanning system for scanning the tube or profiled section to be worked
The machine includes a working head with a focusing device arranged to focus a laser beam on the surface of a tube or profiled section to be worked, a carriage and a scanning system arranged to scan a portion of the outline of the cross-section of the tube or profiled section. The working head and laser scanning module are mounted on the carriage, and the carriage is able to translate with respect to the tube or profiled section in longitudinal and transverse directions such that the working head and laser scanning module translate with the carriage. The scanning system includes at least one laser scanning module including a laser emitter arranged to emit a light blade with which to illuminate a portion of the tube or profiled section and a camera arranged to acquire an image of the portion of tube or profiled section illuminated by the light blade.
B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
B23K 37/02 - Carriages for supporting the welding or cutting element
B23K 37/053 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work aligning cylindrical workClamping devices therefor
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
B23K 26/06 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing
The building element (E) comprises: a panel (P) of non-metallic material having a pair of flat and parallel faces (S, I), namely a top face (S) and a bottom face (I), and a plurality of lateral faces (L) extending between said flat and parallel faces (S, I); at least one beam (T) of metallic material, having a pair of opposed faces (12, 14), namely a proximal face (12) and a distal face (14); and a plurality of connection elements (B) of metallic material that rigidly connect said at least one beam (T) to the panel (P). Each beam (T) is arranged along a respective lateral face (L) of the panel (P) with the proximal face (12) in contact with said lateral face (L). Each connection element (B) is a plate element comprising a first portion (20), which is inserted into a respective seat (18) provided on a respective lateral face (L) of the panel (P) and is fixed therein by adhesive means, and a second portion (22), which protrudes from said respective lateral face (L).
E04C 2/38 - Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure with attached ribs, flanges, or the like, e.g. framed panels
37.
Machine for the laser working of profiles and method for carrying out an inclined cutting operation on a profile by means of this machine
A machine and method for laser working of profiles and in particular for carrying out an inclined cutting operation on profiles are provided. Before working operation, a support and guide device are positioned in a given starting position along the longitudinal axis of the profile with respect to a working head. During working operation, the support and guide device are moved along the longitudinal axis integrally with a feeding device, that is with the profile, so as to keep constant the extent of the projection of the profile from the support and guide device. Integral movement of the support and guide device with the feeding device is limited to the portion of the movement of the feeding device which is required to compensate for tilting movements of the working head about an axis of oscillation.
The support device comprises: a pivoting arm arranged to be rotatably supported at a first end thereof by a base of the machine for rotation about a first axis of rotation oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tube; a cylindrical roller mounted at a second end of the pivoting arm opposite to the first end with its axis oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation; a variable-profile support member rotatably mounted at the second end of the pivoting arm for rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation; a first driving system arranged to control the angular position of the pivoting arm about the first axis of rotation; and a second driving system arranged to control the angular position of the support member about the second axis of rotation.
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
B23K 37/053 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work aligning cylindrical workClamping devices therefor
B23K 37/02 - Carriages for supporting the welding or cutting element
B23K 37/04 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
SUPPORT DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A TUBE ON A TUBE WORKING MACHINE, PARTICULARLY A LASER TUBE CUTTING MACHINE, AND TUBE WORKING MACHINE COMPRISING SUCH A SUPPORT DEVICE
The support device (20) comprises: a pivoting arm (22) arranged to be rotatably supported at an end thereof by a base (12) of the machine (10) for rotation about a first axis of rotation (yl) oriented transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis (x) of the tube (T); a cylindrical roller (24) mounted at the opposite end of the pivoting arm (22) with its axis oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation (yl); a variable-profile support member (26) rotatably mounted at the free end of the pivoting arm (22) for rotation about a second axis of rotation (y2) parallel to the first axis of rotation (yl); a first driving system (28, 36, 38) arranged to control the angular position of the pivoting arm (22) about the first axis of rotation (yl); and a second driving system (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) arranged to control the angular position of the support member (26) about the second axis of rotation (y2).
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
B23K 37/04 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
40.
Method of laser processing of a metallic material with optical axis position control of the laser relative to an assist gas flow, and a machine and computer program for the implementation of said method
A method of laser processing of a metallic material is described. Furthermore, disclosed herein are aspects of a machine for laser processing of a metallic material arranged to implement the laser processing method, and a computer program comprising one or more code modules for implementing the aforementioned method when the program is executed by electronic processing means.
B23K 26/06 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing
G02B 7/182 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prismsMountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for mirrors for mirrors
G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
41.
Method of laser processing of a metallic material with high dynamic control of the movement axes of the laser beam along a predetermined processing path, as well as a machine and a computer program for the implementation of said method
by controlling the arrangement of the reflection areas to establish a predetermined transverse power distribution of the beam on at least one working plane of the metallic material as a function of the area of the current working plane and/or of the current direction of the working path on the metallic material.
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
A METHOD OF LASER PROCESSING OF A METALLIC MATERIAL WITH CONTROL OF THE TRANSVERSE POWER DISTRIBUTION OF THE LASER BEAM IN A WORKING PLANE, AND A MACHINE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SAID METHOD
A method of laser processing of a metallic material with control of the transverse power distribution of the laser beam (B) in a working plane, and a machine and computer program for the implementation of said method A method of laser processing of a metallic material is described, by means of a focused laser beam (B) having a predetermined transverse power distribution on at least one working plane of the metallic material, comprising the steps of: • - providing a laser beam emitting source; • - leading the laser beam along a beam transport optical path to a working head arranged in proximity to the material; • - collimating the laser beam along an optical axis of propagation incident on the material; • - focusing the collimated laser beam in an area of a working plane of the material; and • - conducting said focused laser beam along a working path on the metallic material comprising a succession of working areas, wherein the laser beam is shaped: • - by reflecting the collimated beam by means of a deformable controlled surface reflecting element having a plurality of independently movable reflection areas, and • - by controlling the arrangement of the reflection areas to establish a predetermined transverse power distribution of the beam on at least one working plane of the metallic material as a function of the area of the current working plane and/or of the current direction of the working path on the metallic material.
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
43.
TRANSVERSE POWER DISTRIBUTION AND ASSIST GAS CONTROL
A method of laser processing of a metallic material comprises the steps of: - providing a laser beam emitting source; - collimating the laser beam along an optical axis of propagation incident on the material; - focusing the collimated laser beam in an area of a working plane of the material; and - conducting said focused laser beam along a working path on the metallic material, wherein the laser beam is shaped: - by reflecting the collimated beam by means of a deformable controlled surface reflecting element having a plurality of independently movable reflection areas, and- by controlling the arrangement of the reflection areas to establish a predetermined transverse power distribution of the beam on at least one working plane of the metallic material as a function of the area of the current working plane and/or of the current direction of the working path on the metallic material.
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
44.
OPTICAL AXIS POSITION CONTROL OF LASER RELATIVE TO ASSIST GAS FLOW
A method of laser processing of a metallic material is disclosed. The method includes delivering a flow of assist gas towards an area of the metallic material; translating an axis of the assist gas flow along the working path of the laser beam; detecting at least one of a current position and a direction of the current translation of the axis of the assist gas flow; controlling a predetermined transverse power distribution of the laser beam within a delivering area of said assist gas flow; and automatically adjusting the position of die optical axis of propagation of the laser beam. The position of the optical axis of propagation of the laser beam is automatically adjusted by changing a mutual position between the optical axis of propagation of the laser beam and the axis of the assist gas flow.
B23K 26/04 - Automatically aligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam, e.g. using the back-scattered light
B23K 26/064 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing by means of optical elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors or prisms
B23K 26/12 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring in a special environment or atmosphere, e.g. in an enclosure
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
45.
DYNAMIC CONTROL OF LASER BEAM ALONG PROCESSING PATH
A method of laser processing of a metallic material is disclosed. The method includes shaping a collimated laser beam by reflecting said collimated laser beam by means of a deformable controlled surface reflecting element with reflection areas, controlling the arrangement of said reflection areas, delivering a flow of assist gas, controlling a relative translation of an axis of the assist gas flow, detecting a current position of the axis of the assist gas flow; and automatically adjusting the position of the optical axis of propagation of the laser beam.
A machine and a method for the laser working of profiles (P) are described, in particular for carrying out an inclined cutting operation on the profile (P), for example for making a flared hole (H), wherein before the working operation a support and guide device (12) is positioned in a given starting position along the longitudinal axis (x) of the profile (P) with respect to a working head (10), and then, during the working operation the support and guide device (12) is moved along the longitudinal axis (x) integrally with a feeding device (14), i.e. integrally with the profile (P), so as to keep constant, during the working operation, the extent of the projection (A) of the profile (P) from the support and guide device (12), said integral movement of the support and guide device (12) with the feeding device (14) being limited to that portion of the movement of the feeding device (14) which is required to compensate for tilting movements of the working head (10) about said axis of oscillation (t).
A machine and a method for the laser working of profiles (P) are described, in particular for carrying out an inclined cutting operation on the profile (P), for example for making a flared hole (H), wherein before the working operation a support and guide device (12) is positioned in a given starting position along the longitudinal axis (x) of the profile (P) with respect to a working head (10), and then, during the working operation the support and guide device (12) is moved along the longitudinal axis (x) integrally with a feeding device (14), i.e. integrally with the profile (P), so as to keep constant, during the working operation, the extent of the projection (A) of the profile (P) from the support and guide device (12), said integral movement of the support and guide device (12) with the feeding device (14) being limited to that portion of the movement of the feeding device (14) which is required to compensate for tilting movements of the working head (10) about said axis of oscillation (t).
The machine comprises: a working head (12) with a focussing device (18) arranged to focus a laser beam on the surface of the tube or profiled section (T) to be worked, a carriage (26) on which the working head (12) is mounted and a scanning system (20) arranged to scan at least a portion of the outline of the cross-section of the tube or profiled section (T). The carriage (26) is able to translate with respect to the tube or profiled section (T) both in a longitudinal direction (x) coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the tube or profiled section (T) and in a transverse direction (y). The scanning system (20) comprises at least one laser scanning module (20) comprising a laser emitter (22) arranged to emit a light blade (L) with which to illuminate a portion of the tube or profiled section (T) and a camera (24) arranged to acquire an image of the portion of tube or profiled section (T) illuminated by the light blade (L). The working head (12) and the at least one laser scanning module (20) are mounted on the carriage (26) so as to be drivingly connected for translation with said carriage (26) both in the longitudinal direction (x) and in the transverse direction (y).
B23K 37/02 - Carriages for supporting the welding or cutting element
B23K 37/053 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work aligning cylindrical workClamping devices therefor
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
B23K 26/06 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing
B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
The machine comprises: a working head (12) with a focussing device (18) arranged to focus a laser beam on the surface of the tube or profiled section (T) to be worked, a carriage (26) on which the working head (12) is mounted and a scanning system (20) arranged to scan at least a portion of the outline of the cross-section of the tube or profiled section (T). The carriage (26) is able to translate with respect to the tube or profiled section (T) both in a longitudinal direction (x) coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the tube or profiled section (T) and in a transverse direction (y). The scanning system (20) comprises at least one laser scanning module (20) comprising a laser emitter (22) arranged to emit a light blade (L) with which to illuminate a portion of the tube or profiled section (T) and a camera (24) arranged to acquire an image of the portion of tube or profiled section (T) illuminated by the light blade (L). The working head (12) and the at least one laser scanning module (20) are mounted on the carriage (26) so as to be drivingly connected for translation with said carriage (26) both in the longitudinal direction (x) and in the transverse direction (y).
Disclosed are various embodiments depicting a feed unit that comprises: a first pair of motor-driven lower rollers for moving first tubes forward along a first feed axis; a second pair of motor-driven lower rollers for moving second tubes forward along a second feed axis parallel to the first one; a first pair of upper rollers for urging the first tubes against the first pair of lower rollers; a second pair of upper rollers for urging the second tubes against the second pair of lower rollers; a plurality of first side rollers for retaining laterally the first tubes; and a plurality of second side rollers for retaining laterally the second tubes.
B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
B65D 3/16 - Discs without flanges engaging a groove in the container body
B65G 19/14 - Conveyors comprising an impeller or a series of impellers carried by an endless traction element and arranged to move articles or materials over a supporting surface or underlying material, e.g. endless scraper conveyors for moving bulk material in closed conduits, e.g. tubes
B26D 7/06 - Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
B23D 47/06 - Sawing machines or sawing devices working with circular saw blades, characterised only by constructional features of particular parts of devices for feeding, positioning, clamping, or rotating work for stock of indefinite length
Laser cutting processes are provided which are controlled using as a reference signal one or more emission lines which are characteristic of the radiation emitted by a gas or, more generally, by an emitting element present in the volume irradiated by the laser beam focussed by a laser head and adjusting, on the basis of this reference signal, at least one of the following process control parameters: the power of the laser, the frequency and the duty cycle of the laser pulse, the pressure of an assisting gas emitted by a nozzle forming part of the laser head, the relative speed of the laser head with respect to the workpiece, the distance between the laser head and the surface of the workpiece, and the distance between the focal point of the laser beam and the surface of the workpiece. Laser cutting devices are also provided.
B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
B23K 26/12 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring in a special environment or atmosphere, e.g. in an enclosure
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
B23K 26/06 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
52.
METHOD FOR SCANNING A TUBE INTENDED TO BE WORKED ON A LASER CUTTING MACHINE USING A SENSOR FOR MEASURING THE RADIATION REFLECTED OR EMITTED BY THE TUBE
The method comprises the steps of: a) emitting through the cutting head ( 50 ) of the laser cutting machine a focused laser beam such as not to be able to cut or etch the material of the tube (T); b) moving the cutting head ( 50 ) along a given scanning direction (x); and c) while the cutting head ( 50 ) is moving along the scanning direction (x), detecting through suitable sensors ( 56 ) the radiation reflected or emitted by the tube (T) and establishing point by point, on the base of the signal provided by these sensors ( 56 ), the presence or absence of the material of the tube (T).
According to the invention, a laser cutting process is controlled using as reference signal one or more emission lines which are characteristic of the radiation emitted by a gas (be it an assisting gas or a contaminant gas) or, more generally, by an emitting element present in the volume irradiated by the laser beam focussed by a laser head (12) and adjusting, on the base of this reference signal, at least one of the following process control parameters: the power of the laser, the frequency and the duty cycle of the laser pulse, the pressure of an assisting gas emitted by a nozzle (16) forming part of the laser head (12), the relative speed of the laser head (12) with respect to the workpiece (P), the distance between the laser head (12) and the surface (S) of the workpiece (P), and the distance between the focal point (F) of the laser beam and the surface (S) of the workpiece (P).
According to the invention, a laser cutting process is controlled using as reference signal one or more emission lines which are characteristic of the radiation emitted by a gas (be it an assisting gas or a contaminant gas) or, more generally, by an emitting element present in the volume irradiated by the laser beam focussed by a laser head (12) and adjusting, on the base of this reference signal, at least one of the following process control parameters: the power of the laser, the frequency and the duty cycle of the laser pulse, the pressure of an assisting gas emitted by a nozzle (16) forming part of the laser head (12), the relative speed of the laser head (12) with respect to the workpiece (P), the distance between the laser head (12) and the surface (S) of the workpiece (P), and the distance between the focal point (F) of the laser beam and the surface (S) of the workpiece (P).
patents
