Method for removing, by means of a laser beam, a bulge deposited on the surface of a workpiece when a through hole is formed
US10155287B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/1462
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems are implemented for forming a through hole in a workpiece using a laser beam and a process gas, such as oxygen or nitrogen, coming from a gas nozzle. A hole is formed in the workpiece using the laser beam and a process gas emerging from a gas nozzle, such that the formed hole extends only partially through the workpiece. A bulge deposited while forming the hole partially through the workpiece is removed from the workpiece surface by directing a flow of gas through the nozzle toward the workpiece surface as the nozzle is moved with the laser beam switched off, the flow of gas being delivered to the nozzle at a higher pressure than the process gas is delivered to the nozzle during forming the hole partially through the workpiece. Then, the hole is fully pierced through the workpiece by the laser beam using the process gas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.