Dual gas pierce using coaxial and directional assist
US11801572B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/382
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system is provided for laser piercing of thick plate material that allows for rapid transition to a cutting operation that can reliably produce a piercing hole and complete a cutting operation of the intended shape in a short time, while improving the cutting quality of the cutting after switching from the piercing operation. The cutting nozzle has a centrally located laser. The piercing operation applies a laser beam to the cut work while axially supplied pure oxygen gas is applied towards the cutting work. Additionally, a direction controlled nozzle adjacent the main cutting port provides a discharge of high pressure compressed air non-axially relative to the cutting operation to clear excess molten metal and debris from the kerf thereby increasing the efficiency of the piercing and shortening the cycle time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.