Development of multi-axis laser micromachining system suitable for machining non-linear contoured surfaces

Abstract

In recent years, studies on manufacturing systems have proved the importance of cooperation of positioning systems with laser cutting technology. The performance of the manufacturing system can be improved by utilizing both laser and positioning systems together. In this study, design and development of a micromachining system which can perform on non-linear contoured surfaces is presented. Laser micromachining system is designed and assembled including a nanosecond Q-switched pulsed ber laser, a 6-DOF hexapod manipulator, a granite table in order to absorb vibrations and an external cabin system to isolate the whole system for safety and health issues. Performance characteristics of micromachining devices mainly determined by precision and characteristics of each individual components of the system. Therefore, the studies to improve the performance of the laser micromachining system are related with laser, isolation and positioning systems. A dynamic model of the positioning system is derived to obtain the control parameters for the actual positioning system. By using these parameters, the performance of the laser micromachining system on nonlinear contoured surface is improved and discussed in detail. The simulation environment MATLAB/Sim- Mechanics is used to model the dynamics of the positioning system. With the kinematic and dynamic model of the manipulation system simulations, signi cant performance enhancements are obtained on non-linear contoured surfaces.