Laser-assisted micromachining systems and methods
AssigneePurdue Research Foundation
InventorsYung C. Shin, Xiangyang Dong
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Laser-assisted micromachining methods and systems capable of providing flexible beam positioning and low incident angles. Such laser-assisted micromachining systems preferably include a laser beam source, a cutting tool, means for engaging a workpiece with the cutting tool, optical elements arranged to define a path of a laser beam emitted by the laser beam source wherein the optical elements include at least a first mirror mounted in fixed relation to the laser beam source, and means for adjustably mounting a second mirror to project the laser beam onto the workpiece in proximity to the cutting tool and at an incidence angle relative to a surface of the workpiece.
Claims20
A laser-assisted micromachining system comprising:
- a laser beam source;
- a cutting tool;
- means for engaging a workpiece with the cutting tool;
- optical elements arranged to define a path of a laser beam emitted by the laser beam source, the optical elements comprising at least a first mirror mounted with mounting means that is in fixed relation to the laser beam source and at least a second mirror;
- and
- means for adjustably mounting the second mirror to project the laser beam onto the workpiece in proximity to the cutting tool and at an incidence angle relative to a surface of the workpiece.
A laser-assisted micromachining system comprising:
- a laser beam source comprising a laser head mounted to a fixed structure with a 1-axis stage and a rotatable table.
- a cutting tool;
- means for engaging a workpiece with the cutting tool;
- optical elements arranged to define a path of a laser beam emitted by the laser beam source, the optical elements comprising at least first, second, and third mirrors, the first and third mirrors being mounted with mounting means that are each in fixed relation to the laser beam source and the second mirror being coupled to the cutting tool;
- and
- means for adjustably mounting the second mirror to project the laser beam onto the workpiece in proximity to the cutting tool and at an incidence angle relative to a surface of the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.