LASER PROCESSING SYSTEM

Abstract: Laser processing system comprising a laser beam source, a clamping element for temporarily clamping the work piece and a control system to scan the work piece with the laser beam, said control system preferably has a memory and processing unit for positioning the laser beam w.r.t. the work piece in dependency from information stored in the memory, and wherein the clamping element is moveable for scanning the work piece with the laser beam.

Description: Laser processing system. The invention is concerned with a laser processing system to process a work piece that is temporarily clamped in a clamping element. It is known to project a laser beam from a laser beam source onto a work piece by using one or more moveable mirrors, and to move the laser beam over the work piece by tilting the mirrors. The work piece, clamped in the clamping element, remains stationair all the time during this. It was found out that this manner of processing is inaccurate, and furthermore there is no device available on the market to process a work piece with dimensions larger then 120 x 120 mm. at one time. The accuracy of the known devices in this art is 0.1 mm to a maximum. Furthermore, US-A-4.912.487 teaches a laser scanner using a focussing acousto-optic device, adapted for generating extremely accurate patterns, e.g. for application to micro electronics (i.c.'s etc.) . A description is given of the combination of deviding the work piece into several sub area's, for each sub area subsequently covering said sub area with the laser beam in one direction according to line scanning using an acousto-optical system, with intermittent displacement of the work piece in a perpendicular direction, such that the sub area is scanned according to a pattern of spaced parallel lines. The adjacent sub area's have no association. No measures are taken to match the scanning at both sides of the interface between adjacent sub area's within a predetermined accuracy. This known system is further characterised by the application of comparatively expensive parts (type of laser beam source, acousto-optical system, actuator for the clamping element for dispalcement of the work piece) and is therefore inappropriate for the economic production of products of lower technical level compared to micro-electronics. Furthermore it is known from EP-A-0.462.842 a laser scanner with real-time display of a secondary laser beam, split from the main laser beam scanning the work piece, onto a monitor to immediately show the operator a display of the pattern onto the work piece that is created by the laser beam. Therefore this known system is inappropriate, to subsequently process sub area's in a random fashion, since the laser beam is active during repositioning from one sub area to another, too. This system is further characterised by expensive parts, an a small area of the work piece to be processed at one time too, such that this known system is inappropriate for the efficient production at a technical level lower then that of micro electronics. The object of the present invention is a laser processing device that has a high accuracy and can process much larger area's of the work piece at one time, too, without requiring expensive and/or complicated apparatus, such that the design and reliability of the processing device is optimized, and can be used efficiently. For this purpose, the invention proposes a laser processing system according to claim 1. By making the clamping element, e.g. a processing bed, moveable w.r.t. the laser beam source, the accuracy of the operation surprisingly increases substantially, while it is learned that it is even possible to simplify the design of the apparatus. Furthermore it has been shown, that a work piece area of substantial larger dimensions, e.g. of 1.0 x 1.0 m., can be scanned by the laser beam at one time, without intemediate displacement of the work piece w.r.t. the clamping element. On the one hand this is advantageous for the accuracy of the processing of large surface area's. On the other hand, an important time saving is acquired when processing large work pieces, since little re-clamping and re-positioning is demanded. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. By the combination of a moveable clamping element and one or more tilting mirrors, it is possible now, to subsequently process e.g. several sub area's of the work piece one after the other with comparatively low effort, in which the operation per sub area is largely, e.g. at least 50%, a repetition of the operation carried out in an earlier sub area. The operation per area is then substantially carried out by the tilting mirrors, while the transfer from the one sub area to the other is accomplished by a movement of the clamping element. Then there is no need for re-calculating the control to tilt the mirror elements for the repetitive operations, since during processing of a respective sub area the orientation of the mirror w.r.t. the laser beam source is the same each time. In this way a great number of metal, but plastic as well, labels having substantially the same information can be fabricated quickly and efficient, starting from a large sheet integrating the individual labels, inteconnected e.g. easily detechable (perforations) , while the cotrol for the marking can be kept comparibly simple. The operation is further defined in claims 5 and on. For an accurate control of the clamping element w.r.t. the laser beam source the application of the so called laser interferometry is preferred. With that the movement of a fixed point on the clamping element or the work piece clamped in it can be monitored. If the movement of that fixed point deviates from a predetermined track, a correction can be carried out relatively easy by means of a correction to the control for movement of the clamping element. The invention as defined in claim 1 is based on the understanding that with relatively cheap parts (laser beam source, control of the actuation of the clamping element, control of the deflection of the laser beam to scan the stationary work piece) a convenient accuracy can be met for a work piece of relatively large area, by the combination with a convenient wire less (remote) position- or movement monitoring system, preferably of the laser interferometry type. With that the deviation of the relatively cheap screw type spindle acruator with large hub (more then about 40 cm.) for the movement of the work piece can be compensated effectively . The invention is furthermore based on the understanding that the relatively accurately controlled movement, preferably of releatively large hub, of the work piece in two substantially perpendicular directions in the combination with the relatively less accurately controled deflection of the laser beam in two substantially perpendicular directions, to scan the stationary work piece with the laser beam in two substantially perpendicular directions, and wherein the process of deflecting the laser beam in at least one direction can be inactivated at wish, ends up with a very flexible device, that can be used for many purposes. For instance one can think of calibrating micro-electronics parts, such as capacities, of which a large number can be positioned next to each other and below each other in rows, and each can be scanned individually exclusively by deflecting of the laser beam, while transfer from the one capacity to the other is done exclusively by movement of the work piece. Another application is e.g. applying a pattern or image on a large area (e.g. 80 x 80 cm.) , wherein the area is divided into sub area's. Those sub area's are subsequently scanned by the laser beam, and during said scanning the work piece is stationary, while from the transfer of the one sub area to the other, the laser beam is off or not active. It will be understood that in the embodiment last mentioned, the pattern provided by the laser beam mates accurately at both sides of the interface between two adjacent sub area's. Despite the selection of a relatively inaccurate actuator system with large hub for the clamping element, said accurate mating can be guaranteed with the wire less monitoring system. By slection of electromagnetic actuated deflection or focussing elements (e.g. mirrors) for the controlled deflection of the laser beam to scan the work piece according to a predetermined pattern, a relatively cheap system is gained, allowing for a relatively high working speed with however a limited working area of 120 x 120 mm. at the most in the presently preferred embodiment. To enlarge the working area, it is further suggested to make the clamping element for the working piece moveable too. One or more of the controlled deflection or focussing elements can be de-activated by a deflecting or focussing element with a fixed orientation, that can be positioned in the track of the laser beam between the laser beam source and the respective controlled focussing element, e.g. with the aid of a pneumatic actuator. Pneumatic actuation is quick, cheap and reliable. Another application contemplated is the accurate production of a series of spaced marks over a relatively large length. The accuracy of the spacing and of the alignment of the series is guaranteed by the accurate displacement of the work piece. Each seperate mark can be produced by the controlled deflection of the laser beam. As an illustration, to apply the bar code on a rule, the rule is e.g. moved in its lengthwise direction, while the bars are produced by deflecting the laser beam in cross-wise direction. A further advantage is that despite the use of a laser beam source of rather cheap type, such as the YAG-type or the C02- type, a convenient accuracy can be met with the system according to the invention, while a reliable and long life functioning at low maintenance costs can be met. The system for supporting the functioning of the laser beam source can be kept relatively simple as well. A high working speed can be attained. The power consumption is kept as low as possible. The invention will further be illustrated with reference to the non-limiting embodiments, as shown in the drawings. In the drawings shows: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of the basic design of a laser processing system according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view, partly broken, of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention. Firts, reference is made to fig. 1. It shows schematically in perspective view a laser processing system according to the invention. There is shown a laser beam source 1, transmitting a laser beam 2. Said laser beam 2 is deflected by a mirror 3, and focussed onto a work piece 4 positioned on a working table 5 that is moveable in its plane. As is indicated with the arrows, the table 5 can be moved both longitudinally and cross wise. Two types of processing are possible with this system: With the processing of the first type, the mirror 3 is placed in a fixed position. Subsequently the table 5 is moved in its plane, for which reason it is controlled by a processing unit, such as the micro processor of a so called personal computer (not shown) . In this way the laser beam 2 will scan the work piece 4, yielding an accuracy of 0,1 μm. , while the dimensions of the table are e.g. 1.0 . long and 1.0 m. wide. In this way the work piece 4 can be provided with tiny indents or small parallel bars, e.g. a so called bar code with differing bar thicknessess. With the processing of the second type the mirror 3 is brought in different tilting positions each time with the aid of the control system. For that purpose the laser beam 2 can, with the table 5 stationary, scan the surface of the work piece. However, the active area of the laser beam 2 is then restricted to sub area's of the table 5, e.g. 120 x 120 mm., while the accuracy is limited to 0,1 mm.. It will be understood that the working area can be enlarged or the accuracy can be increased, however that asks for extremely high expenses that form a bar against commercial applictaion. To provide that the laser beam 2 can reach all sub area's of the table 5, and therewith all sub area's of the work piece 4 lying on top of the table 5, the table 5 is intermittently moved. Usually, the table 5 will be moved such that the laser beam 2 will scan the intended sub area of the work piece 4 effectively by the tiltable mirror 3. Then the table 5 is stopped and processing of work piece 4 takes place by control of the tilting mirror 3. Then the table 5 will be moved for a short period after which processing of the next sub area will take place by controling the tilting mirror 3. In this respect, the work piece 4 is e.g. a large number of labels 6 of similar shape and dimensions, that are positioned in parallel rows and are interconnected by e.g. easily disconnectable connecting bodies 7. The labels are made of e.g. metal, such as aluminium. Other materials, such as plastic, glass, paper, zerodur kan be processed. All labels 6 can be processed subsequently by intermittendly moving the table 5 w.r.t. the mirror 3, thereafter by controlling the tilting mirror 3 processing a label 6. Therefater the table 5 is moved again, and then the next label 6 is processed by controlling the tilting mirror 3, etc. In this way, substantial time can be saved if e.g. a large part of the information that should be applied to the labels 6 is shared in common, and e.g. each label 6 differs from the other labels 6 merely by a ranking number or another individual code. In this way, you can work relatively fast, cheap and accurate while the control of the tilting mirror 3 does not have to account for adapting the deflection of the laser beam 2 by the mirror 3 for repetition of the same operation to adjacent sub area's of the work piece 4. The movement of the table 5 can be monitored by a laser interferometer system (not shown) and a mark 8 on the table 5. The mark 8 kan e.g. be at the work piece 4 too. Especially the last situation offers the advantage, that longer/bigger work pieces can be processed. Different from the preferred laser processing system as shown and discussed here, apart from the mirror 3 an additional mirror assembly 9 can be applied. In that case the mirror 3 can be exclusively adapted to have a fixed orientation w.r.t. the laser beam source 1. The mirror assembly 9 then can be convenient to control the deflection of the laser beam 2, such that the laser beam 2 is "scanning" the surface of the work piece 4. The mirror 3 and the mirror assembly 9 can e.g. be used together, either fixed or with the mirror assembly 9 moveable. Apart from that, the mirror 3 and/or the mirror assembly 9 can be such that they can be withdrawn, to selectively deflect the laser beam 2, or let it pass without interference. In stead of making a change in the deflection of the laser beam 2 by tilting the mirrors, it will be understood to use controlled translating mirrors, or combinations of translating and tilting mirrors. The invention is not restricted to the type, number and manner of actuation of the mirror. The invention is neither restricted to the type of clamping element. In stead of a table 5, a clamping jaw can e.g. be applied. Now reference is made to fig. 2. The laser processing system 20 shown has a clamping table 21, moveable in its plane in two perpendicular directions (X and Y) . For that purpose the table 21 is mounted on two substantially perpendicular oriented, linear driving units 22 and 23, crossing each other. The driving unit 23 is for movement in the X-direction. The driving unit 22 is for the movement in Y-direction. Each driving unit comprises a longitudinal, box shaped housing 26, containing a screw spindle 24. The screw spindles have a length of at least 40 cm. ; in the preferred embodiment a length of about 90 cm.. Each screw spindle is driven in rotation by a respective electic motor 25, projecting from a frontal end of the housing 26. A walking nut (not shown) is moveable along each screw spindle, as is commonly known in the field of actuating. The walking nut of the driving unit 22 is mechanically mounted to the housing 26 of the driving unit 23. The walking nut of the driving unit 23 in turn is mechanically mounted to the table 21. In this way each movement of the driving unit 22/23 is transmitted to the table 21. The upper side of each housing 24 is open, and covered by a bellows type closure 27. In a way not illustrated the driving unit 22 is placed on a support. Two laser interferometers 29, for monitoring the X resp. Y position of the table 21, are focussed on respective reflecting elements (not shown) that are e.g. placed at sides of the table 21. The meters 29 are coupled to the controls (not shown) for actuating the driving units 22, 23. A laser beam source 30 is position above the driving units 22, 23. This source 30 is mounted on a driving unit 31, that is designed in a way similar to that of the driving units 22, 23. However, the driving unit 30 is substantially oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the table 21 moves. In this way the laser beam, propagating from the laser beam source 30 in the direction of arrow A can make a pattern on a work piece (not shown) that projects considerably, e.g. 20 cm., above the table 21. If the thickness of the work piece is considerable, both the top and the sides can be processed by the system 20. The laser beam source 30 terminates at deflector elements. These elements have a design that is known as such, such to deflect the laser beam over an angle between about 45° and 135°, for projection onto the table 21. These elements comprise two Galvo-heads 32, 33. Galvo head 32 is designed to move the laser beam in the X-plane. Galvo head 33 is designed to move the laser beam in the Y-plane. Both contain electromagnetic actuated tilting mirrors. Furthermore a pneumatic cilinder/piston combination is illustrated, for movement of a mirror of fixed angular orientation. This mirror can be moved into the track of the laser beam, to de-activate one or both Galvo heads 32, 33. The skilled man will understand how to design the Galvo heads and the angularly fixed mirror. To guarantee the accuracy of the system 20, care has been taken such that the Galvo heads will deflect the laser beam within a limited range, such that the area on the table to be scanned by the laser beam, if the table 21 is stationair, is limited to 120 x 120 mm.

Claims: Claims 1. Laser processing system comprising a laser beam source, a clamping element for temporarily clamping the work piece and a control system to scan the work piece with the laser beam, said control system preferably has a memory and processing unit for positioning the laser beam w.r.t. the work piece in dependency from information stored in the memory, and wherein the clamping element is moveable for scanning the work piece with the laser beam. 2. Device according to claim 1, with a mirror element to project the laser beam from the laser beam source onto the work piece, the mirror element is stationair w.r.t. the laser beam source, and is optionally removable and/or can be folded away. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the clamping element is moveable in two perpendicular directions w.r.t. the laser beam source and optionally the mirror element. 4. Device according to any of the preceeding claims, wherein one or more focussing elements such as tilting mirror elements, coupled to the control system, are provided for the laser beam, with which the laser beam can selectively be moved over the work piece in one or two perpendicular directions ccording to a predetermined path, and wherein optionally one or more of said controlled focussing elements co operate with a substantially stationair focussing element, with which the laser beam is focussed on a fixed point, such that in one position of said focussing elements one or more of said controlled focussing elements is de-activated, while in a second position of said focussing elements the substantially stationairy focussing element is de-activated such that in said one position the laser beam is moved in one direction to the most, while in said second position the laser beam is moved in two perpendicular directions w.r.t. said work piece. 5. Device according to any of the preceeding claims, wherein the clamping element is substantially immovably coupled to two substantially perpendicular linear driving elements that cross each other, the one for movement in the X direction and the other for movement in the Y direction of the clamping element, wherein the driving elements have preferably srew spindles, and said driving elements each have a hub of at least about 40 cm. , preferably at least about 50 cm. , and the clamping element and/or the work piece have one or more calibration points the track of movement of which is to be monitored by a wire less, preferably optical, monitoring system, e.g. on the basis of laser interferometry, which monitoring system is designed to compare said track with a predetermined calibration track to give a command for the control system to adapt the functioning of one or both driving elements to adapt the track to the predetermined calibration track if a difference threshold value is exceeded. 6. Device according to any of the preceeding claims, wherein the laser beam source is of the YAG type or of the C02 type. 7. Device according to any of the preceeding claims, wherein the laser beam source is positioned such that the laser beam generated is running substantially parallel to and at a distance from the plane of movement of said clamping element, and the focussing elements are adapted to deflect the laser beam in a direction to the clamping element, and optionally the level of the laser beam source can be adjusted with a preferably stepless operating actuator, e.g. of the screw spindle type, with a hub of at least about 10 cm, preferably at least about 20 cm. , and the monitoring system is adapted to monitor both movements of the clamping element and movements of the laser beam source substantially perpendicular thereto, and to give a command at exceeding a difference threshold value with the calibrated track to the control system to selectively adapt the functioning of one or two or all three driving systems to adapt the movement track to the calibration track en with the focussing elements adjustable to deflect the laser beam to a surface of the work piece projecting upwards from the clamping element. 8. Device according to any of the preceeding claims, wherein the controlled focussing elements are of the electromagnetically actuated type, of which the angle of inclination can be adapted by a predetermined amount by activation of one or more electro magnets. 9. Method for laser beam processing of a work piece, the work piece is temporarily mounted in a clamping element which can be moved w.r.t. a laser beam source, and wherein the laser beam is scanning a sub area of the work piece by one or more mirror elements controlled by a processing unit, while by movement of the clamping element, controlled by the processing unit, the work piece is moved w.r.t. the laser beam source and the moveable mirror elements such that the laser beam, influenced by the moveable mirror elements can scan a subsequent sub area of the work piece, wherein the area of the work piece which can be scanned by the laser beam merely by control of said focussing or mirror elements preferably is not substantially larger than a seperate sub area on said work piece, wherein preferably a device according to any of the preceeding claims is used, and wherein preferably merely the movement of the clamping element and merely the movement of the laser beam, respectively, takes place intermittently. 10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the clamping element can provide a hub in two perpendicular directions of at least about 40 cm. , preferably at least about 50 cm. , preferably by driving elements of the screw spindle type, and the position of one or more calibration points on the clamping element and/or the work piece is monitored by a wire less, preferably optical, monitoring system, e.g. on the basis of laser interferometry, said monitoring system compares said measured position with a predetermined calibration position and gives a command at exceeding a difference threshold value to said control system to adapt the functioning of one or both said driving elements of said clamping element to the calibration position, and at transfer from the one to the subsequent sub area the calibration position of said one or more calibration positions is adjusted such that adjacent sub area's are coupled within the accuracy of the laser beam control merely by actuation of the controlled focussing elements.

Inventors: BOOTSMAN GERRIT, BOOTSMAN, GERRIT
Applicants: BOOTSMAN GERRIT, BOOTSMAN HOLDING BV, BOOTSMAN HOLDING B.V., BOOTSMAN, GERRIT
Application year: 1996
Main classification: B23K26
IPC codes: B23K26