DE102022105913A1 - Device for a laser coating process - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for a laser coating process, comprising at least the following components: - a laser device (2) for generating a laser beam (3); - a feed device (4) for feeding a welding filler material (5); - a Tool chuck (6) for fixing a workpiece (7); - a feed actuator (8); and - a control device (9) for controlling the power output of the laser device (2), the laser device (2) being set up to produce welding filler material (5) supplied via the feed device (4) on a surface (10) of a material in the tool chuck (6). to coat the fixed workpiece (7) and/or to thermally treat this surface (10) under an appropriately controlled power output. The device (1) is primarily characterized in that the control device (9) is set up to reduce the power output of the laser device (2) below a predetermined power limit value and to raise it again at least to the predetermined power limit value in synchronization with the delivery movement of the delivery actuator system (8). , whereby a coating of a surface (10) of a workpiece (7) does not take place below the power limit value. With the laser coating device proposed here, a synchronized coating of a surface of a workpiece can be achieved.

Description

• - eine Lasereinrichtung zum Generieren eines Laserstrahls;
• - eine Zuführeinrichtung zum Zuführen eines Schweißzusatzwerkstoffs;
• - ein Werkzeugfutter zum Fixieren eines Werkstücks;
• - eine Zustellaktorik; und
• - eine Steuervorrichtung zum Steuern der Leistungsabgabe der Lasereinrichtung,

wobei die Lasereinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, über die Zuführeinrichtung zugeführten Schweißzusatzwerkstoff eine Oberfläche eines in dem Werkzeugfutter fixierten Werkstücks zu beschichten und/oder diese Oberfläche unter einer entsprechend gesteuerten Leistungsabgabe thermisch zu behandeln. Die Vorrichtung ist vor allem dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuervorrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, synchronisiert zu der Zustellbewegung der Zustellaktorik die Leistungsabgabe der Lasereinrichtung unter einen vorbestimmten Leistungsgrenzwert abzusenken und wieder zumindest auf den vorbestimmten Leistungsgrenzwert anzuheben,
wobei ein Beschichten einer Oberfläche eines Werkstücks unterhalb des Leistungsgrenzwerts nicht stattfindet. Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Gravierverfahren innerhalb eines Laser-Beschichtungsverfahrens, ein Computerprogramm mit einem solchen Gravierverfahren, sowie ein Computerprogrammprodukt mit einem solchen Computerprogramm.The invention relates to a device for a laser coating process, having at least the following components:

• - a laser device for generating a laser beam;
• - a feed device for feeding a welding filler material;
• - a tool chuck for fixing a workpiece;
• - a delivery actuator; and
• - a control device for controlling the power output of the laser device,

wherein the laser device is set up to coat a surface of a workpiece fixed in the tool chuck with welding filler material supplied via the feed device and/or to thermally treat this surface under a correspondingly controlled power output. The device is primarily characterized in that the control device is set up to lower the power output of the laser device below a predetermined power limit value and to raise it again at least to the predetermined power limit value, synchronized with the delivery movement of the delivery actuator system,
wherein a surface of a workpiece is not coated below the performance limit. The invention further relates to an engraving process within a laser coating process, a computer program with such an engraving process, and a computer program product with such a computer program.

Additive manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly interesting for large-scale production. The aim of additive coating processes is usually to provide a base body with a coating that is more suitable for the respective application. This opens up the possibility of using a base body which is formed from a mechanically and/or thermally more suitable material and/or can be produced more cost-effectively. This is known, for example, in the area of brake discs, cylinder barrels in engine blocks and pistons for outdoor applications.

Among the additive manufacturing processes are the local coating processes, i.e. those that deliver coating material to the processing point in a timely manner, and these include laser spraying and laser deposition welding, for example extreme high-speed laser deposition welding [EHLA] as described, for example DE 10 2011 100 456 A1 is known to be advantageous laser coating processes in many respects. Within a very short process time, with little energy expenditure, efficient use of powder material and a high bonding quality, a usually thin layer can be applied to the surface of a base body, which in turn allows material to be saved depending on the application. This also means that the welding tracks to be applied must be applied with a high level of precision. In currently known manufacturing processes, this precision depends to a high degree on the skills of the worker on the production machine, with test tracks, for example, being welded and readjusted by hand.

Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of at least partially overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features according to the invention result from the independent claims, to which advantageous embodiments are shown in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically sensible manner, for which the explanations from the following description and features from the figures, which include additional embodiments of the invention, can also be consulted.

• - eine Lasereinrichtung zum Generieren eines Laserstrahls;
• - eine Zuführeinrichtung zum Zuführen zumindest eines Schweißzusatzwerkstoffs; und
• - ein Werkzeugfutter zum Fixieren eines Werkstücks;
• - eine Zustellaktorik, mittels welcher für ein Beschichten eine relative Zustellbewegung der Lasereinrichtung, der Zuführeinrichtung und des Werkzeugfutters zueinander ausführbar ist; und
• - eine Steuervorrichtung zum Steuern der Leistungsabgabe der Lasereinrichtung, wobei die Lasereinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, über die Zuführeinrichtung zugeführten Schweißzusatzwerkstoff eine Oberfläche eines in dem Werkzeugfutter fixierten Werkstücks zu beschichten und/oder diese Oberfläche unter einer entsprechend gesteuerten Leistungsabgabe thermisch zu behandeln.

The invention relates to a device for a laser coating process, having at least the following components:

• - a laser device for generating a laser beam;
• - a feed device for feeding at least one welding filler material; and
• - a tool chuck for fixing a workpiece;
• - a feed actuator, by means of which a relative feed movement of the laser device, the feed device and the tool chuck to one another can be carried out for coating; and
• - a control device for controlling the power output of the laser device, wherein the laser device is set up to coat a surface of a workpiece fixed in the tool chuck with welding filler material supplied via the feed device and / or to thermally treat this surface under a correspondingly controlled power output.

The device is primarily characterized in that the control device is set up to synchronize the power output of the delivery movement of the delivery actuator to lower the laser device below a predetermined power limit value and to raise it again at least to the predetermined power limit value,
wherein a surface of a workpiece is not coated below the performance limit.

In the following, reference is made to the axis of rotation mentioned if the axial direction, radial direction or the rotational direction and corresponding terms are used without explicitly stating otherwise. Ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, only serve to clearly distinguish them and do not reflect the order or ranking of the designated components. An ordinal number greater than one does not mean that another such component must necessarily be present.

The device for coating is a laser spraying machine, for thermal coating, or a laser welding machine, for example for deposition welding, preferably for the above-mentioned extreme high-speed laser deposition welding [EHLA]. The coating, for example for surface finishing, is carried out with a material which is provided as a wire, (liquefied) drop-shaped or (solid) powder-shaped via the feed device as a welding filler material. The welding filler material is put into the liquid state by means of the laser device or kept in the liquid state, i.e. melted or only melted on the outside and / or introduced into a melt pool formed by the laser device in the surface to be coated and thus with the surface to be coated at the atomic level tied together.

The laser device is powered by and/or includes one or more laser sources. The laser beam or the multiple laser beams of the laser device are bundled onto one or more laser foci, with the energy density (intensity) for the desired (maximum) thermal input preferably only being present in this area when, controlled by the control device, by means of the laser device predetermined power limit or more power is delivered. The laser focus has a spatial extent, for example with a diameter (in a plane parallel to the surface to be coated) of 1 mm [one millimeter] to 12 mm, for example from 1.2 mm to 8 mm, particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm. It should be noted that the area depends on the power of the laser beam used and should have an increasing diameter as the power increases to achieve the desired energy density on the surface to be coated. In one embodiment of the application method that can be carried out with the coating device, the intersection point or the intersection surface between the laser focus of the laser device and the surface to be coated is formed outside the area of highest intensity of the laser beam. Nevertheless, in simplified terms, this intersection between the laser beam and the surface to be coated is referred to here as the laser focus because, at least in laser deposition welding, this intersection or this intersection is effective for melting the welding filler material or for thermally treating the surface.

It should be noted that in one embodiment of the engraving method, as will be explained in more detail below, the surface to be coated is a surface of the fixed workpiece, which in one embodiment is arranged on the workpiece with the surface to be subsequently coated, for example within the to coating surface. Such a surface of the fixed workpiece is simply referred to here as the surface to be coated. Preferably, the surface to be coated is not affected, but only the optical properties are changed, for example (as a result of a leveling of roughness) the degree of reflection is increased or a predetermined reflection image (for example a teardrop shape or puddle shape as a result of selective melting of the surface) is generated. In another embodiment, the surface of the fixed workpiece is a surface outside of an area to be coated (for the desired function), for example in the case of a brake disc or a piston on the contiguous and / or identically aligned surface for the respective function but outside the functional surface, i.e outside the braking surface or the sliding surface. Alternatively, the surface to be coated with the laser device (in addition with the engraving method described in more detail below) is arranged in a section which is not formed contiguously with the functional surface and/or aligned in the same way, but, for example, on a surface that is angled and/or offset from it. This is, for example, a shoulder or, for example, its cylindrical outer circumferential surface in the case of a brake disc and one of its cover surfaces in the case of a piston. The feed device for welding filler material is set up, for example, for wire or powder material. A powder nozzle for transporting powder material for powder deposition welding has one (for example lateral) or more Outlets and/or an annular gap outlet, wherein the powder material is transported by means of a gas stream (for example air or an inert carrier gas). The powder material is thus conveyed as a powder stream along a powder trajectory by means of the shape of the at least one outlet and (at least approximately) the speed of the gas stream. In the case of a more complex feed device for welding filler material or a more complex gas jet, this must be referred to as a powder focus. The powder focus is, for example, in an embodiment coaxial with the laser beam defined by a conical arrangement of the plurality of nozzle channels (powder ring as an imaginary ring line through a plurality of points and/or line sections) or by a ring nozzle (revolving powder ring). Due to the conical structure, the coaxial powder ring tapers concentrically to a powder focus. After passing through the powder focus, the powder gas jet diverges along the direction of propagation (of the laser beam). In one embodiment, the powder focus is to be aligned relative to the laser focus.

The tool chuck is set up for clamping, i.e. for fixing, a workpiece, with a defined spatial axis, for example a central axis of rotation, of the workpiece being able to be precisely aligned. As a rule, the workpiece is already finished, except for the coating to be applied or, if necessary, other smaller post-processing processes. Precise positioning is therefore necessary. This is preferably supported by means of a gripper arm and defined gripping surfaces on the workpiece and/or appropriate measuring technology. For example, the tool chuck includes a detection device for imbalances, whereupon a clamping can be corrected or, if balancing of the workpiece has not yet been carried out or may still be supplemented (for example within the scope of permissibility), at least a corresponding material removal or material application is carried out. For a rotary workpiece, the tool chuck is, for example, a chuck. For a workpiece without a rotation axis or which is unsuitable for rotary machining, the tool chuck is, for example, a tool table with appropriate fixing elements. The tool chuck itself is preferably integrated into a fixed, possibly adjustable, machine coordinate system (at least within the scope of an adjustment tolerance).

The delivery actuator is set up to deliver the laser device (or its laser focus) and the feed device for welding filler material (or its powder focus) relative to the workpiece or its surface to be coated. The feed actuator includes at least one actuator, preferably a plurality of actuators, for translationally and/or rotationally moving the laser device and the feed device for welding filler material and/or the workpiece. For example, with a brake disc as a workpiece, the feed actuator rotates the brake disc about its axis of rotation (fixed in the tool chuck) and guides the laser device and the feed device for welding filler material radially, so that an (at least approximate) spiral shape of the application track results. In addition, a movement axis that is normally aligned with the surface of the workpiece is often provided, this being intended for workpieces of different sizes and/or for a possibility of clamping the workpiece in the tool chuck of the device for the laser coating process without collision and/or for the laser device and to be able to easily maintain or replace the feeding device. In a preferred embodiment, the feed actuator (per spatial axis) can only be moved with sufficient precision for the coating process, for example in the range of a few millimeters, preferably from 0.1 mm [one tenth of a millimeter] to 1 mm.

The control device is set up to control or regulate the power output of the laser device. In one embodiment, the control device is intended exclusively for this purpose. In another embodiment, the control device is also set up to control or regulate other components of the device for a laser coating process, for example for the feed actuators and/or the tool chuck.

The control device comprises a processor and/or a volatile and/or fixed data memory, these being formed by separate units and/or by integrated circuits. The control device is connected to the controlled component, i.e. at least the laser device, in a data-transmitting, i.e. communicating, manner. In addition, the control device, preferably for regulating purposes, is preferably connected to at least one sensor for receiving signals and/or data. In one embodiment, the power output is controlled by the control device using optics, for example mechanically. Alternatively or additionally, the laser source is controlled by means of the control device, so that laser light with a changed intensity is provided, for example by changing the power voltage, coupling in or out of phases and / or laser sources from a plurality of phases or laser sources.

It is now proposed here that the power output of the laser device is synchronized with the delivery movement. In known applications, only one layer has to be applied, the relative position of the applied material webs (compare the spiral in a rotating workpiece above) to the workpiece is irrelevant. An exact assignment is difficult, especially when coating rotary workpieces. Here, however, it is proposed that the control device is set up accordingly and by control values for the delivery actuators, which controls the delivery movement, and / or by means of direct path measurement or movement measurement on the components involved in the delivery movement (i.e. at least the laser device and the feed device and / or the Tool chuck) the power output can be changed coupled to the feed movement. The power output can be reduced below a predetermined power limit value, at which no coating with the feedable or supplied welding filler material takes place, with the power output preferably having a sufficiently large safety margin, particularly preferably for reducing energy consumption within an available reaction time, the laser source or individual phases and / or individual ones from a plurality of sources can be switched off or used for other laser devices from other laser consumers. In one embodiment, the power limit is also defined below a desired power output for coating. In any case, coating with the feedable or supplied welding filler material is not possible below the predetermined performance limit value. This means that the coating can be switched on and off in synchronization with the feed movement of the feed actuators. It is therefore possible to carry out coating or control of the power output of the laser device that is synchronized with pixel precision to the relative feed movement.

With the device proposed here for a laser coating process, a depression in the manner of an engraving can be created in the applied layer in the process, i.e. inline, and thus a pattern in the coating on the surface of the workpiece can be created in the process by omitting an application of material. In contrast to an embossed or machined engraving to create a pattern, no additional tools and no additional processing time are required. Due to the speed at which the laser device can be controlled, a very precise pattern can be generated and the degrees of freedom for generating a pattern are at least not lower than in subsequent machining processes for generating an engraving. In contrast to embossing, no mechanical load is applied to the coating and the workpiece and therefore no special design and quality assurance is necessary for this processing. In contrast to machining post-processing, a suitable rounding at the transition between a coating surface and a recess of the pattern is intrinsic due to the solidification process or the shape of the (particles or drops) of the melted or melted material that is applied during the laser coating process. The patterns that can be created with this are shown as examples further down in the text in connection with the engraving process.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the device that the welding filler material is supplied in powder form and is output unsynchronized with the feed movement of the feed actuator.

In this powder application process, for example laser spraying or extremely high-speed laser deposition welding [EHLA], the powder is supplied conventionally, for example continuously, but is not bonded to the surface of the workpiece if the power falls below the predetermined limit value. In one embodiment, the powder particles bounce off again in this operating state and/or are exposed to sufficiently strong shear forces and released again by the transport gas or by means of (for example increased) suction due to low adhesion forces. Alternatively or additionally, in a subsequent step, (lightly) adhering powder particles are separated by means of suction (for example, increased in comparison to within a coating period), by means of a gas jet (for example air) and/or by means of brushes. It should be noted that the welding filler material is preferably only supplied once a predetermined coating area has been reached, so that energy and effort as well as loss of material are kept as low as possible. In an advantageous embodiment, the feed movement according to the definition here is exclusively a movement within the coating area. The coating area preferably corresponds to the portion of a surface of a workpiece that is to be provided with the welding filler material, i.e. the surface of the workpiece to be coated. Alternatively, to ensure correct, i.e. as desired, application of the powdery welding filler material, the coating area comprises a delivery section within which the laser device is switched off or operated below the predetermined power limit. Within this delivery section The workpiece is not coated with the welding filler material.

In a laser coating process in which several layers are formed to form a layer and the depression also affects several or one layer located further down, potentially adhering powder particles are removed in an intermediate step or in the process by means of a tool that follows the laser device and the feed device removed.

It should be noted that (regardless of the type of welding filler material) it is not absolutely necessary to form the recess in the later outer layer, but can also be formed below a layer that later forms the outer surface or several layers adjacent to this outer layer. The material that hits such a depression in deeper positions compared to the adjacent, i.e. normal, areas will form this depression accordingly and the pattern will therefore be formed to the outside, for example visible. This is advantageous, for example, if the outer layer performs a protective function, for example for improved corrosion resistance, while this is not fulfilled by a lower layer, for example due to the use of a different welding filler material in lower layers. A different welding filler material in lower layers is advantageous, for example, for forming a binding layer, for example in a brake disc, which is designed for mechanical and/or thermal mediation between the material of the workpiece or its surface and the material of the functional layer forming the outer layer.

• - eine Messvorrichtung zum Erfassen von Koordinaten eines Punkts auf einer zu beschichtenden Oberfläche eines in dem Werkzeugfutter fixierten Werkstücks; und
• - zumindest eine Justiereinrichtung zum relativen Justieren der Lasereinrichtung und der Zuführeinrichtung zueinander.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the device that the device further comprises:

• - a measuring device for detecting coordinates of a point on a surface to be coated of a workpiece fixed in the tool chuck; and
• - At least one adjusting device for adjusting the laser device and the feed device relative to one another.

For a simple and at the same time very precise application of a pattern, it is proposed here that a measuring device and an adjusting device are also provided. This means that the machine coordinate system and the coordinate system of the fixed workpiece can be brought into harmony with one another.

The measuring device is set up (for example tactilely or optically) to detect a point on the surface to be coated and its relative position to the machine coordinate system. In one embodiment, such a point is designed arbitrarily. In one embodiment, such a point is clearly defined and reliably machine recognizable based on its shape (e.g., a characteristic bump or depression) and/or its appearance (e.g., color, reflectance, and others). In one embodiment, such a reliably machine-detectable point is a penetration, which can be introduced into the surface to be coated by the laser device by means of its thermal input. The measuring device or its measurement result is preferably more precise with regard to the recorded coordinates relative to the machine coordinate system than the delivery precision of the delivery actuators. The measuring device is, for example, for detecting (relative) coordinates in the range below a tenth of a millimeter, for example from 0.01 µm [one-hundredth of a micrometer] to 10 µm, preferably 0.05 µm to a maximum of 5 µm. In one embodiment, the measuring device comprises a plurality of measuring units, which are set up based on different measuring methods, for detecting different things and/or for detecting from complementary or redundant viewing angles. For example, one or a plurality of measuring units for detecting an appearance of the penetration, a measuring unit for detecting the depth of the penetration and a measuring unit for determining the coordinates of the penetration are provided. For example, one or a plurality of measuring units are provided for detecting the laser focus and/or the alignment of the laser focusing lens, as well as optionally the powder focus.

The device proposed here for a laser coating process with a power output of the laser device that can be synchronized with the feed movement or its feed device for welding filler material and laser device can in one embodiment be aligned with one another by hand using the adjusting device, i.e. adjustable. By means of this adjusting device, the relative alignment of the feed device for welding filler material (for example the powder focus) to the laser focus can be adjusted in the range of (for example halved, i.e. tolerance doubling) precision of the measuring device, preferably only in the plane parallel to that surface to be coated. Alternatively, a relative position along the normal to the surface to be coated and/or a relative rotation can also be aligned using the adjusting device.

It should be noted that although the feed device for welding filler material is preferably moved by the adjusting device for adjustment; alternatively or additionally, the laser device and/or the laser focus can be adjusted (for example by aligning a laser focusing lens) using the adjusting device.

The device proposed here for a laser coating process can be adjusted in an at least machine-assisted process, whereby the measuring process for high precision of an engraving process can be carried out as often as desired, for example for each workpiece or once in a maintenance cycle. This means that the device can be used for a laser coating process for large-scale production and at the same time a high level of precision and reliable quality of production can be ensured.

1. a. Bereitstellen eines in dem Werkzeugfutter fixierten Werkstücks;
2. b. mittels der Zustellaktorik, für ein Beschichten einer Oberfläche des in dem Werkzeugfutter fixierten Werkstücks Beginnen einer relativen Zustellbewegung zwischen der Lasereinrichtung und der Zuführeinrichtung sowie dem in dem Werkzeugfutter fixierten Werkstück;
3. c. mittels der Steuervorrichtung, zu der Zustellbewegung synchronisiertes Steuern der Leistungsabgabe der Lasereinrichtung relativ zu einem vorbestimmten Leistungsgrenzwert, sodass die Oberfläche des fixierten Werkstücks abhängig von einem vorgegebenen Muster auf der Oberfläche des Werkstücks beschichtet wird.

According to a further aspect, an engraving process within a laser coating process is proposed by means of a device according to an embodiment according to the above description, comprising at least the following steps in the order mentioned:

1. a. Providing a workpiece fixed in the tool chuck;
2. b. by means of the feed actuator, for coating a surface of the workpiece fixed in the tool chuck, starting a relative feed movement between the laser device and the feed device and the workpiece fixed in the tool chuck;
3. c. by means of the control device, controlling the power output of the laser device relative to a predetermined power limit value, synchronized with the feed movement, so that the surface of the fixed workpiece is coated depending on a predetermined pattern on the surface of the workpiece.

The engraving method proposed here can be carried out on the device for a laser coating method in an embodiment as described above. It should be noted that the engraving process does not necessarily exclusively include performing surface coating on a surface to be coated.

The control device is part of the device for the laser coating process (for example a control unit there) or an external unit which is communicatively connected to the device for the laser coating process (or the control unit there).

In one step a. A workpiece is first provided, with this step in one embodiment being at least partially parallel to the beginning of step b. is carried out, for example if the paths for changing a processing tool and / or maintenance of the processing tool (for example cleaning a nozzle) do not cause a collision despite simultaneous movement. Alternatively, the relative feed movement from step b. defined in such a way that it begins from a position adjacent to the processing area. Any other movement of the delivery actuator that may be necessary is at any time, for example at the same time as step a. executable. In such an embodiment, step a. the feed device and the laser device are also provided.

In step b. The relative feed movement between the workpiece or its surface to be coated and the feed device with the laser device begins and is carried out. In one embodiment, the feed device and the laser device are firmly coupled to one another in terms of movement, with preferably only relative adjustment to one another being possible. Alternatively, the laser device and the feed device can be moved separately from one another by means of at least one separate actuator relative to the workpiece and/or coupled to one another, for example coupled to one another in terms of movement at least within the coating area. In a preferred embodiment, the feeding of welding filler material is started at the beginning or before the start of the relative feed movement, particularly preferably in the case of a powdery welding filler material, so that a desired powder flow is reliably established before the laser beam is activated for laser deposition welding.

It should be noted that in some embodiments the relative feed movement only includes the movement of the workpiece, i.e. the tool chuck. In the case of a rotary workpiece, for example a brake disc or a piston, the workpiece is (preferably exclusively) rotated and the feed device and the laser device (preferably exclusively) are moved linearly-radially to the workpiece. In the case of a flat or (for example, approximately flat and therefore) as if surface has been machined, a relative height movement (i.e. axial to the axis of rotation of the workpiece) is only carried out in advance of and/or after completion of the coating or not.

Step c. In one embodiment, begins immediately with step b. on or later in the course of coating. Step c. can be understood as overlapping in time with a coating the; because here, in a section of the coating area, at least one layer is not applied when the surface is coated, so that a depression and/or an elevation and thus a pattern, for example in the manner of an engraving, is formed in the coating. In one embodiment, step c. exclusively outside of a functional coating, for example the friction layer in a brake disc and the sliding surface in a piston, for example, so that such a pattern does not impair the function. Alternatively or additionally, such a pattern is introduced into the functional surface of the workpiece.

The laser beam or its intensity or power output is changed relative to a predetermined power limit value as already explained above. In a simple embodiment, the laser beam is switched on and off, for example by switching on the laser source and/or by deflecting the laser beam. By executing the laser beam synchronously with the relative feed movement, at least with regard to its power output sufficient for coating, a pattern can be generated integrated into the coating, for example during the coating. This means that a pattern, for example a brand logo, a serial number or similar, can be introduced into the coating on the surface of the workpiece in the process, i.e. inline.

It should be noted that in conventional laser coating processes, the coating is not synchronized with the relative feed movement. Rather, there is a starting point and an end point when the power output for coating (i.e. above the predetermined power limit) is provided. In other words, coating with step c. superimposed in time. In addition, the precision of the synchronous change in the power output of the laser device to generate a pattern in the process is very high, due to the often high delivery speeds. So pixel-precise synchronization is carried out. A pixel's extent in the feed direction is preferably the same size or smaller than the process-related extent transverse to the feed direction of the relative feed movement. In one embodiment, such a pixel is as large as the extent of the laser focus on the surface of the workpiece in which the melting or melting required for coating takes place. It should be noted that in one embodiment, a pixel has a shape other than a square, for example rectangular or arc-shaped. In addition, the shape of the formed depression or elevation of the pattern depends on the flow behavior and solidification behavior of the welding filler material as well as the surface to be coated, so that a teardrop shape often results (like a solidified drop of wax on a table surface).

• - eine Kontaktspitze;
• - eine Struktur;
• - ein Logo;
• - eine Funktionsabrundung; und
• - ein Wasserabführkanal.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the engraving method that using step c. at least one of the following patterns is created:

• - a contact tip;
• - a structure;
• - a logo;
• - a rounded off function; and
• - a water drainage channel.

A contact tip is, for example, advantageous for generating a defined surface roughness, for example for a friction surface or for a sliding surface, for example in the manner of a lotus effect. A structure is advantageous, for example, for a function, for example a ventilation duct, and/or a design, for example reflection effects or a characteristic corrugation. A logo, for example of a brand or other product identification, for example a serial number, is often a desired detail in the (final, i.e. coated) surface of a workpiece for brand embossing and/or clear identification (of the individual workpiece and/or the manufacturer) . A functional rounding is advantageous, for example, at edges and transitions, whereby it is possible to deviate from the amount of welding filler material in the remaining area. For some applications, a water drainage channel is advantageous, for example in a brake disc, in order to be able to drain away splash water and rainwater efficiently and to be able to maintain the braking effect of a disc brake to a high degree even when the brake disc is wet.

1. i. mittels der Zustellaktorik, mit der Lasereinrichtung Anfahren eines vorbestimmten Punkts auf einer Oberfläche des in dem Werkzeugfutter fixierten Werkstücks und dort verbleiben;
2. ii. mittels der Zustellaktorik, mit der Zuführeinrichtung für den Schweißzusatzwerkstoff Anfahren des vorbestimmten Punkts auf der Oberfläche des fixierten Werkstücks;
3. iii. nach Schritt i. mittels der Lasereinrichtung, Ermitteln der relativen Lage von seinem Laser-Fokus zu dem Punkt auf der Oberfläche des fixierten Werkstücks;
4. iv. nach Schritt ii. und iii. Anzeigen der in Schritt iii. ermittelten relativen Lage des Laser-Fokus, sodass mittels der Justiereinrichtung, die Zuführeinrichtung für Schweißzusatzwerkstoff relativ zu der angezeigten relativen Lage des Laser-Fokus und damit relativ zu dem Laser-Fokus justierbar ist.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the engraving method that the engraving method is carried out with a device according to an embodiment according to the above description,
wherein the engraving method is carried out by the control device and further comprises at least the following steps:

1. i. by means of the delivery actuator, the laser device moves to a predetermined point on a surface of the workpiece fixed in the tool chuck and remains there;
2. ii. by means of the feed actuator, with the feed device for the welding filler material ren of the predetermined point on the surface of the fixed workpiece;
3. iii. after step i. by means of the laser device, determining the relative position of its laser focus to the point on the surface of the fixed workpiece;
4. iv. after step ii. and iii. View the information in step iii. determined relative position of the laser focus, so that by means of the adjusting device, the feed device for welding filler material can be adjusted relative to the displayed relative position of the laser focus and thus relative to the laser focus.

In this embodiment, the engraving process further includes an alignment process, which begins with step i. begins, with the laser device moving to a predetermined point using the delivery actuator. This can, but does not have to, also be the point at the beginning of step b. be. This point is on a workpiece that includes the surface to be coated and, for example, within this surface to be coated, or on a sacrificial workpiece that is not fed into a production result of a (subsequent) coating process. The predetermined point is preferably outside the surface to be coated. The surface of the fixed workpiece is therefore a separate surface from the surface to be coated. Alternatively, it is accepted that at this predetermined point, for example as a result of a burn-in, a surface property is changed, for example impaired, or even that a coating can no longer be applied at this point.

The laser device is now positioned at the predetermined point (at least after the current adjustment) and remains there. In the subsequent step iii. the actual relative position of the laser focus to the base body is detected at the predetermined point by means of the laser device, for example by producing a burn-in in the surface of the fixed workpiece and/or by means of a caustics measurement, while the laser device has approached the predetermined point. As an anticipation, it should be noted at this point that the actually detected laser focus (as previously determined) and the predetermined point can fall apart if a current adjustment of the laser device relative to the machine coordinate system (the control device) falls apart. A more detailed explanation follows below and various possible solutions are mentioned. The predetermined point has therefore been approached at least according to the machine coordinate system.

Parallel to, before or after step i. will be in step ii. the feed device for welding filler material is aligned with the predetermined point which is approached or approached by the laser device. In an advantageous embodiment, the laser device and the feed device for welding filler material are always moved together by means of the feed actuator system, preferably without the possibility of a relative movement by means of the feed actuator system. Such a relative movement is then only possible using the adjusting device.

In the final step iv. The penetration formed in the surface of the fixed workpiece or the relative position of the laser focus is recorded via the caustic measurement using the measuring device and its coordinates are recorded in the control device. Meanwhile, the laser device remains at the location in step i. approached point.

In one embodiment, the feed device for welding filler material is aligned to this detected laser focus on the basis of (sufficiently) precisely known machine-internal coordinate data. This is advantageous if the laser focus forms the basis for the machine coordinate system (see below). In another embodiment, the feed device for welding filler material is started (preferably without welding operation), i.e. a stream of powder is conveyed out and the position of the feed device for welding filler material (or the powder focus) is detected by means of the measuring device and its coordinates are recorded in the control device.

Then the feed device for welding filler material (or its powder focus) is adjusted relative to the laser focus by means of the adjusting device, i.e. the feed device for welding filler material is aligned relative to the laser focus. For a particularly simple embodiment of the engraving method, an embodiment of the device for coating is particularly advantageous, in which the feed device for welding filler material and the laser device can only be moved relative to the surface of the fixed workpiece by means of a common feed actuator. The adjusting device is then connected in series to the feed actuator in relation to the laser device and the feed device for welding filler material or is designed with a spatial axis that deviates from the at least one feed direction of the feed actuator as the adjusting direction.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the engraving method that in step iii using the laser device Survey pattern is applied to the surface of the fixed workpiece.

This takes advantage of the fact that basically all components involved in the coating are set up correctly and only the relative position needs to be checked or adjusted. As a result of the synchronized power output of the laser device, a survey pattern can be generated, for example a raised cross or a cross that is recessed in an area. In one embodiment, the shape of the elevation pattern can be used to determine not only a relative orientation to the workpiece, but also a relative orientation of the laser focus and the focus of the feed device, for example the powder focus of a powder nozzle. This information is, for example, an amount of welding filler material from which the survey pattern is formed and/or a deviation from a pixel extent.

In one embodiment, the elevation pattern is leveled again (completely or approximately) in the later coating process by interrupting the coating due to the known position, depending on the shape of the elevation pattern, or by applying a smaller number of layers by means of synchronized control of the power output of the laser device. If implemented appropriately, such a survey pattern is no longer visible later and/or has no physical effect relevant to the intended application.

It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the engraving method that in a step v. after step iii. and before step iv. the laser focus is adjusted,
in that in a sub-step v.1 to determine a deviation by means of the measuring device, the coordinates of the predetermined point match the coordinates of the coordinates in step iii. determined relative position, and preferably in step iv. displayed relative position, the laser focus can be compared, and
in that in a substep v.2 the laser focus is adjusted relative to a fixed machine coordinate system of the device in accordance with the deviation determined in substep v.1 by means of the delivery actuator and/or by means of the adjustment device.

This embodiment takes into account that there is also a difference between the predetermined point and the detected laser focus (for example burn-in, elevation pattern and/or the result of the caustics measurement) due to a (incorrect) current adjustment of the laser focus to the machine coordinate system Deviation may exist. In step v. This is compensated for in sub-step v.2, whereby this is carried out analogously to the description above with regard to the powder nozzle or the powder focus. Preferably, only a single burn-in, a single survey pattern is formed or a single caustics measurement is carried out by aligning the laser focus with the machine coordinate system to the measurement result in sub-step v.1 using the feed actuator and/or the adjustment device.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least a second burn-in and/or a second elevation pattern is generated or a second caustics measurement is carried out after the laser focus has been adjusted, with the delivery being particularly preferably corrected accordingly (if necessary beforehand) by means of the delivery actuator . In the latter case, the (not yet adjusted) first and at least one (adjusted) second detected laser focus overlap. The optionally present adjustment unit for the laser focus and the adjustment unit for the powder nozzle (or the powder focus) are connected in parallel or in series, for example physically acting directly on one another or far apart from one another. For example, the adjustment unit for the laser focus is arranged on the machine bed side of the feed actuator, i.e. connected upstream or in parallel.

• - in der Vorrichtung für das Laser-Beschichtungsverfahren, bevorzugt nach einer Ausführungsform gemäß der obigen Beschreibung, angeordnet ist;
• - zur Kommunikation mit einem Edge-Device, auf welchem bevorzugt zumindest ein Teil des Computerprogrammcodes bereitgestellt ist, eingerichtet ist; und/oder
• - zur Kommunikation mit einer Cloud, auf welcher bevorzugt zumindest ein Teil des Computerprogrammcodes bereitgestellt ist, eingerichtet ist.

According to a further aspect, a computer program is proposed, comprising
a computer program code, wherein the computer program code is executable on at least one computer in such a way that the at least one computer is caused to carry out the engraving method according to an embodiment according to the above description, wherein at least one unit of the computer:

• - is arranged in the device for the laser coating process, preferably according to an embodiment according to the above description;
• - is set up for communication with an edge device, on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided; and or
• - Is set up for communication with a cloud, on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided.

The engraving method described here, preferably including the alignment method, is computer-implemented according to this embodiment. The computer-implemented engraving method is stored as computer program code, the computer program code, if it is on a computer, for example comprising a Memory unit and a processor, which causes computers to carry out the engraving method according to an embodiment according to the foregoing description.

The computer-implemented engraving method is implemented, for example, by a computer program, the computer program comprising the computer program code, the computer program code, when executed on a computer, causing the computer to carry out the engraving method according to an embodiment as described above. Computer program code refers to one or more instructions or commands that cause a computer to carry out a series of operations, which represent, for example, an algorithm and/or other processing methods.

The computer program can preferably be executed partially or completely on a server or a server unit of a cloud system, a handheld (for example a smartphone) and/or on at least one unit of the computer. The term server or server unit refers here to a computer that provides data and/or operational services for one or more other computer-based devices or computers and thus forms the cloud system. For example, a unit of the computer is arranged as an integrated control device, as a so-called edge device, near a machine tool and/or is set up for communication with a cloud, with at least part of the computer program code preferably being provided on the cloud.

The terms cloud system or computer are used here synonymously with the devices known from the prior art. A computer therefore includes one or more general purpose processors (CPU) or microprocessors, RISC processors, GPU and/or DSP. For example, the computer has additional elements such as memory interfaces or communication interfaces. Optionally or additionally, the terms refer to such a device which is able to execute a provided or integrated program, preferably with a standardized programming language (for example C++, JavaScript or Python) and/or to control data storage devices and/or other devices such as input interfaces and output interfaces and/or access it. The term computer also refers to a plurality of processors or a plurality of (sub)computers which are interconnected and/or connected and/or otherwise communicatively connected and may share one or more other resources, such as memory. A (data) memory is, for example, a hard drive (HDD) or a (non-volatile) solid-state memory, for example a ROM memory or flash memory [flash EEPROM]. The storage often comprises a plurality of individual physical units or is distributed across a multitude of separate devices so that it is accessed via data communication, for example package data service. The latter is a decentralized solution, whereby memory and processors from a large number of separate computers are used instead of a (single) central server or in addition to a central server.

• - in der Vorrichtung für das Laser-Beschichtungsverfahren, bevorzugt nach einer Ausführungsform gemäß der obigen Beschreibung, angeordnet ist;
• - zur Kommunikation mit einem Edge-Device, auf welchem bevorzugt zumindest ein Teil des Computerprogrammcodes bereitgestellt ist, eingerichtet ist; und/oder
• - zur Kommunikation mit einer Cloud, auf welcher bevorzugt zumindest ein Teil des Computerprogrammcodes bereitgestellt ist, eingerichtet ist.

According to a further aspect, a computer program product is proposed on which
a computer program code is stored, the computer program code being executable on at least one computer in such a way that the at least one computer is caused to carry out the engraving method according to an embodiment according to the above description, wherein at least one unit of the computer:

• - is arranged in the device for the laser coating process, preferably according to an embodiment according to the above description;
• - is set up for communication with an edge device, on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided; and or
• - Is set up for communication with a cloud, on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided.

As a computer program product, having the computer program code described above, a medium such as RAM, ROM, an SD card, a memory card, a flash memory card or a disc, or stored and downloadable on a server, is for example. As soon as the computer program is made readable via a readout unit, for example a drive and/or an installation, the computer program code containing it and the engraving method contained therein, preferably including the alignment method, are readable by a computer or in communication with a plurality of server units, for example according to the description above , executable.

• 1: eine Vorrichtung für ein Laser-Beschichtungsverfahren in einer schematischen Ansicht mit einem Werkstück;
• 2: ein beschichtetes Werkstück mit Mustern in der Oberfläche;
• 3: ein Flussdiagramm für ein Gravierverfahren innerhalb eines Laser-Beschichtungsverfahrens ; und
• 4: ein Flussdiagramm eines Ausrichtverfahrens als Teil des Gravierverfahrens.

The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the associated drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way illustrated by the purely schematic drawings limited, although it should be noted that the drawings are not true to size and are not suitable for defining size relationships. It is presented in

• 1 : a device for a laser coating process in a schematic view with a workpiece;
• 2 : a coated workpiece with patterns in the surface;
• 3 : a flowchart for an engraving process within a laser coating process; and
• 4 : a flow chart of an alignment process as part of the engraving process.

In 1 a device 1 for a laser coating process is shown in a schematic view with a workpiece 7. The workpiece 7 is clamped here by means of the device 1 for coating and is, for example, a brake disc. For this purpose, the workpiece 7 has a surface 10 to be coated (upper as shown) and optionally an opposite back (lower as shown). In the state shown, a layer can be applied to the surface 10 to be coated for coating the surface 10 of a base body. For this purpose, the workpiece 7 is clamped into a tool chuck 6 of the device 1 for coating and is held precisely positioned by it. In this exemplary embodiment, the tool chuck 6 is, for example, a chuck with a rigid axis of rotation 25 and the workpiece 7 is aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation 25. The axis of rotation 25 is thus aligned normally to the surface 10 to be coated. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the tool chuck 6 is purely optionally driven by a rotary drive 26, so that the workpiece 7 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 25. The workpiece 7 can preferably be delivered in a repeatable, coordinate-accurate manner by the rotary drive 26 in accordance with a coordinate system. In this exemplary embodiment, the rotary drive 26 is part of the delivery actuator 8.

As shown above the workpiece 7, a coating unit 27 of the device 1 is positioned for coating. The coating unit 27 comprises a laser device 2, a control device 9 and a feed device 4. The laser device 2 is set up to emit a laser beam 3, the power output of the laser beam 3 being controllable by means of the control device 9. The control device 9 is set up in such a way that the power output of the laser beam 3 is to be raised or lowered in synchronization with the feed movement of the feed actuator 8. In this exemplary embodiment, a welding filler material 5 (for example a powder material) is focused from the feed device 4 in the form of a cone in a powder focus 20. When the alignment is adjusted, the powder focus 20 overlaps with the laser focus 19 of the laser device 2 just above the surface 10 to be coated. A deviation 22 (that is not the distance 28 normal to the surface 10 to be coated) between the surface coordinates of the laser focus 19 and the parallel coordinates of the powder focus 20 cannot be seen in this illustration (compare 2 ). The laser device 2 is formed by a single-beam or multi-beam laser beam 3 (preferably in a protective gas atmosphere). The coating unit 27 shown is set up, for example, for precise high-speed coating using EHLA. As shown, a measuring device 11 (shown here as a camera) is arranged to the left of the coating unit 27, which, for example, has a point 12 and/or a pattern 14 (see 2 ) recognizes and the relative position to the machine coordinate system 23 of the device 1 for laser coating is transmitted to the delivery actuator 8. The coating unit 27 (here purely optionally itself) can be moved radially relative to the rotation axis 25 relative to the workpiece 7 by means of the horizontal actuator 29 of the feed actuator 8 (feed). In addition, (here purely optionally) the coating unit 27 can be delivered vertically (i.e. parallel to the axis of rotation 25) by means of the vertical actuator 30 of the delivery actuator 8.

The coordinate systems shown here are shown purely optionally as Cartesian coordinate systems, with the z-axis pointing upwards in the image plane, the x-axis pointing to the left in the image plane and the y-axis pointing out of the image plane. The data and the actuator coordinates 31 (here shown purely symbolically in the horizontal actuator 29) of the delivery actuator system 8 are processed in the control device 18 or in a computer 24 (here shown purely schematically with a processor 32 and a memory 33) and used for control and compared with each other. A first adjustment unit 34 acts here (indirectly) on the feed device 4 in the horizontal direction in the image plane (i.e. the x direction or the radial direction based on the rotation axis 25 of the workpiece 7) to the laser device 2. The first adjustment unit preferably comprises 34 also an adjustment direction out of the image plane (i.e. in the y direction or in the circumferential direction based on the axis of rotation 25 of the workpiece 7). Purely optionally, the adjusting device 13 further comprises a second adjusting unit 35, by means of which the laser focus 19 can be aligned. This second adjustment unit 35 is here (horizontally) acting (preferably also in both the x-direction and the y-direction) on the laser focusing lens.

In 2 a coated workpiece 7 with patterns 14 in the surface 10 is shown in a schematic top view. The workpiece 7 here is, for example, a brake disc, which is arranged coaxially to a rotation axis 25, with, as shown, below the rotation axis 25 a pattern 14, a logo 15 (here shown purely optionally as a brand name) as a recess (in the manner of an engraving) and / or elevation is applied to the surface 10. Alternatively or additionally, the surface 10 includes a pattern 14 as a structure, for example as a plurality of contact tips (not visible) for a defined roughness or an effect for removing water and/or dirt. Furthermore, a (purely optional) single water discharge channel 17 for a plurality of water discharge channels 17 is shown here parspro-toto. In one embodiment, a point 12 is formed using a survey pattern 21 using a laser coating process (cf 3 ) is applied to the surface 10, with which the coordinates of the position of the laser focus 19 are determined by means of a measuring device 11 (such as in 1 shown) can be detected. For example, with correct adjustment, the elevation pattern 21 should be arranged concentrically to the crosshair shown. Accordingly, the relative alignment of the laser device 2 to the workpiece 7 can be adjusted. In an advantageous embodiment, during powder deposition welding, a deviation 22 of the relative alignment between the laser focus 19 and the powder focus 20 can also be determined and adjusted due to the shape of the elevation pattern 21. The surface 10 of the workpiece 7 is coated exclusively within a coating area 36 (shown here as a circular ring width), with the relative feed movement and thus the creation of a pattern 14 taking place within this coating area 36.

In this exemplary embodiment, the coating of the surface 10 of the workpiece 7 is provided with a functional rounding 16, here for example at the radially outer edge of the coating (or at the transition from the coating area 36 to the area of the surface 10 of the workpiece 7 that is not to be coated) and/or in a water drainage channel 17.

In 3 a flowchart for an engraving process within a laser coating process is shown. In one step a. A workpiece 7 is first provided, with the feed device 4 and the laser device 2 preferably also being provided.

In step b. the relative feed movement between the workpiece 7 or its surface 10 to be coated and the feed device 4 is carried out with the laser device 2. In a preferred embodiment, the feeding of welding filler material 5 is started at the beginning or before the start of the relative feed movement, particularly preferably in the case of a powdery welding filler material 5, so that a desired powder flow is reliably established before the laser beam 3 is activated for laser deposition welding.

Step c. can be understood as overlapping in time with a coating; because in this case, in a section of the coating area 36, at least one layer is not applied when the surface 10 is coated, so that a depression and/or an elevation and thus a pattern 14, for example in the manner of an engraving, is formed in the coating.

The laser beam 3 or its intensity or power output is changed relative to a predetermined power limit value. In a simple embodiment, the laser beam 3 is switched on and off.

In 4 A flowchart of an alignment process as part of the engraving process is shown. In step i. a predetermined point 12 is approached by the laser device 2 using the delivery actuator 8. This point 12 is on a workpiece 7, which includes the surface 10 to be coated and, for example, within this surface 10 to be coated (see 2 ).

Parallel to, before or after step i. will be in step ii. the feed device 4 for welding filler material 5 is aligned with the predetermined point 12, which is approached or approached by the laser device 2. Thus, with correct adjustment, welding filler material 5 would be fed into the laser focus 19.

In the subsequent step iii. the actual relative position of the laser focus 19 to the base body is detected at the predetermined point 12 by means of the laser device 2, for example by generating a survey pattern 21 in the surface 10 of the fixed workpiece 7, while the predetermined point 12 has been approached by the laser device 2.

In an advantageous embodiment, an (optional) step v. carried out with substeps v.1 and v.2. In sub-step v.1 it is taken into account that between the predetermined point 12 and the detected laser focus 19 (for example the survey pattern 21) due to a (incorrect) current adjustment of the laser focus 19 to the machine coordinate system 23, a deviation 22 may exist. Therefore, in substep v.1, this deviation 22 of the predetermined point 12 from the coordinates in step iii. determined relative position determined by means of the measuring device 11.

In substep v.2, this deviation 22 is then compensated for. The deviation 22 is compensated for in such a way that only a single survey pattern 21 is formed. Based on the measurement result from sub-step v.1, the laser focus 19 is aligned with the machine coordinate system 23 by means of the delivery actuator 8 and/or the adjusting device 13, thereby ensuring that the deviation 22 is compensated for.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least a second elevation pattern 21 is generated after the adjustment of the laser focus 19 has taken place, with the delivery being particularly preferably corrected accordingly (if necessary beforehand) by means of the delivery actuator 8.

In the final step iv., possibly simultaneously with or before step v., the elevation pattern 21 formed on the surface 10 of the fixed workpiece 7 is detected by means of the measuring device 11 and its coordinates are recorded in the control device 18. Meanwhile, the laser device 2 remains at the location in step i. reached point 12.

The alignment process described here within the engraving process is computer-implemented, i.e. can be executed on a computer 24 using computer program code. For example, a unit of the computer 24 is arranged as an integrated control device 18, as a so-called edge device, in the vicinity of a machine tool and/or is set up for communication with a cloud, with at least part of the computer program code preferably being provided on the cloud.

With the laser coating device proposed here, synchronized coating of a surface of a workpiece can be achieved.

Reference symbol list

1

Laser coating device

2

Laser device

3

laser beam

4

Feeding device

5

Welding filler material

6

Tool chuck

7

workpiece

8th

Delivery actuators

9

Control device

10

surface

11

Measuring device

12

Point

13

Adjustment device

14

Pattern

15

logo

16

Functional rounding

17

Water drainage channel

18

Control device

19

Laser focus

20

Powder focus

21

Survey pattern

22

deviation

23

Machine coordinate system

24

computer

25

Axis of rotation

26

Rotary drive

27

Coating unit

28

Distance

29

Horizontal adjuster

30

Vertical plate

31

Actuator coordinates

32

processor

33

Storage

34

first adjustment unit

35

second adjustment unit

36

Coating area

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011100456 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Device (1) for a laser coating process, comprising at least the following components: - a laser device (2) for generating a laser beam (3); - a feed device (4) for feeding at least one welding filler material (5); and - a tool chuck (6) for fixing a workpiece (7); - a feed actuator (8), by means of which a relative feed movement of the laser device (2), the feed device (4) and the tool chuck (6) to one another can be carried out for coating; and - a control device (9) for controlling the power output of the laser device (2), the laser device (2) being set up to produce welding filler material (5) supplied via the feed device (4) on a surface (10) of a material in the tool chuck (6). to coat the fixed workpiece (7) and/or to thermally treat this surface (10) under an appropriately controlled power output, characterized in that the control device (9) is set up to synchronize the power output of the laser device with the feed movement of the feed actuator (8). (2) to lower it below a predetermined power limit value and to raise it again at least to the predetermined power limit value, with coating of a surface (10) of a workpiece (7) below the power limit value not taking place. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , whereby the welding filler material (5) is supplied in powder form and is output unsynchronized with the feed movement of the feed actuator (8). Device (1) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 , wherein the device (1) further comprises: - a measuring device (11) for detecting coordinates of a point (12) on a surface (10) to be coated of a workpiece (7) fixed in the tool chuck (6); and - at least one adjusting device (13) for adjusting the laser device (2) and the feed device (4) relative to one another. Engraving process within a laser coating process by means of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least the following steps in the order mentioned: a. Providing a workpiece (7) fixed in the tool chuck (6); b. by means of the feed actuator (8), for coating a surface (10) of the workpiece (7) fixed in the tool chuck (6), starting a relative feed movement between the laser device (2) and the feed device (4) and in the tool chuck (6 ) fixed workpiece (7); c. by means of the control device (9), controlling the power output of the laser device (2) relative to a predetermined power limit value, synchronized with the feed movement, so that the surface (10) of the fixed workpiece (7) depends on a predetermined pattern (14) on the surface (10 ) of the workpiece (7) is coated. engraving process Claim 4 , whereby using step c. at least one of the following patterns (14) is created: - a contact tip; - a structure; - a logo (15); - a functional rounding (16); and - a water drainage channel (17). engraving process Claim 4 or Claim 5 , the engraving process using a device (1). Claim 3 is carried out, the engraving method being carried out by the control device (18) and further comprising at least the following steps: i. by means of the feed actuator (8), the laser device (2) moves to a predetermined point (12) on a surface (10) of the workpiece (7) fixed in the tool chuck (6) and remains there; ii. by means of the feed actuator (8), with the feed device (4) for the welding filler material (5), approaching the predetermined point (12) on the surface (10) of the fixed workpiece (7); iii.after step i. by means of the laser device (2), determining the relative position of its laser focus (19) to the point (12) on the surface (10) of the fixed workpiece (7); iv.after step ii. and iii. View the information in step iii. determined relative position of the laser focus (19), so that by means of the adjusting device (13), the feed device (4) for welding filler material (5) relative to the displayed relative position of the laser focus (19) and thus relative to the laser focus (19) is adjustable. engraving process Claim 6 , wherein in step iii a survey pattern (21) is applied to the surface (10) of the fixed workpiece (7) by means of the laser device (2). engraving process Claim 6 or Claim 7 , where in one step v. after step iii. and before step iv. the laser focus (19) is adjusted by, in a substep v.1, determining a deviation (22) using the measuring device (11) the coordinates of the predetermined point (12) with the coordinates of those in step iii. determined relative position, and preferably in step iv. displayed relative position of the laser focus (19) are compared, and in a sub-step v.2 according to the deviation (22) determined in sub-step v.1 by means of the delivery actuator (8) and / or by means of the adjusting device (13). Laser focus (19) is adjusted relative to a fixed machine coordinate system (23) of the device (1). Computer program comprising a computer program code, the computer program code being executable on at least one computer (24) in such a way that the at least one computer (24) is caused to carry out the engraving method according to one of Claim 4 until Claim 8 to be carried out, wherein at least one unit of the computer (24): - in the device (1) for the laser coating process, preferably according to one of Claim 1 until Claim 3 , is arranged; - is set up for communication with an edge device, on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided; and/or - is set up for communication with a cloud on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided. Computer program product on which a computer program code is stored, the computer program code being executable on at least one computer (24) in such a way that the at least one computer (24) is caused to carry out the engraving method according to one of Claim 4 until Claim 8 to be carried out, wherein at least one unit of the computer (24): - in the device (1) for the laser coating process, preferably according to one of Claim 1 until Claim 3 , is arranged; - is set up for communication with an edge device, on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided; and/or - is set up for communication with a cloud on which at least part of the computer program code is preferably provided.

Images