WO2022168717A1

WO2022168717A1 - Laser processing method, processing program creation method, and laser processor

Info

Publication number: WO2022168717A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/002997
Authority: WO
Inventors: 晴雄宮本; 真庸成田
Original assignee: 株式会社アマダ
Priority date: 2021-02-03
Filing date: 2022-01-27
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: JP2022118868A

Abstract

In the present invention, an NC device sets a cutting path (CPa1) from a first position on a first terminal of a metal sheet to a second position on a second terminal that faces the first terminal, in an image in a state in which a plurality of parts are nested on the metal sheet, such that the cutting path (CPa1) passes through a crosspiece between the parts. The NC device sets a first processing sequence for parts (P1 and P3) positioned on a third-terminal side in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first terminal and the second terminal are linked, sets a second processing sequence for the cutting path (CPa1), and sets a third processing sequence for parts (P2 and P4-P6) positioned on a fourth-terminal side with respect to the cutting path (CPa1), the fourth terminal facing the third terminal. A laser processor cuts the parts (P1 and P3) positioned on the third-terminal side, and subsequently divides the metal sheet at the position of the cutting path (CPa1). The NC device furthermore subsequently cuts the parts (P2 and P4-P6) positioned on the fourth-terminal side.

Description

Laser processing method, processing program creation method, and laser processing machine

The present disclosure relates to a laser processing method, a processing program creation method, and a laser processing machine.

A laser processing machine may irradiate a sheet metal with a laser beam to cut the sheet metal to produce multiple parts with a predetermined shape. The scrap of sheet metal after a plurality of parts have been fabricated and the parts removed is called a skeleton. Workers may use, for example, a gas cutting torch to cut the skeleton and discard it.

Manual cutting of skeletons places a heavy burden on workers. Therefore, CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) equipment creates a processing program that adds a cutting path for cutting the crosspieces that will be scraps in order to cut the skeleton after executing the nesting that allocates multiple parts to the sheet metal. Sometimes. An NC (Numerical Control) device controls the laser processing machine to cut the sheet metal based on a processing program to which a cutting path for cutting the crosspiece is added. As a result, the laser processing machine cuts the crosspiece portion with a laser beam during the part manufacturing process (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2000-218467 JP-A-2002-333910 WO2020/218477

However, when the sheet metal is cut as described above, the crosspiece adjacent to the part may be cut toward the outline of the part before the part is cut. If the crosspiece adjacent to the part is cut from the edge of the sheet metal to the contour line of the part before cutting the part, the edge of the part will be marked, degrading the machining quality of the part. Therefore, it is conceivable to cut all the parts, remove all the parts from the sheet metal, and then cut the crosspiece. However, it is difficult to cut the crosspieces after removing all the parts from the sheet metal because the crosspieces are displaced by the heat caused by the laser beam irradiation.

Patent Document 2 describes dividing the sheet metal into a plurality of areas, arranging the parts in each area, and cutting the gaps between the adjacent areas when nesting multiple parts in the sheet metal. The laser processing method described in Patent Literature 2 is not preferable because the yield deteriorates when a plurality of parts are nested in the sheet metal.

According to a first aspect of one or more embodiments, on a nesting image of a plurality of parts nested in sheet metal, from a first position on a first end of said sheet metal, said first A cutting path is set so as to pass through the crosspiece between the parts to a second position on the second end opposite to the end of the first part of the plurality of parts with respect to the cutting path A first processing order is set for one or more parts positioned on a third end side in a direction intersecting the direction connecting the end and the second end, and the first processing order is set on the cutting path. setting a second processing order following the processing order of , and one or more parts positioned on the fourth end side facing the third end with respect to the cutting path among the plurality of parts set a third processing order following the second processing order, irradiate the sheet metal with a laser beam, cut one or more parts located on the third end side, and then irradiating a laser beam on the position of the cutting path of the sheet metal to divide the sheet metal at the position of the cutting path; A laser machining method is provided for cutting one or more parts located in the .

A first aspect of one or more embodiments provides a cutting path from a first location on a first end to a second location on a second end through a crosspiece between parts. Since it is set, the cutting path toward the outline of the part is not set. Therefore, the end of the part does not leave marks, and the machining quality of the part is good. According to the first aspect of one or more embodiments, since the sheet metal is cut by setting the processing order as described above, the position of the crosspiece is hardly shifted due to the heat generated by the laser beam irradiation, and the sheet metal can be cut. Can be easily split by path. According to the first aspect of one or more embodiments, the cutting path is not set before nesting, so yield is not degraded.

According to a second aspect of one or more embodiments, a nesting image of a plurality of parts nested in a sheet metal is displayed on the display, and a first end of the sheet metal is displayed on the nesting image. A cutting path is set so as to pass through a crosspiece between the parts from a first position on the part to a second position on the second end facing the first end, and , one or more parts positioned on the third end side in the direction intersecting the direction connecting the first end and the second end with respect to the cutting path are subjected to the first processing order is set to the cutting path, a second processing order following the first processing order is set on the cutting path, and among the plurality of parts, a fourth end facing the third end with respect to the cutting path A machining program creation method is provided for creating a machining program for setting a third machining order following the second machining order for one or more parts positioned on the part side and cutting the sheet metal in the set machining order. be done.

A second aspect of one or more embodiments creates a machining program as described above so that when the laser machine processes the sheet metal according to the machining program, the edges of the part may be marked. The machining quality of the parts is good. Moreover, the position of the crosspiece is hardly displaced by the heat generated by the irradiation of the laser beam, and the sheet metal can be easily divided along the cutting path. According to a second aspect of one or more embodiments, the cutting path is not set before nesting, so yield is not compromised.

According to a third aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a processing machine body that cuts sheet metal, an NC device that controls the processing machine body based on a processing program, and a display unit connected to the NC device. and an operation unit connected to the NC unit, the NC unit displaying a nesting image in which a plurality of parts are nested in a sheet metal on the display unit based on a machining program created in advance. and by operating the operation unit, the sheet metal is moved from a first position on the first end of the sheet metal to a second position on the second end facing the first end on the nesting image. up to, when a route passing through a crosspiece between parts is input, the input route is set as a cutting route, and the plurality of parts are automatically cut according to the designation based on the operation of the operation unit or regardless of the designation. Among them, one or more parts located on the third end side in the direction intersecting the direction connecting the first end and the second end with respect to the cutting path are subjected to the first processing. a second machining order following the first machining order on the cutting path; A third machining order following the second machining order is set for one or more parts positioned on the end side, and the pre-created machining program is applied to the sheet metal in the first to third machining orders. Laser processing for reconfiguring to cut, creating a reconfigured new processing program, and controlling the processing machine main body based on the new processing program when fabricating the plurality of parts from the sheet metal. machine is provided.

A third aspect of one or more embodiments is that the NC unit controls the machine body based on the reconfigured new machining program so that the part can be machined without marking the end of the part. Good quality. Moreover, the position of the crosspiece is hardly displaced by the heat generated by the irradiation of the laser beam, and the sheet metal can be easily divided along the cutting path. According to a third aspect of one or more embodiments, cutting paths are not set before nesting, so yield is not compromised.

According to the laser processing method, the processing program creation method, and the laser processing machine of one or more embodiments, the sheet metal can be cut without degrading the yield and leaving marks on the end of the part. can be split.

FIG. 1 shows a laser processing machine that executes a laser processing method of one or more embodiments, a laser processing system that executes a processing program creation method of one or more embodiments, and a laser of one or more embodiments. It is a block diagram showing a processing machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram partially showing an example of a machining program created by the CAM device 20 in FIG. FIG. 3A is a partial flow chart showing the processing executed in the machining program creating method of the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a partial flowchart following FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a nesting image displayed on the display section 33 by the NC device 31 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the laser processing machine 30 cuts the sheet metal W to produce the parts P1 to P6, cuts joints of the parts P1 to P6, and removes the parts P1 to P6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the positions of the joints specified by the NC device 31 are indicated by marks J1 to J6 in the nesting image 101 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a nesting image 102 in which joints in the nesting image 101 are connected. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the nesting image 103 in which the approaches Ap1 to Ap6 and the end points Ep1 to Ep6 in the nesting image 102 are deleted. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a nesting image 104 in which closed-shaped line segments existing inside other closed-shaped line segments in the nesting image 103 are discarded. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an enlarged closed line segment is added to the nesting image 104 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a nesting image 105 including closed-shaped line segments created based on the enlarged closed-shaped line segment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which a path passing through crosspieces is added to the nesting image 105 shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows a nesting image 106 in which the paths Pa12, Pa13, Pa24, Pa34, and Pa46 shown in FIG. 12 are added to the nesting image 101 shown in FIG. FIG. 14 conceptually shows a state in which the operator touches the operation unit 34, which is a touch panel, and moves his/her finger along paths Pa34, Pa13, and Pa12. FIG. 15 is a partial side view conceptually showing the processing head 321 provided in the processing machine main body 32. As shown in FIG. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing an example of an operation for designating the processing position of the processing head 321 and the moving direction of the processing head 321 when detecting the end surface of the sheet metal W. FIG. FIG. 17 shows the nesting image 107 in which the cutting path CPa1 is newly set by the operator's operation shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram conceptually showing the operation of setting the processing order by touching the touch panel by the operator. FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of creating a machining program by the CAM device 20 executing the machining program creation method of the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the processing executed in the machining program creation method of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the cutting path CPa21 set in the nesting image 202 shown in FIG. 19(c). FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a nesting image 221 showing a state in which the parts P21 to P25 are nested at the ends of the sheet metal W with a margin, and a nesting image 222 in which the positions of the parts P21 to P25 are shifted. be.

A laser processing method, a processing program creation method, and a laser processing machine according to one or more embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a laser processing machine that executes a laser processing method of one or more embodiments, a laser processing system that executes a processing program creation method of one or more embodiments, and a laser of one or more embodiments. It is a block diagram showing a processing machine. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overall configuration example of a laser processing system will be described.

In FIG. 1, a CAD (Computer Aided Design) device 10 creates graphic data for one or more parts. The CAD equipment 10 creates image data in which one or more parts are nested in a sheet metal, and supplies the image data to the CAM equipment 20 . The CAD equipment 10 is composed of computer equipment that executes a CAD program. The CAM device 20 creates a machining program for cutting one or more parts from the sheet metal based on the input image data. The CAM equipment 20 is composed of computer equipment that executes a CAM program. A display unit 21 and an operation unit 22 are connected to the CAM device 20 . The operation unit 22 may be a touch panel integrated with the display unit 21 . The CAD device 10 and the CAM device 20 may be composed of one computer device, and the computer device may function as the CAD/CAM device.

The laser processing machine 30 includes a processing machine body 32 that irradiates a sheet metal with a laser beam to cut the sheet metal, an NC device 31 that controls the processing machine body 32, a display unit 33 and an operation unit 34 connected to the NC device 31. have The processing machine body 32 includes a laser oscillator. The operation unit 34 may be a touch panel integrated with the display unit 33 . The NC device 31 controls the machine body 32 based on the machining program created by the CAM device 20 . As will be described later, the NC device 31 may reconfigure a machining program created in advance by the CAM device 20 and control the processing machine main body 32 based on the reconfigured new machining program.

A machining program created by the CAM device 20 may be stored in a database (not shown), and the NC unit 31 may read the machining program from the database.

FIG. 2 is a diagram partially showing an example of a machining program created by the CAM device 20 in FIG. The machining program is composed of machine control code such as G code. As shown in FIG. 2, the machining program includes a code group for machining the part P01 and a code group for machining the part P02. The machining program is separated by comments for each part. Each part may be represented by a subprogram in the machining program.

The laser processing method, processing program creation method, and laser processing machine of each embodiment will be specifically described below. The NC device 31 executes the machining program creation method of the first embodiment. The NC device 31 reconstructs the machining program created by the CAM device 20 to create a new reconstructed machining program. The NC unit 31 is a machining program creation device that creates a machining program that can cut and divide the sheet metal without degrading the yield and leaving marks on the ends of the parts. The laser processing machine of the first embodiment is a laser processing machine 30 that controls a processing machine main body 32 so that an NC device 31 processes sheet metal based on a new processing program. The laser processing method of the first embodiment is performed by a laser processing machine 30. FIG.

The CAM device 20 executes the machining program creation method of the second embodiment. The CAM device 20 is a machining program creation device that creates a machining program that can cut and divide the sheet metal without degrading the yield and leaving marks on the ends of the parts. The laser processing machine of the second embodiment is a laser processing machine 30 in which an NC device 31 controls a processing machine main body 32 to process sheet metal based on a processing program created by a CAM device 20 . A laser processing method according to the second embodiment is performed by a laser processing machine 30 .

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 3A is a partial flow chart showing the processing executed in the machining program creation method of the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a partial flowchart following FIG. 3A. Processing executed by the machining program creation method of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 18. FIG. 3A and 3B show processing performed by the NC unit 31 executing a computer program.

In FIG. 3A, the NC device 31 creates a nesting image based on the processing program and displays the nesting image on the display unit 33 in step S1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a nesting image displayed on the display section 33 by the NC device 31 in FIG. A nesting image is drawn line segments showing a state in which a plurality of parts are nested in a sheet metal. A nesting image 101 shown in FIG. 4 is an image in which the parts P1 to P6 to be cut are arranged on the sheet metal image Wi showing the outline of the sheet metal W (shown in FIG. 5). Since the parts P1 to P6 have joints, which will be described later, they are represented by non-closed line segments.

The part P1 has a square hole P1h. The laser processing machine 30 forms a hole P1h in the sheet metal W, forms an approach Ap1, and cuts the sheet metal W along the outline of the part P1 to the end point Ep1, thereby fabricating the part P1. A joint is formed between the end of the approach Ap1 on the side of the part P1 and the end point Ep1 separated from the approach Ap1. Part P2 has circular holes P2h1 and P2h2. The laser processing machine 30 forms the holes P2h1 and P2h2 in the sheet metal W, forms an approach Ap2, and cuts the sheet metal W to the end point Ep2 along the contour line of the part P2 to fabricate the part P2. A joint is provided between the end of the approach Ap2 on the side of the part P2 and the end point Ep2 separated from the approach Ap2. 4 omits illustration of an approach for forming holes P1h, P2h1, P2h2, and P3h1, P3h2, P6h, which will be described later.

The part P3 has square holes P3h1 and P3h2. The laser processing machine 30 forms the holes P3h1 and P3h2 in the sheet metal W, forms an approach Ap3, and cuts the sheet metal W along the outline of the part P3 to the end point Ep3 to fabricate the part P3. A joint is provided between the end of the approach Ap3 on the side of the part P3 and the end point Ep3 separated from the approach Ap3. The laser processing machine 30 forms an approach Ap4 and cuts the sheet metal W to an end point Ep4 along the outline of the part P4 to produce the part P4. A joint is provided between the end of the approach Ap4 on the side of the part P4 and the end point Ep4 separated from the approach Ap4.

The part P5 is a so-called part-in-part that is formed within the area of the hole P6h formed in the part P6. The laser processing machine 30 forms an approach Ap5 and cuts the sheet metal W to an end point Ep5 along the outline of the part P5 to produce the part P5. A joint is provided between the end of the approach Ap5 on the side of the part P5 and the end point Ep5 separated from the approach Ap5. Part P6 has a rectangular hole P6h. The laser processing machine 30 forms a hole P6h in the sheet metal W, forms an approach Ap6, and cuts the sheet metal W along the contour line of the part P6 to an end point Ep6 to fabricate the part P6. A joint is provided between the end of the approach Ap6 on the side of the part P6 and the end point Ep6 separated from the approach Ap6.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the laser processing machine 30 cuts the sheet metal W to produce the parts P1 to P6, cuts joints of the parts P1 to P6, and removes the parts P1 to P6. The sheet metal W is formed with openings HP1 to HP4 and HP6 corresponding to the parts P1 to P4 and P6. The skeleton Wsk is the scrap of the sheet metal W after the parts P1 to P6 having the openings HP1 to HP4 and HP6 are removed.

Returning to FIG. 3A, in step S2, the NC device 31 analyzes the machining program and identifies the positions of the joints. As noted above, joint locations can be identified between the approach and endpoints. A more specific method of identifying the joint position is described in Patent Document 3, so the description of the identifying method is omitted. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the positions of the joints specified by the NC device 31 are indicated by marks J1 to J6 in the nesting image 101 shown in FIG. 6 to 12 are conceptual diagrams showing internal processing executed by the NC unit 31 rather than images displayed on the display unit 33 by the NC unit 31. FIG.

The NC device 31 connects the joints in step S3, and deletes the approach and end points in step S4. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a nesting image 102 in which joints in the nesting image 101 are connected. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the nesting image 103 with the approaches Ap1 to Ap6 deleted from the nesting image 102. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when the joints are connected and the approaches Ap1-Ap6 are deleted, the parts P1-P6 are represented by closed line segments surrounded by outlines. Parts P1-P3 and P6 contain closed-shaped line segments indicating holes or parts inside.

In FIG. 4, a relief of a predetermined length parallel to the approaches Ap1 to Ap6 may be set in a direction orthogonal to the outlines of the parts P1 to P6 from the end points Ep1 to Ep6 (see FIG. 7B of Patent Document 3). reference). If relief is set for any one of the parts P1 to P6, the NC unit 31 also deletes the relief in step S4.

The NC device 31 selects any closed-shaped line segment in step S5. When the NC device 31 repeats the process of step S5 for the second time or later, it selects any closed line segment from unselected closed line segments excluding the selected closed line segment. . In step S6, the NC device 31 determines whether or not the selected closed shape is an undetermined closed shape.

If the closed-shaped line segment has not been determined in step S6 (YES), the NC unit 31 determines whether the selected closed-shaped line segment exists inside other closed-shaped line segments in step S7. determine whether or not If the selected closed-shaped line segment exists inside other closed-shaped line segments (YES), the NC unit 31 discards the selected closed-shaped line segment in step S8, and continues the process. Return to S5. If the selected closed-shaped line segment does not exist inside other closed-shaped line segments (NO), the NC unit 31 leaves the selected closed-shaped line segment in step S9 and continues the process. Return to S5.

By the processing of steps S7 to S9, when there is a closed line segment indicating a hole inside the closed line segment of each part, the closed line segment indicating the hole is discarded. Also, when the closed-shaped line segment of the part exists inside the closed-shaped line segment of another part, the closed-shaped line segment of the part existing inside is discarded.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the nesting image 104 in a state in which closed-shaped line segments existing inside other closed-shaped line segments in the nesting image 103 are discarded. When the NC device 31 executes the processes of steps S5 to S7 and step 8 or S9 for all closed line segments existing in the nesting image 103 shown in FIG. 8, the nesting image 104 shown in FIG. 9 is created. be done. Instead of the nesting image 104 shown in FIG. 9, a skeleton image similar to the skeleton Wsk shown in FIG. 5 with openings for the parts P1 to P6 may be used.

When all closed shape line segments have been selected, it is determined that the closed shape selected in step S6 is not an undetermined closed shape (NO), and the NC unit 31 shifts the process to step S10 in FIG. 3B. Let The nesting image 104 includes closed-shaped line segments surrounded by outlines of the parts P1 to P4 and P6 in the sheet metal image Wi.

In FIG. 3B, the NC device 31 enlarges the closed-shaped line segment (or the opening of the skeleton image) by the set width in step S10. Note that the set width is, for example, 5 mm. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an enlarged closed line segment is added to the nesting image 104 shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the nesting image 104 has enlarged line segments EL1 to EL4 and EL6 added thereto. The area surrounded by the line segment EL2 and the area surrounded by the line segment EL6 partially overlap each other. In step S11, the NC unit 31 creates a new closed line segment based on the enlarged line segment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a nesting image 105 including closed-shaped line segments (or openings in skeleton images) created based on the enlarged closed-shaped line segments. In FIG. 11, enlarged closed line segments ELP1, ELP3, ELP4, and ELP26 are formed. Closed-shape line segments ELP1, ELP3, and ELP4 correspond to line segments of shapes obtained by widening the outlines of parts P1, P3, and P4, respectively, and closed-shape ELP26 is a shape obtained by widening and connecting the outlines of parts P2 and P6. corresponds to the line segment of When the closed shape line segment of the enlarged part contacts or partially overlaps with the closed shape line segment of the adjacent enlarged part, the NC unit 31 determines the closed shape of the two parts adjacent to each other. Creates a closed-shape line segment of one part by connecting the line segments of .

At step S12, the NC device 31 creates a route passing through all the remaining crosspieces. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which a path passing through crosspieces is added to the nesting image 105 shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, a path Pa12 is added to the crosspiece between the closed-shape line segment ELP1 and the closed-shape line segment ELP26. A path Pa13 is added to the crosspiece between the line segment ELP1 of the closed shape and the line segment of the closed shape ELP3. A path Pa24 is added to the crosspiece between the closed-shaped line segment ELP26 and the closed-shaped line segment ELP4. A path Pa34 is added to the crosspiece between the closed-shaped line segment ELP3 and the closed-shaped line segment ELP4. A path Pa46 is added to the crosspiece between the closed-shaped line segment ELP4 and the closed-shaped line segment ELP26.

The paths Pa12, Pa13, Pa24, Pa34, and Pa46 are arranged at the center of each crosspiece in the width direction. Routes Pa12, Pa13, Pa24, Pa34, and Pa46 are candidate routes that are candidates for newly set cutting routes.

The NC unit 31 expands the closed-shaped line segment surrounded by the outlines of the parts P1 to P4 and P6 by a set width as shown in FIG. The reason for creating the line segments ELP1, ELP3, ELP4, and ELP26 is as follows.

If two parts adjacent to each other are close to each other, the sheet metal W cannot be cut between the two adjacent parts. A closed-shape line segment of an enlarged part that touches or partially overlaps a closed-shape line segment of an adjacent enlarged part means that the two adjacent parts are too close to each other. , the cutting path cannot be created on the crosspiece between the two parts. If you create a closed line segment for one part by connecting the closed line segments for two parts that are in contact with each other or partially overlapping each other, you can create a line segment that cannot actually be cut. It is possible to avoid erroneously setting a candidate route that is a candidate.

At step S13, the NC device 31 displays cuttable paths on the nesting image 101 shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows a nesting image 106 in which the paths Pa12, Pa13, Pa24, Pa34, and Pa46 shown in FIG. 12 are added to the nesting image 101. FIG. The NC device 31 displays the nesting image 106 shown in FIG. That is, after displaying the nesting image 101 on the display unit 33, the NC device 31 displays the nesting image 106 on the display unit 33 by executing the internal processing described above when a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit 34. indicate.

At step S14, the NC device 31 sets the route instructed (input) by the operator (worker) as the cutting route. FIG. 14 conceptually shows a state in which the operator touches the operation unit 34, which is a touch panel, and moves his/her finger along paths Pa34, Pa13, and Pa12.

15 is a partial side view conceptually showing the processing head 321 provided in the processing machine main body 32. FIG. A nozzle 322 is attached to the lower end of the processing head 321 . The processing head 321 cuts the sheet metal W by emitting a laser beam indicated by a dashed line from an opening formed at the tip of the nozzle 322 . The machining head 321 has a scanning sensor 323 . When cutting the sheet metal W, the NC unit 31 adjusts the distance between the nozzle 322 and the sheet metal W based on the capacitance value detected by the scanning sensor 323 when the nozzle 322 approaches the sheet metal W. Controls the vertical position of 322.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for designating the moving direction of the machining head 321 when detecting the lowered position of the machining head 321 and the end surface of the sheet metal W. FIG. Assume that the operator taps the touch panel with a finger at the end of the sheet metal W (sheet metal image Wi) as indicated by the x mark and slides the finger upward, which is the outside of the sheet metal W, as indicated by the arrow. The NC device 31 lowers the machining head 321 at the position indicated by the x mark and moves it in the direction of the arrow. Since the capacitance value detected by the scanning sensor 323 changes greatly when the machining head 321 is separated from the sheet metal W, the NC device 31 can detect the position of the end face of the sheet metal W. FIG. It should be noted that specification of the lowering position of the working head 321 and detection of the position of the end surface of the sheet metal W shown in FIG. 16 are not essential.

In step S15, the NC device 31 creates a G-code for the cutting path newly set by the operator's operation shown in FIG. 14, and draws it on the nesting image 106. At this time, the NC device 31 erases the paths Pa12, Pa13, Pa24, Pa34 and Pa46. FIG. 17 shows the nesting image 107 in which the cutting path CPa1 is newly set by the operator's operation shown in FIG.

The NC device 31 sets the machining order specified by the operator in step S16. FIG. 18 is a diagram conceptually showing the operation of setting the processing order by touching the touch panel by the operator. In FIG. 18, #1, #2, . . . indicate the processing order. As shown in FIG. 18, the operator touches the parts P1 and P3 in this order to set the cutting of the parts P1 and P3 to the

machining orders

1 and 2, respectively. The order of processing the part P1 and the part P3 may be reversed.

Subsequently, the operator touches the position of the cutting path CPa1 to set the cutting of the sheet metal W along the cutting path CPa1 to the processing order 3. Further, the operator touches the parts P2, P4, P5 and P6 in this order to set the cutting order of the parts P2, P4, P5 and P6 to 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively. The order of machining the part P2 and the part P4 may be reversed.

In step S17, the NC unit 31 reconstructs the machining program so that the machining program is for machining the sheet metal W in the machining order set in step S16, and creates a new reconstructed machining program. to end the process.

The NC device 31 cuts the sheet metal W by controlling the machine body 32 based on the reconfigured machining program. Therefore, the laser processing machine 30 (processing machine main body 32) cuts the sheet metal W at the position of the cutting path CPa1 after cutting the parts P1 and P3. The laser processing machine 30 cuts the sheet metal W at the position of the cutting path CPa1, and then cuts the parts P2, P4, P5, and P6.

As can be seen from the above description, according to the laser processing method, the processing program creation method, and the laser processing machine of the first embodiment, the cutting path CPa1 is always positioned on the bar between the parts, and the cutting path CPa1 does not point toward the outline of the part. Even if the sheet metal W is cut at the position of the cutting path CPa1, there is no mark on the parts, so the processing quality of the parts is not deteriorated.

Cutting the sheet metal W at the position of the cutting path CPa1 is cutting from one end of the sheet metal W to the other end, and is a cutting that is performed after cutting a part of the parts. Therefore, the position of the crosspiece is hardly displaced by the heat generated by the irradiation of the laser beam, and cutting at the position of the cutting path CPa1 is not difficult. Since the cutting path CPa1 is not set before nesting, setting the cutting path CPa1 does not deteriorate the yield.

The cutting path CPa1 connects one end and the other end of the sheet metal W. One end connected by the cutting path CPa1 is referred to as a first end, and the other end facing the first end is referred to as a second end. The cutting path CPa1 is set to pass through the bar between the parts from a first position on the first end to a second position on the second end. Two or more cutting paths connecting the first end and the second end may be set in the sheet metal W.

The direction crossing the direction connecting the first end and the second end is defined as the third and fourth ends. The laser processing machine 30 generally processes the sheet metal W from the third end side to the fourth end side. The operator sets cutting of one or more parts located on the third end side with respect to the cutting path CPa1 in the first processing order. The operator sets the cutting along the cutting path CPa1 in the second processing order following the first processing order. The operator sets one or more parts positioned on the fourth end side with respect to the cutting path CPa1 to the third machining order following the second machining order. The laser processing machine 30 cuts the sheet metal W in the above processing order.

Instead of the operator setting the first to third machining orders (designating them based on the operation of the operation unit 34), the NC unit 31 designates the first to third machining orders based on the operation of the operation unit 34. It is also possible to set automatically regardless of

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of creating a machining program by the CAM device 20 executing the machining program creation method of the second embodiment. In FIG. 19, the CAM device 20 displays, on the display unit 21, a nesting image 201 in which the parts P21 to P25 are nested in the sheet metal image Wi, as shown in (a). The operator touches the operation unit 22, which is a touch panel, to indicate the approximate position where the sheet metal W is to be split. As a result, the CAM device 20 receives an approximate position for dividing the indicated sheet metal W. FIG. Assume that the position touched by the operator is the position of the straight line 211 as shown in (b). At this time, the operator may indicate the position to be divided regardless of the position of the crosspiece between the parts P21 to P25.

As shown in (c), the CAM device 20 has the crosspiece closest to the straight line 211, that is, the crosspiece between the part P21 and the part P22, the crosspiece between the part P22 and the part P23, the part P23 and the part A cutting path CPa21 is set on the crosspiece between P24. The cutting path CPa21 connects the sheet metal W from one end to the other end. The CAM device 20 generates a nesting image 202 in which the cutting path CPa21 is set, and displays it on the display unit 21. FIG.

Subsequently, as shown in (d), the operator touches the touch panel to indicate the approximate position where the sheet metal W is to be split at the position of the straight line 212 . The CAM device 20 sets the cutting path CPa22 on the crosspiece between the parts P22 and P24 and the part P25, which is the position closest to the straight line 212, as shown in (e). The cutting path CPa22 connects the sheet metal W from one end to the other end. The CAM device 20 generates a nesting image 203 in which the cutting paths CPa21 and CPa22 are set, and displays it on the display unit 21. FIG.

The CAM device 20 sets the processing order specified by the operator, as shown in (f). The operator sets the cutting of parts P21 and P23 to

processing orders

1 and 2, respectively. Subsequently, the operator sets the cutting of the sheet metal W at the position of the cutting path CPa21 to the processing order 3. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, the operator sets the cutting of parts P22 and P24 to

processing orders

4 and 5, respectively. Subsequently, the operator sets the cutting of the sheet metal W at the position of the cutting path CPa22 to the processing order 6 . Finally, the operator sets cutting order 7 for the part P25. The CAM device 20 creates a processing program for cutting the sheet metal W in the processing order shown in (f).

Instead of the operator setting the processing order 1 to 7 (specifying based on the operation of the operation unit 22), the CAM device 20 automatically sets the processing order 1 to 7 regardless of the designation based on the operation of the operation unit 22. It is also possible to

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the processing executed in the machining program creation method of the second embodiment. The CAM device 20 displays, on the display unit 21, a nesting image in which parts are nested in the sheet metal W in step S21. In step S22, the CAM device 20 determines whether or not the operator has instructed a division position. If the dividing position is not specified (NO), the CAM device 20 shifts the process to step S24.

If the division position is designated by the operator in step S22 (YES), the CAM device 20 searches for the route closest to the designated division position in step S23, and set. In step S24, the CAM device 20 determines whether or not the operator has designated the processing order. If the processing order is not specified (NO), the CAM device 20 returns the process to step S22 and repeats the processes of steps S22 to S24.

If the processing order is specified in step S24 (YES), the CAM device 20 sets the processing order of the plurality of parts and the cutting paths added by the operator's operation in step S25. In step S26, the CAM device 20 creates a machining program and terminates the process.

The NC device 31 cuts the sheet metal W by controlling the processing machine body 32 based on the processing program created by the CAM device 20 as described above. After cutting the parts P21 and P23, the laser processing machine 30 (machine main body 32) cuts the sheet metal W at the position of the cutting path CPa21. The laser processing machine 30 cuts the sheet metal W at the position of the cutting path CPa21, and then cuts the parts P22 and P24. Next, the laser processing machine 30 cuts the sheet metal W at the position of the cutting path CPa22, and finally cuts the part P25.

According to the laser processing method, the processing program creation method, and the laser processing machine of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the sheet metal is cut without degrading the yield and leaving marks on the ends of the parts. to split the sheet metal.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the cutting path CPa21 set in the nesting image 202 shown in (c) of FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, when the CAM device 20 sets the cutting path CPa21, it is assumed that the cutting path CPa21 is set at a position, for example, 5 mm away from the parts P21 and P23. At this time, the distance D12r between the cutting path CPa21 and the part P22 is much shorter than 5 mm, and the cutting path CPa21 and the outline of the part P22 are close to each other. In such a case, the sheet metal W may not be cut along the cutting path CPa21. Therefore, the CAM device 20 displays on the display unit 21 that the sheet metal W cannot be cut along the cutting path CPa21 and that the setting of the cutting path CPa21 is not possible, prompting the operator to change the setting of the cutting path. It's good.

FIG. 22 shows a nesting image 221 showing a state in which the parts P21 to P25 are nested at the end of the sheet metal W with a margin, and a nesting image 222 in which the positions of the parts P21 to P25 are shifted. be. As shown in the nesting image 221 of FIG. 22, the width of the crosspiece between the parts P21 and P22 is narrow, and as described with reference to FIG. 21, the sheet metal W may not be cut along the cutting path CPa21. When the parts P21 to P25 are nested at the edge of the sheet metal W with a margin, the CAM device 20 shifts the positions of the parts P22 and P25 and re-nestes them as shown in the nesting image 222. good too.

If the part P22 and the part P25 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance or more, the CAM device 20 may shift the position of the part P22 only and perform nesting again.

The present invention is not limited to one or more embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-015648 filed with the Japan Patent Office on February 3, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

On a nesting image in which a plurality of parts are nested in a sheet metal, a second position on a second end opposite to the first end from a first position on the first end of the sheet metal. Set the cutting path to pass through the crosspieces between the parts to the position,
Among the plurality of parts, one or more parts located on the third end side in the direction crossing the direction connecting the first end and the second end with respect to the cutting path set the first processing order to the cutting path, set the second processing order following the first processing order to the cutting path, and set the third end portion and the setting a third processing order following the second processing order for one or more parts positioned on the opposing fourth end side;
irradiating the sheet metal with a laser beam to cut one or more parts located on the third end side;
Then, a laser beam is applied to the position of the cutting path of the sheet metal to divide the sheet metal at the position of the cutting path;
Furthermore, the laser processing method further includes irradiating the sheet metal with a laser beam to cut one or more parts located on the fourth end side.
Display a nesting image in which multiple parts are nested in a sheet metal on the display,
on the nesting image, from a first position on the first end of the sheet metal to a second position on the second end opposite the first end, passing through the crosspiece between the parts set the cutting path to
Among the plurality of parts, one or more parts located on the third end side in the direction crossing the direction connecting the first end and the second end with respect to the cutting path set the first processing order to the cutting path, set the second processing order following the first processing order to the cutting path, and set the third end portion and the setting a third processing order following the second processing order for one or more parts positioned on the opposing fourth end side;
A machining program creation method for creating a machining program for cutting the sheet metal in a set machining order.
NC device
displaying the nesting image on the display unit based on a processing program created by a CAM device for cutting the sheet metal to fabricate the plurality of parts;
setting the cutting path;
setting the first to third processing orders;
3. The machining according to claim 2, wherein the machining program created by the CAM device is reconfigured to cut the sheet metal in the first to third machining orders to create a reconfigured new machining program. How to write a program.
Each part of the plurality of parts is represented on the nesting image by a non-closed line segment that is separated from the approach and the approach for forming a joint;
Connecting the joints in each part and deleting the approach to create a closed line segment corresponding to the outline of each part;
When there is a closed-shape line segment indicating a hole inside the closed-shape line segment of each part, the closed-shape line segment indicating the hole is discarded, and the part is placed inside the closed-shape line segment of the other parts. When there is a closed-shaped line segment of , discard the closed-shaped line segment of the part that exists inside
Expand the closed line segments of the remaining parts by the set width,
Closed-shape lines of two enlarged parts adjacent to each other when the closed-shape lines of the enlarged parts touch or overlap each other with the closed-shape lines of the adjacent enlarged parts. Create a closed-shaped line segment of one part by connecting the parts,
Setting a candidate route as a candidate for the cutting route passing through the crosspieces between the closed-shaped line segments of the plurality of parts that are finally left,
4. The machining program creation method according to claim 2, wherein the candidate paths are displayed on the nesting image in which the line segments of the non-closed shape of the plurality of parts are represented.
CAM equipment
on the nesting image, searching for a path passing through the crosspieces between the parts that is closest to the position where the input sheet metal is to be split, regardless of the position of the crosspieces between the parts;
setting the route obtained as a result of the search as the cutting route;
setting the first to third processing orders;
The machining program creating method according to claim 2, wherein the machining program is created.
a processing machine body for cutting sheet metal;
an NC device that controls the processing machine main body based on a processing program;
a display unit connected to the NC device;
an operation unit connected to the NC device;
with
The NC device is
displaying a nesting image in which a plurality of parts are nested in a sheet metal on the display unit based on a processing program created in advance;
From a first position on a first end of the sheet metal to a second position on a second end opposite to the first end on the nesting image by operating the operation unit; When a route passing through crosspieces between parts is entered, set the entered route as a cutting route,
a direction connecting the first end and the second end of the plurality of parts with respect to the cutting path, according to the designation based on the operation of the operation unit or automatically regardless of the designation; A first machining order is set for one or more parts located on a third end side in an intersecting direction, a second machining order following the first machining order is set for the cutting path, and Among the plurality of parts, one or more parts located on the fourth end side facing the third end with respect to the cutting path are subjected to the third processing order following the second processing order. Set,
reconfiguring the previously created machining program to cut the sheet metal in the first to third machining orders to create a reconfigured new machining program;
A laser processing machine that controls the processing machine body based on the new processing program when fabricating the plurality of parts from the sheet metal.