Device for arc based, laser-supported machining of a workpiece, in particular for arc welding or cutting

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This patent describes a device for arc-based, laser-supported machining of a workpiece, particularly for welding or cutting. The invention uses an ultra-short-pulse (USP) laser to create a plasma filament through self-focusing, which guides a high-voltage electric arc precisely to the desired location on the workpiece. The system includes specialized optics and a stationary high voltage electrode to ensure the arc is accurately channeled over distances, enabling remote and highly precise processing, even on complex geometries or with non-conductive materials.

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• Automated arc welding and cutting in advanced manufacturing environments
• Precision welding or cutting of complex or three-dimensional metal parts
• Remote processing of workpieces that are difficult to access physically
• Joining or separating materials with minimal mechanical apparatus movement
• Machining or modification of non-conductive materials like glass, ceramics, or polymers
• Industrial scenarios requiring fast, flexible tool positioning for high-speed production lines
• Applications in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery manufacturing

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• Combines the high energy efficiency of arc welding with the precision and flexibility of laser processing
• Allows fast, remote, and accurate machining of workpieces, including those with complex shapes or contours
• Provides precise control of the electric arc path, regardless of the workpiece's position or geometry
• Enables processing of both electrically conductive and non-conductive materials
• Reduces mechanical complexity and inertia by allowing 'contactless' arc positioning using optics and lasers
• Can decrease the technical and time overhead associated with electrode handling and movement
• Potentially reduces wear on electrodes and improves system reliability by allowing stationary electrodes

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Device comprises: an ultra-short-pulse (USP) laser source (1) for generating ultra-short-pulse laser beam (6); a plasma filament generated by a self-focusing of the ultra-short-pulse laser beam; ultra-short-pulse laser beam deflector for guiding the USP-laser beam into a solid angle in the direction of the workpiece; imaging optics (7) cooperating with the USP laser beam deflector such that the USP laser beam passes through a fixed and solid angle-independent of pivot point; and a stationary high voltage electrode at the pivot point. Device comprises: an ultra-short-pulse (USP) laser source (1) for generating ultra-short-pulse laser beam (6); a plasma filament generated by a self-focusing of the ultra-short-pulse laser beam through a filament path between a filament starting point and the workpiece, in which the plasma filament is divergence-free from filament; a USP laser beam deflector for guiding the USP-laser beam into a solid angle in the direction of the workpiece; imaging optics (7) cooperating with the USP laser beam deflector such that the USP laser beam passes through a fixed and solid angle-independent of pivot point located in the filament line; and a stationary high voltage electrode at the pivot point to produce a filament-guided electric arc between the high voltage electrode and the workpiece.