In-depth characterization of the scanner-based selective laser deburring process

Scanner-based selective laser deburring (SSLD) is an innovative edge-refinement process. This wear-free deburring process uses a single laser source for several materials to create defined radii and bevels. The study is based on a three-stage approach. The first stage describes the process development with interdependencies between deburring and its process parameters, for burrs in laser cut sheet-metal parts. Edges are remelted using a 5 kW Yb:YAG laser at a wavelength of 1.03 μm and a scanner system in order to create refined edges with defined radii. Optimized parameters for the SSLD process are investigated to achieve described cutting qualities. Based on preceding studies, which examined the SSLD process parameters and a thermographic quality assurance, the second stage investigates the automated in-process part handling under certain requirements. This paper presents the dependence between the deburring result and the temperature field in- and post-process. In order to achieve this, the surface temperature near the deburred edge is monitored with infrared thermography. Strategies are discussed for the approach using the infrared information as a quality assurance. A thorough feasibility study is performed in the third stage. For this purpose, a representative specimen with complex geometry is designed. The specimen exhibits the worst case scenario for the SSLD process stability and the developed quality assurance. Based on this, the SSLD process and the quality assurance with 3D vision and accuracy determination are validated. The influence of shape complexity on edge quality is characterized for the developed SSLD process. The gathered in-depth knowledge on process behavior, the quality assurance approach, and the analysis of shape complexity influences are summarized. An outlook is given on further applications and concepts.