• Korean Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.153-162
• /
• 2007

In this paper, we propose a knowledge-based method for generating CNC torch path for laser cutting of the outlines of planar shapes. The proposed method consists of two main phases: laser cutting knowledge construction and CNC torch path generation using the knowledge. In the first phase, cutting experiments are conducted on various operating parameters, and then empirical data are stored and analyzed to make up the knowledge of laser cutting. With this knowledge, we can inquire what a kerf width is for specific operating parameters. In the second phase, using the knowledge of laser cutting, CNC torch path is generated for cutting the outlines of the given planar shapes. This phase is basically based on the offset generation of each outline by a sequence of arc splines, where the offset distance is the same as the half of the kerf width determined from the constructed knowledge. The proposed method based on laser cutting knowledge makes full use of arc interpolators in CNC torch path generation. The method can efficiently reduce the number of path segments while keeping the torch path within the desired accuracy.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
• /
• v.8 no.12
• /
• pp.1048-1055
• /
• 2002

The problem of generating torch paths for 2D laser cutting of a stock plate nested with a set of free-formed parts is investigated. The objective is to minimize the total length of the torch path starting from a blown depot, then visiting all the given Parts, and retuning back to the depot. A torch Path consists of the depot and Piercing Points each of which is to be specified for cutting a part. The torch path optimization problem is shown to be formulated as an extended version of the standard travelling salesman problem To solve the problem, a hybrid genetic algorithm is proposed. In order to improve the speed of evolution convergence, the algorithm employs a genetic algorithm for global search and a combination of an optimization technique and a genetic algorithm for local optimization. Traditional genetic operators developed for continuous optimization problems are used to effectively deal with the continuous nature of piercing point positions. Computational results are provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed algorithm.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.1827-1835
• /
• 1996

This paper addresses the problem of a torch path generation for the 2D laser cutting of a stock plate nested with resular or irregular parts. Under the constaint of the relative positions of parts enforced by nesting, the developed torch path algorithm generate feasible cutting path. In this paper, the basic object is a polygon( a many-slide figure) with holes. A part may be represented as a number of line segments connected end-to-end in counterclockwise order, and formed a closed contour as requied for cutting paths. The objective is to tranverse this cutting contours with a minimum path length. This paper proposes a simulated annealing based dtorch path algorithm, that is an improved version of previously suggested TSP models. Since everypiercing point of parts is not fixed in advance, the algorithm solves as relazed optimization problem for the constraint, thich is one of the main features of the proposed algorithm. For aolving the torch path optimization problem, an efficient generation mechanism of neighborhood structure and as annealing shedule were introduced. In this way, a global solution can be obtained in a reasonable time. Seveeral examples are represented to ilustrate the method.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.30-39
• /
• 2010

This paper considers a problem of optimizing torch paths to cut stock plates nested with open contours. For each contour, one of the two ending points is to be selected as a starting point of cutting with the other being the exit point. A torch path is composed of a single depot and a series of starting and ending points of contours to be cut. The torch path optimization problem is shown to be formulated as an extended version of the standard travelling salesman problem. To solve the problem, a hybrid genetic algorithm with the local search of torch paths is proposed. The genetic algorithm is tested for hypothetical problems whose optimal solutions are known in advance due to the special structure of them. The computational results show that the algorithm generates very near optimal solutions for most cases of the test problems, which verifies the validity of the algorithms.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
• /
• v.11 no.9
• /
• pp.802-809
• /
• 2005

A hybrid genetic algorithm is proposed for the problem of generating laser torch paths to cut a stock plate nested with free-formed parts each having a set of sub-parts. In the problem, the total unproductive travel distance of the torch is minimized. The problem is shown to be formulated as a special case of the standard travelling salesman problem. The hybrid genetic algorithm for solving the problem is hierarchically structured: First, it uses a genetic algorithm to find the cutting path f3r the parts and then, based on the obtained cutting path, sequence of sub-parts and their piercing locations are optimally determined by using a combined genetic and heuristic algorithms. This process is repeated until any progress in the total unproductive travel distance is not achieved. Computational results are provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed algorithm.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.45-51
• /
• 2000

In this Paper a basic technique of gantry robot control system has been developed to weld the curved part of a large structure. A welding robot is designed to rotate torch and make the torch angle normal to the welding surface. The Kalman filter is applied to obtain the smooth welding path signal from the noised Sensing data. A welding path finding algorithm has been developed in Turbo-C language.

• Korean Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.102-111
• /
• 2004

In this paper, the efficient layout method for generating common and continuous cutting path of flat-bar profile. The ‘flat -bar’ is a stiffener and has long rectangular shape. This paper describes a fast nesting algorithm of the flat-bar, and a procedure to generate cutting path of gas/plasma torch, which is operated by a NC (numerically controlled) gas/plasma cutting machine. By using this common and continuous path, the machining-time for cutting and the maintenance-cost of plasma-torch could be reduced. Proposed procedures are written in C-language and applied to the Interactive Flat-Bar-Nesting System executable on Open VMS with X-Window system.

• Journal of Welding and Joining
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.50-54
• /
• 2008

The wearplate with Cr-C has been used in condition of severe abrasion. Recently, the demand of wearplate made by hardfacing with Cr-C has increased in the world, but it is lack of supply and expensive due to low productivity. CMAW (Compound Metal Arc Welding) is very useful process of several welding methods to make wearplate. In this paper, twin torch CMAW to use twin torch at the same time was developed to improve productivity and to ensure quality of wear plate. When the distance between two touches was smaller than 30mm, arc blow was occurred. However when the distance was larger than 35mm, there was no arc blow any more. If the oscillation path of each torch was overlapped together, the melt through at the overlapped zone was occurred due to concentrated heat input in substrate. On the other hand, the turning point of each torch was open more than 5mm, separated bead was generated. Therefore twin torch CMAW which has adequate conditions was able to make wearplate having flatter surface at the bead connection than single torch.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
• /
• 1996.04a
• /
• pp.680-684
• /
• 1996

Welding systems cannot adapt to changes in the joint geometry which may occur due to a variety of reason. Automatic seam tracking technigue is essential to adjust the welding torch position in real time as it moves along the seam. Automatic tracking system must keep the welding speed constant unrelation to the change of the welding path. Therefore, the information from the laser displacement sensor must be converted into the input to operate the X-Y table and to rotate the desired torch position by proposed algorithm. In this research, laser displacement sensor is used as a seam finder in the automatic tracking system. X-Y moving table manipulated by ac servo motor controls the position and velocity of the torch-and-sensor part. DC motor controls the position and velocity of the torch. X-Y table controls the position of sensor and relative position of torch is controlled by dc motor which is mounted at sensor-and-torch part. Sensor is always ahead of torch to preview the weld line. From the experimental results, we could see the possiblity that the laser displacement sensor can be used as a seam finder in welding process and that the seam tracking system controlled by proposed algorithm is well done.

• Proceedings of the KWS Conference
• /
• 1995.10a
• /
• pp.54-57
• /
• 1995