The application of Solidot's remote I/O modules in five-axis laser processing centers

The five-axis simultaneous laser machining center is a laser processing device for cutting complex curved surfaces. It has been widely used in the automotive manufacturing industry, especially for high-strength structural components, requiring no dies, with low cost and high efficiency, significantly shortening the manufacturing cycle of automotive parts. In addition, the five-axis simultaneous laser machining center has also been applied in the aerospace, die processing and 3C electrical appliance fields.

The five-axis simultaneous laser machining center performs five-degree-of-freedom coordinated motion through five independently controlled axes. Combined with a high-energy laser beam, it achieves melting, vaporization or cutting of the material. Its key control technology lies in adjusting the position and speed of each axis in real time to ensure that the laser beam moves precisely along the preset trajectory.

1. Machining process

[CNC programming and path planning]

Based on the 3D model, a five-axis coordinated machining path is generated to ensure that the laser head always machines the component at the optimum angle of incidence and constant focal length.

[Five-axis coordinated motion]

The linear axes control the spatial position of the laser head, while the rotary axes adjust the beam angle.

[Laser machining process]

The laser generator outputs a high-energy beam, which forms a spot after passing through the optical components; at the same time, sensors such as vision and infrared sensors monitor the machining status and dynamically adjust the power.

2. Application mode of the I/O module

In the five-axis simultaneous laser machining center, to complete machining of multiple complex surfaces at high speed in a single clamping, error compensation, dynamic matching, focal point drift and beam speed maintenance are all key control items that require stable and efficient communication. Therefore, in order to achieve stronger interference immunity, ensure that the I/O does not go offline during equipment operation, and benefit from the diverse functions of the serial communication module, the customer ultimately chose Solidot's XB6S series products. At present, the customer has successfully delivered multiple machining center projects, and the stable operation of the I/O system is highly recognized by the customer.

This machining center uses the EtherCAT bus protocol and is equipped with Solidot's remote I/O modules: EtherCAT coupler XB6S-EC2002, serial communication module XB6S-C01SP, 32-channel digital input module XB6S-3200 and 32-channel digital output module XB6S-0032B, 4-channel analog voltage input module XB6S-A40V, 4-channel analog voltage output module XB6S-A04V, 4-channel temperature input module XB6S-A40TM.

The digital input/output module is responsible for acquiring and communicating signals such as those from detection devices, Indicator lights, buttons and limit switches; the analog voltage input/output module is responsible for communication with voltage-related instruments; XB6S-C01SP is responsible for accurately transmitting relevant commands to ensure normal communication with the laser control card; XB6S-A40TM is responsible for acquiring relevant temperature data and feeding back whether the temperature exceeds the preset range.

3. Highly reliable remote I/O module XB6S series products

Solidot's remote I/O module XB6S series products are compatible with a variety of bus protocols and feature function modules such as motion control and temperature input modules; the products have passed strict EMC tests, offering superior interference immunity and no disconnection; they support diagnostics, alarms and exception log recording, providing intelligent feedback and convenient use.