Laser cutting path optimization with minimum heat accumulation

A new approach for minimizing both cutting path and heat accumulation in laser cutting process is presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm was based on a memetic algorithm combining a powerful genetic algorithm with an adaptive large neighborhood search. The cutting path problem was modeled and solved in accordance with generalized traveling salesman problem. A heat conduction model was incorporated into the cutting path optimization by assigning a critical radius of heat-affected zone as a constraint. A penalty was given to the cutting paths overlapping the heat-affected zone to minimize the heat accumulation in workpiece. A heat map indicating thermal gradient around the laser piercing points was also presented together with the optimum cutting path to visualize the level of heat accumulation. By comparing to the approach without the heat constraint, the algorithm incorporating with the heat effect was capable of determining the laser cutting path with minimum travel distance and heat accumulation in workpiece. The presented method could further be applied for other thermal-related processes such as surface hardening, welding, and additive manufacturing, whose processing distance and heat issue need to be optimized for gaining their productivity and final product quality.