A fuzzy-pulse width modulation (PWM) control algorithm for a computer numerical control (CNC) laser machine

• Main Authors: Yao, Cameron B., Rogelio, Jayson P., Baldovino, Renann G., Caluyo, Felicito S.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Machine-tools—Numerical control; Laser beam cutting; Fuzzy logic; Manufacturing; Mechanical Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/2914
• Institution: De La Salle University

Laser, or light amplification through stimulated emission of radiation, is widely used in industry in cutting tools due to superior cut quality, shorter cutting time, less operating cost and better aesthetics due to cleanliness. Computer numerical control (CNC) technology has been integrated to laser systems to further give the cutting process flexibility and faster cutting production. To maintain good cut quality, it is extremely critical to maintain a stable discharge of the beam from the glass tube throughout the entire power range in each portion of the cutting table. The stable beam discharge poses a problem in significantly large cutting tables because of beam divergence in which the beam diameter increases over distance travelled. This paper presents a fuzzy-pulse width modulation (PWM) control algorithm for the laser power and compensate for the changing distance travelled by the beam through the optics of the cutting System. The control algorithm was simulated through MATLAB and was integrated in the CNC laser cutting machine using a microcontroller. The system was evaluated through the comparison of performance before and after the implementation of intelligent algorithm. Based on the two sets of data, the experimental results significantly show higher performance with the fuzzy- PWM control algorithm implemented in laser cutting system. © 2017 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.