Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software Development for Laser Machining

A novel computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software system is proposed for laser ablation machining process. The algorithms and prototype software system is designed to offer efficient optimization of tool path for controlled delivery of laser energy into work-piece. The software simplifies part program creation and maintains constant velocity of the sample stage for each segment of a complex tool trajectory. These features enable efficient deposition of laser energy into the work piece and therefore, reduction in heat-affected zone is expected in laser ablation based micromachining. The reported software provides fast modification of tool path, automatic and efficient sequencing of path elements in a complicated tool trajectory, location of reference point and automatic fixing of geometrical errors in imported drawing exchange files (DXF) or DWG format files.