HIGHLY POSITIONED LASER PROCESSING NOZZLE
A double nozzle for a laser processing head includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a bore for passing a laser beam, a first interface surface near a distal end of the inner body portion, the first interface surface including a plurality of channels, and an exterior surface near a proximal end of the inner body portion and shaped to engage the laser processing head. Each channel includes interior and exterior linear edges in a cross-section that passes though a central longitudinal axis of the double nozzle. The double nozzle also includes an outer body portion connected to the inner body portion. The outer body portion defines a jet surface, which together with the plurality of channels defines a corresponding plurality of auxiliary fluid flow paths about the bore and between the inner body portion and the outer body portion.
1 . A nozzle for a laser processing head, the nozzle including:
an interior surface defining an inner nozzle bore for passing a laser beam, the inner bore being aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the nozzle;
an exterior surface shaped to matingly engage and align to the laser processing head;
a plurality of flow passageways that define a plurality of auxiliary fluid flow paths about the inner nozzle bore, in which an arrangement of the plurality of flow passageways surrounds the inner nozzle bore in a concentric manner,
wherein each flow passageway discharges to a common space within the nozzle; and
an outer nozzle bore at a distal end of the nozzle that surrounds the inner nozzle bore in a concentric manner, in which the outer nozzle bore is in fluid communication with the plurality of channels,
wherein the outer nozzle bore includes a cylindrical interior wall.
2 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the nozzle has a unitary construction.
3 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the outer nozzle bore is integrally formed with the inner nozzle bore.
4 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the flow passageways are shaped to increase fluid flow and uniformity of fluid flow through the nozzle.
5 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the flow passageways are circular.
6 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the flow passageways include three elliptical flow passageways.
7 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the flow passageways include at least six distinct fluid flow paths.
8 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the flow passageways include ten circular flow passageways.
9 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the nozzle is a single piece manufactured by a traditional turning operation.
10 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the nozzle is a single piece manufactured by a 3D printing operation.
11 . The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the auxiliary fluid flow paths are in fluid communication with a plenum region of the nozzle.
12 . The nozzle of claim 1 further comprising at least one gas dampening antechamber, the antechamber having a combined inlet and outlet.