laser forming 1

[commodore]

How does laser forming work?
I understand that the metals react to the heat, and that the effect can be calculated but what actually is the effect?
I believe thermal expansion occurs, but would thermal contraction occur too?

Any information on this process would be most welcome!

 

[TVP]

I believe you are referring to the various technologies known as LENS, LAM, DMD, etc. If not, please reply back. The following websites have a great deal of information on laser processing of materials:

http://mfgshop.sandia.gov/1400_ext/icaleo98.pdf

http://www.jdmag.wpafb.af.mil/laser engineered net shaping.pdf

http://www.aerometcorp.com/

http://www.optomec.com/

http://www.pom.net/

 

[111121]

Laser forming, also knowwn as non contact bending is a process derived from flame bending, which is performed using a blow-torch, somtimes some water for locallised quenching, and a lot of skill and experience.
The bending action is caused by thermal stresses in say a sheet or plate due to localised rapid heating and cooling.
In the case of a laser, the beam energy is sufficient to cause a steep thermal gradient but scanned at a speed so that it does not cause melting. The resultant thermal expansion of the material causes a thermal stress which deforms the material plastically. Only if there is some plastic deformation will there be any permanent bending.
The laser is much more precise and controlled than the old flame method, and the quench is provided by the "heat sink" effect common to most forms of laser surface treatment.

TJA

 

[111121]

Just noticed that The Assoc. of Industrial Laser Users (UK)
is holding a 1 day seminar at Warwick Uni UK (March 4) on "Rapid Tooling by Laser". A presenter named Dave Drearden from Liverpool Uni is presenting a talk titled "Laser Forming of Sheet Metal".
Refer

http://www.ailu.org.uk

TJA