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Designed Objects Production by Laser Forming and Processing

Researchers: Dr. S. Silve

Supervisors: Prof. N. Ladommatos, Prof. H. Zhao

Sponsors: Royal Commission for Exhibition 1851, Leverhulme Trust, Kultakeskus Company

Principle

diagram: thin laser beam heating small area causing bend in material diagram: wider laser beam heating a larger area causing larger / smoother bend in material diagram: slow speed and small dia. laser beam creates a bowl in material

(Left) Temperature (Middle) Gradient Buckling (Right) Upsetting

photo: material bent into a sharp fold photo: material bent into a gradual curve photo: round material with line in it

(Left) Bends towards the beam. High speed & small beam dia.
(Middle) Can bend away from the beam. Slow speed & large beam dia.
(Right) Used to form bowls etc. Slow speed & small beam dia.

System

1.2 kW TLF laser
4-axis CNC lath
Auto operation

Diagram: laser forming setup showing laser going through lens assembly onto material Photo: laser cutting in operation - big laser focused on a sheet of material

(Left) Laser Forming (Right) Laser Cutting

Examples

Photo: example of laser formed metal product - sheet with lines bent into it