Investigations of Forming Behaviour in Laser Shock Forming

Abstract

The continuing trend of miniaturization has entailed the need for new cost efficient and fast methods for processing small parts. In this paper a new non-mechanical process for the forming process of micro deep drawing is presented. This new deep drawing process utilizes a laser initiated plasma shock wave at the target, which forms the sheet. Several pulses can be applied at one point and therefore high forming degrees can be reached without increasing the energy density. In this paper the pressure of the shock wave is measured in order to enable optimizations of the process in future. Furthermore, an analysis of the thickness distribution over the deep drawn cups will be introduced. Laser deep drawing of samples made of Al99.5, Cu and stainless steel sheet metal with thicknesses of 20 μm and 50 μm are shown. Finally the efficiency of the laser shock forming process in calculated.