Laser forming of thick steel plates with a high power diode laser

Abstract

A high power 2kW diode laser system was used for laser forming of 5mm and 10mm thick steel plates. Measurements obtained with thermocouples and a thermo-viewer revealed the temperature and temperature distribution during thick plate laser forming. Finite element analysis was also performed to simulate single pass laser forming. The results were then used to determine the laser parameters for optimum irradiation. Employing these parameters, a 5mm thick plate was bent 13.5 degrees with 30 laser scans at an output power of 1 kW and a 10mm thick plate bending of 90 degrees was successfully achieved.A high power 2kW diode laser system was used for laser forming of 5mm and 10mm thick steel plates. Measurements obtained with thermocouples and a thermo-viewer revealed the temperature and temperature distribution during thick plate laser forming. Finite element analysis was also performed to simulate single pass laser forming. The results were then used to determine the laser parameters for optimum irradiation. Employing these parameters, a 5mm thick plate was bent 13.5 degrees with 30 laser scans at an output power of 1 kW and a 10mm thick plate bending of 90 degrees was successfully achieved.