Laser forming systems: a review

Abstract

Laser forming plastically deforms the material by means of a laser beam with or without the application of mechanical loads. It can be used for bending of sheets and tubes and also for producing complex shapes. Laser shock forming deforms the material with a high power laser pulse. The laser forming is highly suitable for rapid prototyping and forming of materials with poor workability. A number of researchers studied the process and suggested the strategies for process design, control and optimisation. There is still a need for developing accurate mathematical models and optimisation strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and applicability of the process. The edge effect, occasional melting in the irradiated region, changes in material properties, lack of repeatability in bend angle and difficulty in online monitoring are the major challenging issues needed to be circumvented for making the process popular in industry.