The characteristic of laser forming aluminum sheet under consecutive irradiations

Abstract

This paper has studied the laser forming process of pure aluminum sheets by a Nd:YAG laser with 2kw maximum power. Based on the Temperature Gradient Mechanism, the change of bending angle, mechanical behavior and the thicken effect were investigated under consecutive irradiations. The reducing bending often observed after a few irradiations was related to the thickening of heated zone. When the thickness of sheet metal up to some degree and almost has no change, the increment of bending angle begin appear the rising trend. It was concluded that gradual thickening reduced subsequent bendability. Moreover, empirical equations for predicting thickness of heated zone were derived, which can be used for predicting the variation of bending angle with number of irradiations.This paper has studied the laser forming process of pure aluminum sheets by a Nd:YAG laser with 2kw maximum power. Based on the Temperature Gradient Mechanism, the change of bending angle, mechanical behavior and the thicken effect were investigated under consecutive irradiations. The reducing bending often observed after a few irradiations was related to the thickening of heated zone. When the thickness of sheet metal up to some degree and almost has no change, the increment of bending angle begin appear the rising trend. It was concluded that gradual thickening reduced subsequent bendability. Moreover, empirical equations for predicting thickness of heated zone were derived, which can be used for predicting the variation of bending angle with number of irradiations.