Characteristics of parallel irradiations in laser forming of stainless steel

The manufacturability of stainless steels has been extensively studied, but the spring back effect during material deformation continues to result in a costly trial and error tooling process. In an effort to develop a process free of dedicated tooling, this research seeks to study large radius deformation by laser forming. This is useful for shapes such as the lead edge of airfoils on airplane wings and rotor blades. Experimental testing was conducted to determine how the single pass output bend angle relates to the laser parameters of power, traverse velocity, and incident beam diameter. Experimentation was also performed to find the additive bend angle from successive parallel, evenly spaced laser irradiations. Using statistical analysis to develop an empirical model, this article will illustrate how the laser parameters affect the resultant bend angle. Suggestions for future study include researching the mechanical service effects of this thermomechanical process.