Preload assisted laser thermoforming at low-temperature

Abstract

Laser thermoforming is widely used to produce rapid prototyping parts of sheet metal. Laser multiple scanning or single high-temperature scanning is often used to obtain a large bending angle. This method produces high heating temperature, which destroys the material characteristics and reduces the material use value. A method of forming at low heating temperature is proposed to overcome the aforementioned problems, and the mechanism of thermo-mechanical action is studied. Results show the positive application of preload in the low-temperature forming method can increase the bending angle by up to 39.00 times. The low-temperature forming method is important for reducing energy consumption, protecting workpiece material properties, and applying laser in practical production.