Laser-assisted bending by magnetic force

• Main Authors: Besufekad N. Fetene, Uday S. Dixit, João Paulo Davim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2017-06-01
• Series: The Journal of Engineering
• Subjects: bending; finite element analysis; microhardness; carbon steel; stainless steel; plates (structures); laser materials processing; forming processes; laser-assisted bending process; external force; magnetic materials; nonmagnetic materials; bend angle; reduced edge effect; finite element method; mild steel; stainless steel work plates; laser-irradiated surface
• Online Access: http://digital-library.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/joe.2017.0145

In this study, a laser-assisted bending process is proposed, in which the external force is applied by magnets. The process can be used for bending the magnetic and non-magnetic materials. The experiments indicated that a large bend angle with reduced edge effect can be obtained by this process. The process was simulated by finite element method and a reasonable agreement was obtained between the experimental and simulated bend angles. It was experimentally observed that the micro-hardness after bending was greater than the original micro-hardness for mild steel as well as stainless steel work plates. In all the cases, micro-hardness reduced from laser-irradiated surface to opposite surface. Performance of the process as well as its ability to get accurately simulated bring out its potential of adaptability in industries.