AMTC,
Seattle, September 2001 (Society of Automotive Engineers,
Paper Number 2001-01-2610
K.
G. Watkins, S. P. Edwardson, J. Magee*, G. Dearden, P.
French Laser Group, Department of Engineering,
University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GH, UK
(* Currently at: National Centre for Laser Applications,
NUI Galway, Ireland)
R.
L. Cooke, J. Sidhu BAE Systems, Sowerby Advanced Technology Centre, Filton,
Bristol, UK
N.
J. Calder BAE Systems, Samlesbury Aerodrome, UK
Abstract:
Non-contact forming by application of
a thermal source has been known for some time. Recently,
it has been shown that much greater controllability can
be introduced by replacing the thermal source with a laser.
This yields a process with strong potential for application
in aerospace, including the rapid manufacture of prototypes
and the adjustment of misaligned components.
This paper briefly reviews the mechanisms involved in laser
forming and then summarises experimental work carried out
on aluminium alloys and titanium alloys that led to the
development of a prototype system for the forming of 2-D
sheet materials. Emphasis is placed on the process advantages,
including the high accuracy (arising from the progressive
nature of the process) that can be achieved in forming or
adjustment of misalignment. Future work in a new collaborative
programme to develop 3-D laser forming is summarised.
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