LASER FORMING: A REALISTIC SHORT-RUN OPTION?
Laser energy can be used to create bends in a metal workpiece by inducing differential thermal expansion/contraction in the material. Lately, researchers have been trying to convert laser forming into a practical production process -- and not just for creating simple straight bends, but for complex parts as well. A University of Liverpool researcher explains the basics of LF and points out its practical potential for both prototyping and short-run production for sheetmetal forming.

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