Thermomechanical modelling of direct laser forming = Simulación termo-mecánica de procesos de conformado directo por láser

Abstract

Direct Laser Forming (DLF) is a thermo-mechanical process wherein the controlled deposition of laser energy induces internal stresses in the material, producing permanent deformations. The final result is a deformation of the material according to a 2D or 3D geometry, similarly to results obtained by traditional forming processes. The development of fundamental knowledge about DLF technique represents a scientific and technological improvement in the production of low series and sheet metal prototypes. The laser typical variables determine the energy transfer rate and resulting deformations. In this paper, we present a numerical model to simulate the process which permits to analyze the influence of the characteristic variables.