Laser Line Heating

Abstract

Many shipyards now employ line-heating processes to form metal by controlled heating and cooling. The benefits of line-heat forming include improved accuracy and productivity. The current line-heating method utilizes an oxyacetylene torch as the heat input. A new forming technique that uses a high-power laser as the heat source is being researched. The feasibility of forming mild-and high-strength steels with a laser heat input is reviewed. The primary incentives for using a laser are the capability to accurately control the forming process; the capability to minimize the material degradation; the capability to form high-strength steels; and the increased compatibility with other advanced manufacturing systems. In summary, by manipulating the laser power, laser beam diameter, and plate travel speed, one may form metal plates to a predetermined shape in a repeatable manner.