Microparts processing using laser cutting and ultra-short-pulse laser peen forming

A laser peen forming is a sheet metal forming method using laser induced shock waves. The laser peen forming with an ultra-short-pulse laser is a kind of non-thermal and die-less forming process, and is favorable for microforming. The authors applied the laser peen forming to the bending of pure titanium thin sheet with a picosecond laser and a femtosecond laser. The changes of bending properties with atmosphere and pulse duration were investigated. The femtosecond laser irradiation in air showed the best bending efficiency. The femtosecond laser is applicable to laser cutting, also. Some thin sheets were cut into complicated shapes and bent by laser peen forming with femtosecond laser. The combined process allowed the production of various complicated small parts.