Finite Element modelling of laser forming at macro and micro scales

Laser forming (LF) offers the industrial promise of controlled shaping of metallic and non-metallic components for prototyping, correction of design shape or distortion and precision adjustment applications. In order to fulfill this promise in a manufacturing environment the process must have a high degree of controllability, which can be achieved through a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms. At the macro scale, Finite Element (FE) modelling can be used to ascertain which of the various process parameters associated with the temperature gradient mechanism (such as graphite burn-off, geometrical effects, variation in absorption etc) contribute towards this phenomenon and subsequently the magnitude of their contribution. At the micro scale FE modelling can be used to determine the mechanism by which deformation occurs upon application of short pulses in laser micro forming (LμF).