Analysis of laser-heating methods for micro-parts stamping applications

Engineering applications of laser heating to the forming of sheet metal components can be limited by the achievable heating-rates and its effects on the product-quality. Process design, therefore, needs to be carefully planned with reference to heating locations and power inputs, as well as the tool configuration. Laser-heating assisted micro-stamping is a field that has not been exploited sufficiently. Research, which was effected by combining FE simulation with experiments, was conducted to study this process, particularly to examine different heating-schemes, with engineering applications in mind. The results show that a desired temperature distribution is achievable for both copper- and steel-type materials, if a high-powered laser beam is used. The use of a low-powered laser beam, however, is unable to produce a heating-rate which can match that of a normally required production rate. The introduction of laser heating would enable the reduction of the stamping-force requirements and increase of the aspect ratios achievable with stamping, if the process is properly designed, such as using a tubular stamping tool.