The objective of this investigation was to establish rules about the positioning and sequencing of the laser irradiation lines for symmetrical laser forming of a curved part. A flat circular plate was formed into a dome shape. It possesses axi-symmetry and this simplified the objective, as this was one of the first attempts reported in laser forming of curved parts. Laser irradiation conditions and scan patterns were implemented which resulted in an asymmetric forming, and then a more regular forming. This facilitated the establishment of the parameter - symmetry relationship. The scan patterns used in the investigation included star, offset, dividing, and circle line systems. Each system employed radial or circular scan lines, or a combination of both. These systems are described. The geometries of the formed parts were characterised with a co-ordinate measuring machine. They are presented.

Results showed that the most important rules include reaching geometrical symmetry as soon as possible after each increment of forming, and distributing the temperature symmetrically over the plate surface. It was found that pre-orientation bends should be avoided, and that the laser beam parameters, particularly the irradiation angle and spot diameter influence the working accuracy. To comply with these rules it was concluded that the dividing systems and circle line systems provided the optimum forming result.

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