Continuing development of a laser line forming system

Thermal-mechanical processing by laser radiation has been shown effective in forming plates into relatively complex shapes at sufficient production rates. An iterative approach that incorporates sensing and control techniques in order to converge to the desired shape may prove effective in overcoming shortcomings in predictive models and inconsistencies in plate materials obtained during production. This presentation will discuss the continuing development of a prototype integrated system, and techniques necessary to achieve shaping of complex components by the laser assisted forming process. Integration of the robotics and laser displacement sensor into the user-friendly, modularized software platform is discussed. Path planning algorithm development is presented, with special attention to optimization techniques based on both single -line heats, and on a strategy that uses batch line processing with batch parameters dependent on the shape type. Preliminary experimental results will be presented.