A synthesis of programming techniques for laser forming

Abstract

Laser forming is a process in which metal is shaped by thermally induced stresses, and there are three bending mechanisms. The technique involves locally heating the work piece by traversing it under a laser beam. Positioning tables with a minimum of x and y axes are used as the means of moving the metal. Control of the laser path is via the table movement and requires programs written in G-Code machine language. This can present problems for the designer but complimented by todayâ s modern computing methods, there can be some relief from arduous number crunching and it can be possible that old programming language, comparatively new software and an understanding of three-dimensional space, thermodynamics and design, can be combined for creating designed objects.