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2010
Journal Article
Titel
Laser-assisted shearing: New process developments for the sheet metal industry
Titel Supplements
Maximization of clear-cut surface rates by local laser-induced softening of the sheet material
Abstract
The developed hybrid laser-assisted shearing process enables conventional punching machines to produce punch-sheared edges with continuous clear-cut surfaces in stainless steel plates (1.4301), spring steel plates (1.4310), and titanium alloy plates (3.7165). The new combination of localized laser-induced softening of the plate material in the shearing zone and the shearing process significantly reduces both process forces and process-related noise emissions. Laser-assisted shearing of stainless steel plates (1.4301, material thickness, 3 mm) and titanium plates (TiAl6V4; material thickness, 3 mm) leads to clear-cut surface ratios of 90 %. The cutting forces are reduced by over 70%. The process-related noise level is reduced by over 10 dB(A). In terms of the laser-assisted shearing of spring steel plates, the achievable clear-cut surface ratios are 100% of the material thickness (materials, 1.1248 and 1.4310; material thickness, 3 mm). Here, the cutting forces are reduced by 80%. The Fraunhofer ITP has also developed a modular system upgrade for existinmg punching machines, which allow laser-assisted shearing to be implemented without the need for expensive new machine designs.