Brian Harlow Farrell

Laser forming: Industrial applications

Laser forming is currently a laboratory technique that is beginning to see industrial applications. In this paper, we discuss practical concerns and review the progress of laser forming at GE Global Research. Two applications, 3D shape tuning and precision tube bending, are presented. Topics include considerations for industrial applications, methods for qualifying a process window, materials characterization, path planning, and system integration.Laser forming is currently a laboratory technique that is beginning to see industrial applications. In this paper, we discuss practical concerns and review the progress of laser forming at GE Global Research. Two applications, 3D shape tuning and precision tube bending, are presented. Topics include considerations for industrial applications, methods for qualifying a process window, materials characterization, path planning, and system integration.

Large diameter and thin wall laser tube bending

Large diameter and thin wall tube bending is challenging for mechanical methods. Although laser tube bending has been used for <2” diameter tubes, larger diameter laser tube bending is not thoroughly studied yet. This paper reports the challenges and our progress in large diameter laser tube bending. Special issues such as cooling, surface non-uniformity, beam shape and cross section deformation were investigated in comparison with small diameter tube bending.Large diameter and thin wall tube bending is challenging for mechanical methods. Although laser tube bending has been used for <2” diameter tubes, larger diameter laser tube bending is not thoroughly studied yet. This paper reports the challenges and our progress in large diameter laser tube bending. Special issues such as cooling, surface non-uniformity, beam shape and cross section deformation were investigated in comparison with small diameter tube bending.