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- Title of Exhibit Proposal:
Laser Forming Metal and its Craft Applications (Ref #207)
- Date:
- 26-10-2006 14:02:00
- Status:
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Accepted with revisions
- Rating:
- 7
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Details:
- Laser forming is an emerging rapid-prototyping technique that uses the heat of a laser to bend metal. The process has prospective applications in the aerospace and electronics industries. The pieces for exhibition represent the findings of experimental research into using laser forming for creating designed metalwork.
The main process variables are the power, beam diameter and velocity at which the laser moves across the material?s surface. These affect the distribution of heat through the thickness of the metal, which determines the volume of compression that causes the material to bend. Engineering research has established three bending mechanisms, which will be presented. The ability to bend metal towards or away from the beam without exerting force makes the process very flexible. The fascinating aspect of 3-D laser forming is the intrinsic link between the laser path and the resulting form. Put simply, the widely spaced lines of a 2D CAD drawing can become the folds of an object, whereas closely offset parallel lines will curve a sheet by incremental folding. For every 2D CAD pattern, there are permutations as to the order and direction in which to irradiate the lines.
Through objects, samples and presentation material, the exhibited work will show the outcomes of an empirical pattern exploration for the development of 3D forms. As the laser bends metal by lines of compression, a slightly different approach to forming is required. The upsetting mechanism for instance, creates a through thickness shortening; this can be used to bend tubes and form bowls by considering the loss of surface area required to produce the form. Through examples and suggested methods of working, the exhibition will demonstrate that the process is capable of producing forms suitable for designed objects, and highlight it as an opportunity to develop parts not achievable by other means.
The research is also reflective of the potential integration of laser forming within the wider crafts disciplines. In practical terms, laser forming is a rapid-prototyping technique, which enables parts to be made without first making a die, however parts are repeatable and can be used for batch production (or objects designed with multiple units). Laser formed components may be fabricated using traditional techniques which anchors the process within practice. The relationship that laser forming might have with other processes is raised, eg: moulding and electroforming. The work also begins to address issues of access for designer-makers wishing to use the technique.
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