The influence of scanning speed and number of scans on the properties of laser formed steel

Abstract: Laser Beam Forming (LBF) process is an emerging and new forming method that generally requires brute force to forge the steel into the desired shape instead of using conventional methods. This study investigates the changes that occur in low carbon steel through the laser beam forming process. The parameters under investigation include variable scanning speed and number of scans at fixed laser intensity. The effect of these laser parameters on the chemical composition and properties of low carbon steel is assessed through characterisation of both the as received and LBF formed specimens. Characterizations of the laser formed steels were studied using microstructural analysis and micro hardness profiling. The results show that there is a significant increase in the mechanical properties of the LBF formed materials. Scanning power and the number of scans have a noticeable effect on the curvature achieved in the formed samples.The results obtained will contribute towards the further optimization of laser forming methods for steel for the optimization of the properties of steel using Laser Beam Forming process