A comprehensive study on the effect of line energy during laser bending of duplex stainless steel

Abstract

Laser bending is a well-established process to achieve bending with high accuracy and good controllability. This study discusses the effect of line energy on bending mechanism, bend angle, edge effect, mechanical properties, and microstructural characterization for laser bending of duplex stainless steel. Numerical simulations have been carried out for a better understanding of the bending mechanisms. Additionally, the role of temperature distribution at the bottom surface on the variation in bend angle has been analyzed. It is found that at low laser powers, the bend angle increases with line energy, but at a decreasing rate. Whereas at high laser powers, the bend angle increases with line energy; attains peak and then decreases. At constant line energy, the bend angle increases with the increase in laser power and scanning speed. The hardness of laser-scanned specimens is increased, and ductility is reduced. Besides, the ultimate strength and yield strength remain almost constant. The sigma phase formation has been observed during the microstructural analysis, which further correlates with the high hardness and low ductility.