Enhancing the bend angle and mechanical properties of mild steel using fiber laser bending technique under the influence of electromagnetic force

Abstract

The aim of present research work is to develop an electromagnetic-force-assisted laser bending setup and to enhance the laser forming characteristics of mild steel. In present research work, mild steel strips having 2 mm thickness are used for forming operation with the variation of input parameters i.e., laser power (400, 600, 800, 1000 W), beam diameter (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm) and scan speed (1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 mm/min). Results indicated that laser bending of mild steel with the electromagnetic attraction significantly enriches the performance parameters i.e., bend angle, micro-hardness and microstructure. Furthermore, it is revealed that the high value of bend angle (20.37 0) is obtained at laser power and scanning speed of 1000 W and 1000 mm/min respectively. In addition, the high micro-hardness (179 HV) and fine grain structure is obtained at laser power of 1000 W and scanning speed of 1000 mm/min. Results of high hardness are mainly attributed due to the fine grain structure and heat absorption at irradiated zone. In addition, beam diameter, air gap and applied current have also a significant effect on laser bending. The laser characteristics significantly improved at beam diameter of 4 mm, air gap of 20 mm and applied current 6 amp during the fiber based electromagnetic force assisted laser bending.