Can we improve the accuracy of laser bending by understanding edge effects? This research delves into the edge effects observed in single-axis laser bending of sheet metal, where the bending edge curves and the bending angle varies along the laser-scanning path. The edge effects adversely affect the accuracy of the bending. Numerical investigations are performed to study process transiency. The authors use numerical investigations, validated by experiments, to study process transiency and the mechanism of these effects, considering temperature dependency of material properties and strain-rate dependency of flow stress. A numerical investigation is carried out to study the accuracy. This numerical result is examined under a wide range of conditions. By examining patterns of edge effects and resultant residual stress distributions under various conditions, the study offers a more complete explanation of their mechanism, contributing to more precise laser forming techniques. Patterns of edge effects and the resultant residual stress are also observed.
Published in the Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, this paper fits the journal’s focus on advancing manufacturing processes through scientific research and engineering analysis. The study’s investigation of edge effects in laser bending contributes to the journal’s aim of improving manufacturing precision and efficiency through a combination of numerical modeling and experimental validation.