Advances in laser forming

TLDR

Laser forming is a rapidly emerging, contact‑free technique for shaping metallic components, enabling rapid prototyping and alignment across aerospace, automotive, and microelectronics sectors. The article reviews laser‑forming mechanisms and models, surveys current applications, and evaluates future development potential. The review examines the mechanisms and models underlying laser forming and summarizes current applications.

Abstract

Laser forming is fast emerging as a viable means for the shaping of metallic components, as a means of rapid prototyping and of adjusting and aligning. Relevant industry sectors include aerospace, automotive, and microelectronics. In contrast with conventional forming techniques this method requires no mechanical contact and hence offers many of the advantages of process flexibility associated with other laser manufacturing techniques such as laser cutting and marking. This article reviews the mechanisms involved and the main models proposed in laser forming and presents an overview of the main applications currently developed. An assessment is made of the potential for future development of this new technology.