Experimental investigation, statistical modeling and optimization of laser bending process of perforated sheets

In this work, the laser bending process of perorated sheets is performed experimentally using a CO2 laser machine with maximum power of 120 W. Perforated sheets made of stainless steel 304 with a thickness of 2 mm are irradiated by laser beam in order to bend along a straight line. The effects of LOP (90-114 W), laser scanning speed (1-3 mm/s) and number of irradiations (10-20) on the bending angle of laser bent perforated sheets are examined using design of experiments based on response surface methodology. It is concluded from the obtained results that the bending angle of laser bent perforated sheet is increased with increasing in the laser output power and number of irradiations. In addition, it is proved that with increasing the laser scanning speed, the bending angle of bent sheet is decreased. Also, optimization of input variables shows that for achieving the maximum value of bending angle in laser bent perforated sheet the laser output power, laser scanning speed and number of irradiations should be adjusted as 114 Watts, 1 mm/s and 20, respectively.