Rapid tooling using controlled laser ablation

Manfred Geiger; Doris Schubart; Michael Kauf

doi:10.1117/12.248586

26 August 1996 Rapid tooling using controlled laser ablation

Manfred Geiger, Doris Schubart, Michael Kauf

Proceedings Volume 2787, Rapid Prototyping; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.248586
Event: Lasers, Optics, and Vision for Productivity in Manufacturing I, 1996, Besancon, France

Abstract

Laser based rapid tooling techniques enable the completion of tools within a minimized period of time. Especially the controlled laser ablation process of metals or ceramics allows precise manufacturing along with a high surface accuracy of the parts. The reactive ablation mechanism of ferrous materials in oxygen atmosphere -- the chip removal - is described, as well as the optimization of the process parameters by systematical procedures. The processing results are limited with given radius of the interaction zone between the laser beam and the workpiece surface. Essential process-parameter is therefore the focus radius. This parameter, effectively being controlled by an adaptive optical mirror, strongly influences the process and thus the workpiece result. The laser ablation process characteristically offers a high flexibility concerning workpiece materials and geometries. In combination with the ability of processing even hardened steels without any tool wear laser ablation is predestined for the rapid tooling of metal forming tools like hot forging dies. Obtaining high workpiece accuracy along with short manufacturing times recommends the optimized ablation process not only for prototyping but for serial manufacturing as well.

Citation Download Citation

Manfred Geiger, Doris Schubart, and Michael Kauf "Rapid tooling using controlled laser ablation", Proc. SPIE 2787, Rapid Prototyping, (26 August 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.248586

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