Laser bending characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy

Laser forming technology was employed in bending of Ti-6Al-4V sheets and the process characteristic was investigated. The influence of different laser scanning parameters on bending angle and the process dynamic behaviors were analyzed. The results indicate that the increase of bending angle with the scanning numbers is almost linear. Under the constant bending times, the biggest bending angle can be obtained with an optimal accumulative line energy value. Different dynamic bending behaviors with different material states during the heating and cooling process were observed. Moreover, the microstructure and the mechanical property of the material in heated area were measured and analyzed. The results show that the geometry and the microstructure of phase change zone are affected by scanning parameters, and the material tensile strength and hardness in heated area increase, while the plastic property decreases.