Plastic Bending of the Magnesium Alloy Plate by a Laser Forming Process

Plastic bending properties and deformation mechanism of the magnesium alloy plate (AZ31) by a CO2 laser forming process was investigated based on experiments and FEM simulation analysis. The bending angle and the temperature of the workpiece were measured by use of a laser displacement sensor and thermo couples, respectively, and are compared with the results of the stainless steel plate (SUS304). The temperature distribution in the workpiece is calculated using FEM thermal conduction analysis. Based on the experimental and simulation results, it is found that the bending angle greatly depends on the surface temperature. The heating-cooling behavior affects the frequency of the temperature fluctuation.