Laser-Assisted Forming
Direct diode laser lines for local preheating of ultra-high-strength steels
Ultra-high-strength steels make lighter structures possible, but their low ductility makes forming difficult: they crack at small bending radii, show large elastic recovery (springback) and require high forming forces. Heating the material locally, right where it is going to be deformed, lowers its yield strength and increases its ductility, reducing forces, springback and the risk of cracking [1].
The laser concentrates that heating only where it is needed, without contact and at the speed of the forming line itself, so it integrates directly ahead of the bending or stamping station.
Laser-assisted roll forming
In roll forming, the sheet passes through a series of rolls that bend it progressively. Laser preheating of the bending zone makes it possible to roll form ultra-high-strength steels to small radii, without cracks and with an accurate final geometry [1, 2].
| Result | Reference value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Springback | <1° with laser assistance | [2] |
| Bending force | −43% compared with cold forming | [2] |
| Radius-to-thickness ratio (R/t) | ~1,0–1,2 | [1, 2] |
| Cracks | None in the bend | [1, 2] |
We have developed 5 kW direct diode laser lines of 210 × 1 mm for local preheating of the sheet right before a bending unit. In a production roll forming line, two of these modules heat two bending zones about 15 cm apart, at line speeds of 8 to 10 m/min. Laser preheating has proven more effective than induction heating and has made it possible to roll form ultra-high-strength steels without springback or cracks.
Laser-assisted stamping
In stamping, a local laser heat treatment before the press softens the material in the zones where more formability is needed. In martensitic and retained-austenite steels, this treatment reduces the press force in deep drawing by around 20% [3].
With 8 kW laser lines of 240 × 1.5 mm we have applied the same local preheating to stamping, with the same goal: forming ultra-high-strength steels without cracks and with less springback.
Our sources
We supply the laser lines in sealed modules, with homogeneous irradiance along the entire line, together with their power and control electronics. The modules are integrated into the forming line alongside temperature measurement systems, such as thermography, to validate the process in production.
References
1. Gunawan-Goullet de Rugy J, Hou Z, Gu Y, Cen L, Wang Z, Wang J, et al. Laser-assisted forming of ultra-high strength steels: a critical review of mechanisms, processes, and future directions. High-Temp Mater. 2025;2(3):10017. doi:10.70322/htm.2025.10017
2. Min J, Wang J, Lian J, Liu Y, Hou Z. Laser-assisted robotic roller forming of ultrahigh-strength steel QP1180 with high precision. Materials. 2023;16(3):1026. doi:10.3390/ma16031026
3. Neugebauer R, Scheffler S, Poprawe R, Weisheit A. Local laser heat treatment of ultra high strength steels to improve formability. Prod Eng. 2009;3:347. doi:10.1007/s11740-009-0186-9
Having trouble forming high-strength steels?
Tell us about the material, the thickness, the geometry of the profile or part and the line speed, and we will work with you to define the most suitable source. We develop custom solutions for equipment manufacturers and integrators.
Related Products
I Want More Information
Contact us, tell us about your needs, and we will advise you on which diode laser modules best suit your requirements.
We undertake customized and tailor-made projects for our clients.
