Tshabalala, Lerato CPityana, Sisa LMbaya, R2013-03-252013-03-252012Tshabalala, L, Pityana, S and Mbaya, R. 2012. Effects of laser bending on the microstructural constituents. International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, vol. 5(3/4), pp 214-2251753-10471753-1039http://www.inderscience.com/offer.php?id=48229http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6587Copyright: 2012 Inderscience. Published in International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, vol. 5(3/4), pp 214-225This article will illustrate the correlation between microstructural and microhardness changes in high-strength-low-alloy steel that occur as a result of laser-bending. Laser bending is a process of bending metal shapes using the laser beam to uniformly distribute thermal energy across that target material. The correct thermal distribution in laser bending is achieved by optimum combination of the laser power intensity, scan speed and beam diameter for a specific metal thickness. The effects of the thermal distribution on the stability of metal were elucidated in terms of microstructure and microhardness. Experiments revealed a decrease in properties as a result of laser-bending. The applied heat exceeds the transformation temperature of the fine ferrite grain to austenite. Microstructural constituents on the affected heat treated zones were primarily allotriomorphic ferrite and thus weakened the ferrite grains. This was due to the heat effect on grain growth of the steel that brought about softening.enLaser bendingLaser technologyAutomotivePhase transformationMicrohardnessAlloysEffects of laser bending on the microstructural constituentsArticleTshabalala, L. C., Pityana, S. L., & Mbaya, R. (2012). Effects of laser bending on the microstructural constituents. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6587Tshabalala, Lerato C, Sisa L Pityana, and R Mbaya "Effects of laser bending on the microstructural constituents." (2012) http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6587Tshabalala LC, Pityana SL, Mbaya R. Effects of laser bending on the microstructural constituents. 2012; http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6587.TY - Article AU - Tshabalala, Lerato C AU - Pityana, Sisa L AU - Mbaya, R AB - This article will illustrate the correlation between microstructural and microhardness changes in high-strength-low-alloy steel that occur as a result of laser-bending. Laser bending is a process of bending metal shapes using the laser beam to uniformly distribute thermal energy across that target material. The correct thermal distribution in laser bending is achieved by optimum combination of the laser power intensity, scan speed and beam diameter for a specific metal thickness. The effects of the thermal distribution on the stability of metal were elucidated in terms of microstructure and microhardness. Experiments revealed a decrease in properties as a result of laser-bending. The applied heat exceeds the transformation temperature of the fine ferrite grain to austenite. Microstructural constituents on the affected heat treated zones were primarily allotriomorphic ferrite and thus weakened the ferrite grains. This was due to the heat effect on grain growth of the steel that brought about softening. DA - 2012 DB - ResearchSpace DP - CSIR KW - Laser bending KW - Laser technology KW - Automotive KW - Phase transformation KW - Microhardness KW - Alloys LK - https://researchspace.csir.co.za PY - 2012 SM - 1753-1047 SM - 1753-1039 T1 - Effects of laser bending on the microstructural constituents TI - Effects of laser bending on the microstructural constituents UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6587 ER -