Applications in Sheet Metal Processing

Applications in Sheet Metal Processing

The processing steps for parts in sheet metal workshops include preliminary product testing, trial production, and mass production. During the trial production phase, timely communication with customers is essential, and mass production can only commence after obtaining feedback on the processing.

Laser drilling is the earliest laser material processing technology to achieve practical application. Laser drilling in sheet metal workshops typically uses pulsed lasers, which offer high energy density and short processing times. It can produce holes as small as 1μm, making it particularly suitable for producing small holes at certain angles and in thin materials. It is also suitable for producing deep and micro holes in parts with high strength, hardness, or brittle, soft materials.

Laser drilling can be used to drill holes in gas turbine combustor components, achieving three-dimensional drilling and producing thousands of holes. Suitable materials include stainless steel, nickel-chromium-iron alloys, and Hastelloy-based alloys. Laser drilling technology is unaffected by the mechanical properties of the material and is relatively easy to automate. With the development of laser drilling technology, laser cutting machines have achieved automated operation. Their application in the sheet metal industry has changed the processing methods of traditional sheet metal technology, realized unmanned operation, greatly improved production efficiency, and achieved fully automatic operation throughout the entire process, driving the development of the sheet metal economy. It has also improved the punching effect to a higher level, and the processing effect is remarkably significant.