Patent ID: 6415639
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: B21D,B23K

Abstract:
A process for forming a permanent bend in a bendable component, comprising:irradiating a surface of the component with a linear radiation field of laser radiation, the linear radiation field extending along a bend line about which the component is to be bent, such that all points along the bend line are simultaneously irradiated by the laser radiation so as to locally heat the component along the bend line; and applying mechanical force to the component to bend the component along the bend line, wherein the linear radiation field is formed by directing a laser beam into at least one end of an interior passage of a tubular conductor having an axial slot formed in a wall thereof, the conductor emitting a linear radiation field from the slot onto the component, wherein the conductor is positioned in a recess in a bending die on which the component is supported, and the conductor is positioned in contact with the component during irradiation and bending of the component.