Institute of Spring Technology - Lasers Spring into Action

Author:  Industry News
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 18 / Issue 2, Spring 2004
Doc ID:  2004032
Year of Publication:  2004
Abstract:  
United Kingdom. A project to be carried out by TWI and Institute of Spring Technology (IST) will develop advanced spring manufacturing processes based on the use of laser technology. Many manufacturing processes have already found benefits from the use of laser technology, such as enhanced product performance, improved quality, cost effectiveness and flexible production. In spring manufacture, laser cutting, with its narrow kerf width and heat effected zone, should provide a high precision capability to form springs of both simple and complex geometries. In addition, the flexibility of delivery of laser energy and its high controllability, should make possible the customising and fine tuning of spring performance in the areas of stress relieving, texturing, smoothing and marking, by localised surface modification.