Abstract

Laser Shock Micro-Forming (LSμF) is intended as a non-thermal laser forming method using the shock wave induced by laser irradiation to modify the curvature of microscopic scale components [1,2]. It has the advantages of laser thermal forming (non-contact, tool-free and high efficiency and precision) [3,4], but its non-thermal character allows the preservation or even improvement of material properties through the induction of compressive residual stress over the target surface, a feature enabling an improved resistance of shaped metal to resist corrosion and fatigue.

© 2009 IEEE