Method and apparatus for deforming a thermoplastic projection using laser energy

摘要

The method of deforming a thermoplastic projection (20) of a workpiece (14) comprises coupling laser energy to the projection (20) for heating the projection and rendering it deformable, and while the projection is deformable, deforming it to a predetermined shape. The apparatus comprises a support (12) for supporting a workpiece (14); a source of laser energy (24) disposed for causing a laser beam (26) from said source to shine upon the projection (20) of the workpiece (14) disposed on said support (12) for heating the projection (20) and rendering it deformable; a die (30) having a shaping surface (32) disposed for engaging and deforming said projection (20) when said projection (20) is rendered deformable, and motion means (34) coupled to said die (30) for providing during a time interval forced engagement between said shaping surface (32) and said projection (20) for deforming said projection.