Empirical Modeling and Analysis of Process Parameters in Laser Beam Cutting Process

Abstract

The research has been originated based on the persuasive applications of Lasers in the field of various engineering industries, i.e., Aerospace, Automobile, Electronic and Heavy manufacturing industries to machine a variety of metals and alloys. Out of all the machining processes available, Laser Beam Machining is considered to be the best one, because of the following advantages, i.e., quick material removal, non-contact, non-wearing tool, involves highly localized heat input to the work piece, reduces distortion, and offers no tool wear, diminishes tendency of cracking. The present paper focused mainly on developing the empirical relationships between the input process parameters and the output responses in Laser beam cutting process. Laser power, Cutting Speed, Gas pressure and Focal distance are the input process parameters. The output responses considered are related to the quality of cut. Surface roughness is the first output responses considered and the second one is Burr height. Total number of experiments carried out is 27 based on the Taguchi Design of Experiments. Haste alloy C276 is the work material. Response Surface Methodology is applied for the Experimental data of 31 samples to derive the empirical relationships. Later ANOVA analysis is also carried out to check the adequacy of the derived equations. Based on the ANOVA analysis, the models are classified as significant or not significant. Further the significant models can be used for optimizing the Laser beam cutting process. Once the process is optimized, it can be automated, so that the process can be run very efficiently and economically.