Experimental Investigations on Inconel 625 Alloy Using Plasma Arc Machining

Abstract

Plasma arc machining (PAM) is a non-traditional machining process widely used to machine intricate part profiles for alloys that are difficult to machine. The Burr height, Kerf ratio, and material removal rate (MRR) are predominant factors that influences the performance and quality of plasma cut surfaces. Present research focusses on the effect of plasma arc cutting (PAC) parameters such as gases used, cutting speed, current, arc voltage, and gas pressure on the cut quality characteristics of Inconel 625 alloy. The design of experiments (DOE) technique is used to develop a Taguchi design consisting of L18 orthogonal array. The Grey relational analysis technique is used for optimization of the above said cutting conditions. Finally, the most suitable gas to machine is selected along with the optimal PAM parameters for cutting the Inconel 625 alloy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis is carried out to inspect the surface morphologies at various cutting conditions.