Kerf generation during the plasma cutting process

Abstract

The plasma beam cutting is a machining method applied in order to detach parts or workpieces from plate type workpiece. Essentially, a plasma jet is sent to workpiece, determining melting, vaporizing and removing of the material from the workpiece. If there is a relative movement between the plasma jet and the workpiece, a kerf gradually appears. Many factors exert influence on the kerf characteristics. A full factorial experiment with three independent variables at two levels was designed, in order to highlight the influence exerted by the cutting speed, workpiece thickness and arc current on the kerf width in the superior and inferior zones and on the kerf taper angle, respectively. Power type empirical mathematical models were determined by mathematical processing of the experimental results.