Abstract
This paper focuses on optimizing the laser engraving of acrylic plastics to reduce energy consumption and CO2 gas emissions, without hindering the production and material removal rates. In this context, the role of laser engraving parameters on energy consumption, CO2 gas emissions, production rate, and material removal rate was first experimentally investigated. Grey–Taguchi approach was then used to identify an optimal set of process parameters meeting the goal. The scan gap was the most significant factor affecting energy consumption, CO2 gas emissions, and production rate, whereas, compared to other factors, its impact on material removal rate (MRR) was relatively lower. Moreover, the defocal length had a negligible impact on the response variables taken into consideration. With this laser-process-material combination, to achieve the desired goal, the laser must be focused on the surface, and laser power, scanning speed, and scan gap must be set at 44 W, 300 mm/s, and 0.065 mm, respectively.
Highlights
Manufacturing plays a crucial role in the modern global economy, characterized as the main engine of fast growth over half a century ago [1]
For the laser system, machining process used, and limits of the laser engraving process parameters considered in this study, the conclusions that can be drawn are as follows:
With the increase in scan gap, energy consumption and the consequent emissions of CO2 gas to engrave an image on the acrylic polymer noticeably decrease, and its production rate, on the other hand, increases significantly
Summary
Manufacturing plays a crucial role in the modern global economy, characterized as the main engine of fast growth over half a century ago [1]. As manufacturing industries are continually facing economic challenges due to rising global competition, improving productivity is critical for their survival. With the pace of market demand, manufacturing activities are increasing, which correspondingly creates a severe impact on world energy consumption (EC). The manufacturing industry consumes one-third of global energy and is responsible for 36% of CO2 emissions [2]. The exigency of energy for the manufacturing industry is far higher than other sectors, such as building and transportation. There is an estimation that, by the year 2040, the energy need of this sector will increase by about
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