Optimization of Plasma Cutting Parameters on Dimensional Accuracy and Machining Time for Low Carbon Steel

Abstract

This work aims to study the influence of plasma arc cutting parameters on dimensional accuracy and machining time for mild steel (1010) material with the thickness (4 mm). Selected three cutting parameters (arc current, cutting speed, and arc distance) or the experimental work. 12 tests have been performed at each test one parameter has been changed with four various levels and other parameters are constant. The influence of the cutting parameters on response results (dimensional accuracy and machining time) have been studied and analyzed by using response surface methodology (RSM) using the second-order model and main effect plot have been generated of each parameter on response results by using ANOVA depended on results of response surface analysis. The results of the response surface analysis showed that the important influencing parameters on dimensional accuracy were cutting speed and arc current as well as on deviation of dimensional accuracy, and the machining time is further affected with the current more than the cutting speed and the standoff distance. The outcomes of response surface analysis showed that the optimal setting of the cutting parameters to obtain at high dimensional accuracy were (arc current= 110 A, cutting speed = 4000 m/min, arc distance = 2mm) and to obtain on less machining time was (arc current= 110 A, cutting speed = 4000 m/min, arc distance = 5mm).