Computer Aided Taguchi-Fuzzy Multi-Optimization of laser cutting process

Abstract

Today's fast growing sheet metal industries are demanding overall improvement in cut quality rather than improving different quality characteristics individually. The laser cutting has proven to be the quality cutting process for almost any category of materials with few limitations. The multiple quality characteristics may be improved by controlling the process variables at optimum level. The paper presents a methodology for the simultaneous optimization of multiple quality characteristics in laser cutting process by developing the software ‘CATFMO’ (Computer Aided Taguchi-Fuzzy Multi-Optimization). The software results have been validated by comparing the published experimental data and found suitable. This methodology has been applied for simultaneous optimization of kerf width, cut edge surface roughness and heat affected zone in laser cutting of difficult-to-laser-cut Aluminium alloy sheet.