Optimization of CNC Laser Cutting Process Parameters

Abstract: Laser Beam Cutting (LBC) is one of the largest applications of lasers in metal working industry using thermal energy based non-contact type of machining offering advantages such as high speeds, high quality edges, low-heat input, and minimal work piece distortion successfully used for the cutting of conductive and nonconductive difficult-to-cut advanced engineering materials such as reflective metals, plastics, rubbers, ceramics and composites [1][2]. The pursuit of any machining process is established by determining the equitable aggregate of input parameters. This paper deals with optimization of cut quality during pulsed CO2 laser cutting of mild steel. In the present paper, various input process variables such as laser power, cutting speed and material thickness are considered for evaluation of the process [3]. The cut quality attributes like Edge Surface Roughness (Ra) and Surface Hardness are considered as output parameters. In view of the effects of machining parameters on the Hardness and Ra, the problem is systematized as optimization problem. The optimum solution is achieved by using suitable statistical method. Keywords: pulsed CO Laser cutting, Edge Surface Roughness (Ra), Surface Hardness, cutting speed