On the multi - parameter optimization of CNC plasma-arc cutting process quality indicators using Taguchi Design of Experiments

摘要

The current study investigates the optimization of cutting parameters during CNC plasma-arc cutting of St37 mild steel plates utilizing robust design. Process parameters tested include cutting speed, arc ampere, pierce height, and torch standoff distance utilizing the Taguchi L_9 (3~4) array. The effect of each parameter has been examined in terms of ANOM (Analysis of Means) diagrams. Optimum levels for each parameter have been proposed according to performance measures. ANOVA (Analysis of Variances) has been performed aiming in the importance identification of each parameter variance onto the performance measure as a percentage value. Results indicate that the arc ampere has an effect mainly on the bevel angle (58.7%), while the cutting speed and the torch standoff distance have an influence of 19% and 15.7% respectively. The pierce height has an influence about 6.6% and thus its variations do not significantly affect the bevel angle in the experimental region.