Multi-Objective Optimization of Laser Cutting Using ROV-Based Taguchi Methodology

Multi-objective optimization of laser cutting for simultaneous improvement of performance characteristics is of great practical importance. In this study a range of value (ROV)-based Taguchi methodology is proposed for multi-objective optimization of laser cutting, i.e. surface roughness, kerf width and burr height in CO2 laser cutting of AISI 304 stainless steel. Laser cutting experiment was conducted based on Taguchi’s L27 experimental design by varying the laser power, cutting speed, assist gas pressure and focus position at three levels. In the proposed methodology based on the experimental data signal to noise ratios as per Taguchi’s method were calculated for each experimental trial upon which decision matrix was defined. Subsequently, multi-criteria decision making problem was solved by the ROV method. The proposed ROV-based Taguchi methodology has relatively simple computational procedure and can be easily applied by engineers for solving different multi-objective optimization problems that occur in real manufacturing environment.