Simultaneous Optimization of Multiple Quality Characteristics in Laser Beam Cutting Using Taguchi Method

Taguchi methods have been used for a long time to improve the product quality and process performance of a manufacturing system. Few researchers have applied this methodology in laser beam cutting (LBC) of sheet metals and found the considerable improvement in cut qualities. In all experimental investigations of LBC so far, the objective was to optimize the single quality characteristic at a time. In this paper the simultaneous optimization of multiple quality characteristics such as Kerf width and material removal rate (MRR) during pulsed Nd: YAG LBC of thin sheet of magnetic material (high Silicon-steel) has been presented using Taguchi’s quality loss function. The results show the considerable improvement in multiple S/N ratio as compared to initial cutting condition. Also, the comparison of results from single and multi-objective optimization have been presented and it was found that the loss in quality is always possible shifting from Single quality to multiple quality optimization.