Multi Objective Optimization of Process Parameters in Laser Beam Cutting of Al7075/10%SiCp Metal Matrix Composite using Taguchi Method and Principal Component Analysis

Laser cutting of metal matrix composite, having extensive applications in aerospace and automobile industries, is important from the eminence of cut point of view. Keeping this in view, a fusion approach of Taguchi method (TM) and principal component analysis (PCA) has been functional for multi-objective optimization (MOO) of pulsed Nd: YAG laser beam cutting (LBC) of Al7075/SiCp metal matrix composite to achieve better qualities within obtainable possessions. The three-quality characteristics kerf width, kerf deviation (along the length of cut), and kerf taper have been measured for simultaneous optimization. The input parameters considered are pulse power, pulse frequency, assist gas pressure and pulse width. Initially, single-objective optimization has been performed using TM and then the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios obtained from TM have been more used in PCA for multiobjective optimization (MOO). The results of MOO include the prediction of optimum input parameter level and their comparative implication on multiple quality characteristics (MQC). The responses at predicted optimum parameter level are in good conformity with the outcome of authentication experiments conducted for confirmation tests. Keywords— Laser cutting; Taguchi Method; Principal component analysis; Nd: YAG laser; Multi-objective optimization.