Identification of the Robust Conditions for Minimization of the HAZ and Burr in CO2 Laser Cutting

This paper presents Taguchi optimization methodology for identification of the robust conditions for minimization of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and burr height in CO2 laser cutting of AISI 304 stainless steel. The laser cutting experiment was designed and carried out on the basis of standard L-27 Taguchi's orthogonal array in which four laser cutting parameters such as the laser power, cutting speed, assist gas pressure and focus position were arranged at three levels. From the analysis of means, analysis of variance and two-way interaction plots, the significant laser cutting parameters and the optimal combination of levels were identified. The results showed that the focus position is the most significant parameter affecting the HAZ and burr height, whereas the influence of the assist gas pressure can be neglected. The predicted responses at optimal laser cutting conditions were found to be in good agreement with the results from confirmation experiment.