Empirical Modelling of Kerf Characteristics in Laser Profile Cutting of Ni-Superalloy

Abstract

Laser cutting is the most acceptable method to create complex geometries where it is difficult to cut sheet metal with close tolerances and high precision. In this study, empirical models for top kerf deviation and kef taper have been developed using response surface methodology (RSM). Box–Behnken Design (BBD)-based experiments on Ni-superalloy sheet have been conducted in laser cutting process. Lamp current, duration of pulse, frequency of pulses and speed of cutting are taken as process variables. The prime application of RSM is to build up a functional correlation between input and output parameters of the process. This relationship is analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the adequacy of models, and subsequently, adequate models have been used to predict the process behaviour.