Optimization of process parameters in plasma arc cutting using TOPSIS method

Abstract

This paper presents the use of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to determine the optimum process parameters in plasma arc cutting of stainless steel. Two input process parameters, cutting speed and plasma gas pressure are considered and experiments are conducted based on Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. After performing the experiments, the surface roughness, cut perpendicularity and kerf width are measured. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) are performed in order to identify the effect of each input process parameters on the output responses. The results indicate that TOPSIS method is appropriate for solving multi-criteria optimization of process parameters. Results also showed that cutting speed of 2500 mm/min and plasma gas pressure of 6 bar are the optimum combination of process parameters.