Optimizing the Process Parameters in Plasma Arc Cutting using Taguchi Approach for the Case Industry in Fiji

The present investigation is pertaining to the optimization of the process parameters of plasma arc cutting (PAC) against surface roughness and material removal rate using the Taguchi Orthogonal Array approach. The work was taken as a pilot study to cater the need of the local industry in Fiji that heavily involve repairing and machining jobs. In particular PAC is being widely utilized for cutting of metal strips. The operating parameters were directly observed from the industry to formulate the problem. The arc current, standoff distance and cutting speed are found to be the major influencing variables in the cutting process; in each case three levels are considered. The analysis and discussion are made using S/N ratio plots, mean of means plots and ANOVA. The optimized results are validated through experimental work. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.