Optimization of Plasma Arc Cutting Parameters on Machining of Inconel 718 Superalloy

Abstract

Nickel-based super composites are widely applied in the industry. These alloys withstand high thermal debility conditions and give better strength to machine parts in aviation, biomechanical, marine, and vehicle commerce. Nickel-based alloys have high quality, corrosion resistance, and high heat refusal. Inconel 718 is one such composite extensively utilized in these loading circumstances because of chemical stability, mechanical friction, high thermal corrosion, and high stability. During the cutting procedure, these qualities will bring a lot of processing issues, for example, surface roughness, machining efficiency, and wear of tool. Plasma arc cutting (PAC) is an upsetting metal-cutting process to perform slicing of hard to cut materials even for complex profiles. The present work analyzes the impact of PAC process factors, for instance, gas pressure (GP), arc current (AC), cutting speed (CS), and stand-off distance (SOD) on assessing the kerf width (KW), kerf taper (KT), and heat-affected zone (HAZ) of Inconel 718 superalloy. This work deliberates about the cutting parameters required for the machining of Inconel 718 to provide least surface roughness and low instrument wear. The experiments conducted to validate the ingenuity of the process are in accordance with the optimal parameter settings necessary for machining purposes. The divergence from actuality has been extremely minimal with a relative error of 4.45% for kerf width and 4.36% for the extent of heat-affected zone postmachining.