Application of Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology for multi-optimization of laser cutting of AA5052/ZrO2 metal−matrix composites

Abstract

A laser source is most popular in industrial world for its high cutting efficiency and productivity. In the present research work, laser cutting of aluminium metal−matrix composite has been studied. The investigations have been done to analyse the influence of various parameters on surface and quality characteristics of aluminium alloy 5052 reinforced with ZrO2 particles. The effect of laser parameters was analysed on striation angle, heat affected zone and kerf deviation. Response surface methodology has been applied using Box-Behnken design for the statistics analysis. Heat affected zone and striation formation of laser cut surface were examined using scanning electron microscope and optical microscope. The effect of arc radius, cutting speed and percentage of reinforced particles was found to be significant on all output characteristics. The predicted response surface methodology (RSM) model was validated with experimental data for determination of accuracy level.