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

Optimization of the Plasma Arc Cutting Process Through Technological Forecasting

“…A significant hurdle for PAC is the formation of dross [1]. The primary influential factors in the PAC process are identified as arc current, standoff distance, and cutting speed [2], with each factor carrying varying degrees of significance. A study on the heat-affected zone (HAZ) generated during PAC of stainless steel (Grade 304) revealed optimal cutting conditions utilizing response surface methodology (RSM): a voltage of 240 volts, a current of 65 amps, and a speed of 1.5 millimeters per second [3].…”

Flow Simulation as a Support to Predict Shape of Plasma Beam Affected by the Nozzle Geometry

“…The shielding gases as well as their flow profiles near the arc have a decisive influence on the machining results [1]. One of the modern technologies widely used is Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) which is a far better metal cutting technique in some aspects when compared to conventional cutting techniques [2]. In this process, an inert gas (in some units, compressed air) is blown at high speed out of nozzle, at the same time an electrical arc is formed through that gas from the nozzle to the surface being cut, turning some of that gas to plasma [3].…”

“…This heat is sufficiently high to melt and remove the metal [4 -6]. Plasma looks and beahves like a gas but has distinctive difference, it conducts electrical charge [2]. The role of working fluid is to make the protection for the outer core of the PAC torch for the safe and protected operation.…”

“…types of materials, cutting speed, currents, nozzle and flow rate [4]. The geometry of the nozzle causes significant increase in inert gas speed and temperature [2]. The plasma is sufficiently hot to melt the metal being cut and moves sufficiently fast to blow molten metal away from the cut [3].…”

“…The plasma is sufficiently hot to melt the metal being cut and moves sufficiently fast to blow molten metal away from the cut [3]. The gas pressure and current required to cut a work piece is dependent on various factors for example scanning speed, gas pressure and cutting height [2]. A laval nozzle is a convergent-divergent nozzle that was invented by Gustav Patrik de Laval in 1888 for steam engine applications to produce a supersonic flow in the divergent section.…”