Taguchi based fuzzy logic optimization of multiple quality characteristics in laser cutting of Duralumin sheet

Capability of laser cutting mainly depends on optical and thermal properties of work material. Highly reflective and thermally conductive Duralumin sheets are difficult-to-laser-cut. Application of Duralumin sheets in aeronautic and automotive industries due to its high strength to weight ratio demand narrow and complex cuts with high geometrical accuracy. The present paper experimentally investigates the laser cutting of Duralumin sheet with the aim to improve geometrical accuracy by simultaneously minimizing the kerf width and kerf deviations at top and bottom sides. A hybrid approach, obtained by combining robust parameter design methodology and Fuzzy logic theory has been applied to compute the fuzzy multi-response performance index. This performance index is further used for multi-objective optimization. The predicted optimum results have been verified by performing the confirmation tests. The confirmation tests show considerable reduction in kerf deviations at top and bottom sides.