Title: Multi-objective optimisation of Nd:YAG laser micro-drilling of zirconia using Taguchi method with desirability function analysis

Authors: Arunanshu S. Kuar; Bappa Acherjee; Souren Mitra

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India ' Department of Production Engineering, Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India ' Department of Production Engineering, Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India

Abstract: In this paper, a multi-objective optimisation technique, based on Taguchi method and desirability function analysis, has been proposed and adopted in search of an optimal parametric combination to yield favourable hole geometry, during Nd:YAG laser micro drilling of zirconia. Taguchi L25 orthogonal array, for a four-factor five-level design, is used for plan of experiments. Lamp current, pulse frequency, pulse width and assist air pressure are considered as input parameters. Hole taper and HAZ width, which greatly influence the quality and feature characteristics of a drilled hole, are the responses considered. Desirability function analysis is employed to convert the multiple quality characteristics into a single performance measure called, composite desirability index. Application of this approach greatly simplified the complicated multi-objective optimisation problems. Optimal micro-drilling parameters are then determined by the Taguchi method using composite desirability index as the single performance index. Furthermore, analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out to determine the significance of parameters on the overall output feature. The optimal result obtained has been verified with the help of additional confirmatory experiments. The outcome of these experiments indicates the application feasibility of the proposed optimisation technique for continuous improvement in Nd:YAG laser micro drilling product quality.

Keywords: laser microdrilling; Nd:YAG lasers; desirability function analysis; Taguchi methods; multi-objective optimisation; zirconia; hole geometry; orthogonal arrays; lamp current; pulse frequency; pulse width; assist air pressure; hole taper; HAZ width; ANOVA; continuous improvement; product quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2013.053822

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2013 Vol.6 No.2, pp.115 - 132

Received: 11 Aug 2011
Accepted: 03 Jan 2012

Published online: 12 Jul 2014 *

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