Optimization of CO 2 laser cutting parameters on Austenitic type Stainless steel sheet

Thin AISI 316L stainless steel sheet widely used in sheet metal processing industries for
specific applications. CO2 laser cutting is one of the most popular sheet metal cutting processes for
cutting of sheets in different profile. In present work various cutting parameters such as laser power
(2000 watts-4000 watts), cutting speed (3500mm/min – 5500 mm/min) and assist gas pressure (0.7
Mpa- 0.9Mpa) for cutting of AISI 316L 2mm thickness stainless sheet. This experimentation was
conducted based on Box- Behenken design. The aim of this work is to develop a mathematical model
kerf width for straight and curved profile through response surface methodology. The developed mathematical models for straight and curved profile have been compared. The Quadratic models have the best agreement with experimental data, and also the shape of the profile a substantial role in achieving to minimize the kerf width. Finally the numerical optimization technique has been used to
find out best optimum laser cutting parameter for both straight and curved profile cut