Multi-objective optimisation in abrasive waterjet contour cutting of AISI 304L

The optimum waterjet machining parameters were found for maximising material removal rate and minimising surface roughness and kerf taper angle where three levels of traverse speed, abrasive flow rate, and waterjet pressure are used. The multi-linear regression equations were obtained to investigate the relationships between variables and responses, and the statistical significance of contour cutting parameters was analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Further, the response surface methodology (desirability function approach) was utilised for multi-objective optimisation. The optimum traverse speeds were 95 mm/min for 4 mm thickness and 90 mm/min for both 8 and 12 mm thicknesses. For all material thicknesses, the abrasive mass flow rate and waterjet pressure were 500 g/min and 200 MPa, respectively. The minimum values of surface roughness, kerf taper angle, and maximum material removal rate for 4-, 8- and 12-mm material thicknesses were respectively 0.799º, 1.283 μm and 297.98 mm3/min; 1.068º, 1.694 μm and 514.97 mm3/min; and 1.448º, 1.975 μm and 667.07 mm3/min. In this study, surface roughness and kerf taper angle decreased as the waterjet pressure and abrasive mass flow rate increased; and this is showing a direct proportional relationship with traverse speed, abrasive mass flow rate and waterjet pressure