APPLICATION AND COMPARISON OF MCDM METHODS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FIBER LASER CUTTING

Abstract

Fiber laser cutting, as one of the more recent and complex production processes, is characterized by a large amount of input parameters and output performances. Desired output performances in the fiber laser cutting process are often of conflicting natures. In order to determine the best trade-off between desired output performances, i.e., criteria, several multi criteria decision making (MCDM) methods were employed to evaluate and rank different fiber laser cutting conditions. The methods used were Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS). Box-Behnken experimental design was employed for 3 selected input parameters (focus position, cutting speed and assist gas pressure). All three parameters were systematically varied on three levels in accordance with the selected Box-Behnken experimental design in order to define 15 possible alternative cutting regimes for which values of all selected criteria were measured. The measured criteria, based on which alternatives were finally ranked, were cut quality, material removal rate, kerf width, cutting efficiency and assist gas price. All employed methods were consistent in ranking the alternatives, and alternative 4 was ranked as the best possible alternative, while alternative 1 was the worst possible alternative.