EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF THE PLASMAARC CUTTING PROCESS

The results of the experimental research of plasma cutting process were presented in this paper. The impact analysis of the input process parameters: cutting current (I), cutting speed (v) and material thickness (s), on the output process parameters: kerf (sr), surface roughness (RZ) and bevel angle ({3) was done. The plasma cutting machine (CNC) - type HPm Steel Max 6.25 was used in combination with the plasma cutting unit - type Hypertherm HPR130. The workpiece material was stainless steel X10CrNiMn-16-10-2 (EN 10025). Large numbers of cuts were made using the differ- ent machine and plasma cutting unit settings. After process data collection, its analysis was done by the software application MatLab. The results were presented in tables as well as on diagrams, showing particularly dependencies between input and output parameters under various conditions. The objective of this paper was to visualize the influence of input parameters on the output parameters, and to prepare the data for plasma cutting process modelling, using different methods: statistical and artificial intelligence.

This paper was done in the scope of the projects: TR35034 "The research of modern non-conventional technologies application in manufacturing companies with the aim of increase efficiency of use, product quality, reduce of costs and save energy and materials", and TR33040 " Revitalization of existing and designing of new micro and small hydro power plants (from 100 to 1.000 KW) at the territory of south and south-east Serbia", funded by the Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Serbia.