Maximizing the output power of a CO2 laser using theTaguchi technique |
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Authors: | Tam S.C. Noor Y.M. Yang L.J. |
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Affiliation: | Sch. of Mech. & Production Eng., Nanyang Technol. Univ.; |
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Abstract: | The results of an experiment aimed at optimizing the output beam power of an industrial fast-axial-flow CO2 laser machine using the Taguchi method are reported. Four control factors (design variables) were explored: blower speed, laser gas pressure, cooling fans, and output mirror transmittance. The various parameters were assigned to a modified L18 orthogonal array. The experiment was conducted with two repetitions and complete randomization within block was practiced. It was found that higher laser power could be obtained with a blower speed of 2526 r.p.m., laser gas pressure of 62 torr, cooling fans, and output mirror transmittance of 40%. The laser gas composition was kept constant at 5% CO2, 14% N2, and 81% He. Twenty confirmatory tests were performed and the results fell within the predicted 95% confidence interval |
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