Study of optimization for material processing parameters by means of probabilistic methodology for multi-objective optimization

Abstract Optimization for material processing parameters is a typical problem of multi-objective optimization, therefore selection and use of proper multi-objective optimization approach is indispensible. The inherent characteristic of newly proposed probabilistic methodology for multi-objective optimization is that it is with the feature of optimization of multiple objectives at the same time in viewpoint of system theory and in spirit of probability theory. In the present paper, the probabilistic methodology is employed to perform the designs of materials processing for improving quality and cost saving at the same time. The laser welding process of ANSI 304 austenitic stainless steel by using a pulsed Nd: YAG laser welding system and thin-wall machining of milling aluminum alloy 2024-T351 are taken as two examples. The quantitative optimum design of materials processing is performed equitably by conducting the assessment of preferable probability of each alternative. The studies indicate that: (1). the optimized parametric combination for the laser welding process of 2 mm thickness ANSI 304 austenitic stainless steel by using a pulsed Nd: YAG laser welding system is at laser parameters of 2.7 kW peak power, welding speed of 2 cm/min and pulse duration of 4 ms; (2). the optimized combination parameter for the thin-wall machining of milling aluminum alloy 2024-T351 is at tool diameter of 8 mm, feed per tooth of 0.06 mm/z, axial cut depth of 24 mm and radial cut depth of 0.625 mm. The optimal configurations guarantee the comprehensive quality of product and reducing energy consumption.