Optimizing CO2 Laser Cutting Parameters of Polyethylene Polymeric Material Using Hybrid Entropy-TOPSIS Approach

摘要: Polyethylene (PE) stands out as an incredibly adaptable thermoplastic, commended for its high ductility and resilience against impact, making it an ideal material for various applications. In the present study, a CO2 laser, known for its precision and effectiveness, is utilized for cutting PE, a technique of crucial importance to industries where precision is non-negotiable. Three parameters-surface roughness, kerf width, and material removal rate-have significant implications on the laser cutting process. Surface roughness, which impacts both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the final product, and kerf width, which determines the accuracy of the cut, is of paramount importance. On the other hand, the material removal rate, an important efficiency indicator, holds crucial significance for industries where production speed is a key determinant of success. In an effort to explore and refine these parameters, our study involves the use of a CO2 laser on 4 mm thick PE while controlling the power (at 80, 90, 100 W) and the cutting speed (at 5, 10, 15 mm/s). To determine the optimal parameters, we integrated the Entropy and TOPSIS methods, which helped in calculating the criteria weights as 29.80% for surface roughness, 4.64% for kerf width, and 65.56% for material removal rate and determining the optimal experimental condition. The optimal CO2 laser cutting parameters were those where the minimal surface roughness and kerf width were achieved simultaneously with the maximal material removal rate. The results obtained specified the optimal conditions at 90 W power and 15 mm/s speed. This research significantly contributes to the PE cutting …