Multi-performance optimization of abrasive water jet machining of Inconel 617 using WPCA

Inconel 617 is a hard-to-machine material used for various high-temperature components like headers, pipes and turbine blades in ultra-supercritical power plants. This material necessitates nontraditional machining methods. The processing of these alloys using abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) needs attention. This paper details the multi-response optimization in the AWJM of Inconel 617 using weighted principal components analysis (WPCA). The significant process parameters are water pressure, abrasive flow volume, standoff distance and table feed. The performance characteristics are material removal rate (MRR), circularity, cylindricity, perpendicularity and parallelism. Multi-performance optimization is performed using the weighted principal component analysis method. Mean response tables are developed and plotted and the optimal factor levels for the best values of the objectives are reported. The developed technique shows flexibility as different responses with different weightages based on the product application could be tested and established.