A Characterization Study of the ZE41 Magnesium Alloy Using Abrasive Waterjet Cutting

Abstract

ZE41 is a magnesium alloy used in heat exchangers, condensers, reactors, and pressure vessels where good surface qualities are required. This current research focuses on the investigation of the striation angle (SA), surface roughness (SR), and striation zone (SZ) in ZE41, using abrasive waterjet cutting. Significant variables in the investigation were jet pressure, traverse speed, mass flow rate, and stand-off distance. In accordance with Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal array, the responses for each cut test were studied. In addition, the principal component-based grey incidence (PGI) technique successfully combined the strengths of the optimization tool to identify the ideal parameter condition. The confirmation results revealed that the PGI technique improved SR by 4.02%, SZ by 6.67%, and 1.48% in the SA.

Keywords

• ZE41 alloy
• magnesium alloy
• AWJC
• PGI technique