Prediction and optimization of Nd: YAG laser transmission micro-channelling on PMMA employing an artificial neural network model.

• To create microchannels on a transparent substance. • Micro-channeling of PMMA in an open air using a Nd: YAG laser. • Model predictions match empirical results, proving its superiority. In the present research work, performance enhancement which plays pivotal role in the modern machining techniques during machining of advanced engineering materials has been attributed. An investigation is conducted on the laser transmission micro-channeling of thick transparent PMMA using Nd: YAG laser. The objective is to examine the impact of three key factors, namely pulse frequency, lamp current and cutting speed, on several quality aspects including depth of cut, kerf width, and heat-affected zone (HAZ) width. General full factorial design is used to design the experiments and empirical models (non-linear) are developed to establish the relationship between the control factors and responses. A feed forward back-propagation neural network (FF-BPNN) is used to model the process and subsequently to predict the responses. The successful capability of FF-BPNN in predicting and enhancing the characteristics of micro-channels fabricated on PMMA has been observed. Furthermore, it has been shown that feedforward backpropagation neural networks (FF-BPNN) can serve as a highly effective tool for acquiring a comprehensive model and determining the ideal configuration of process parameters in laser transmission micro-channeling operations. Additionally, FF-BPNN results and model predicted values are compared with non-linear modelling technique. Finally, mean absolute error is calculated to find out the accuracy of both the techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]