Optimisation of cutting velocity of bundles of various metal sheets on a guillotine with respect to heating process

Purpose: The work was aimed at elaboration of methods and algorithms for thermal process optimisation during cutting the bundles of various types of metal sheets made of copper, brass and bronze interleaved with paper on a guillotine with respect to the heating process. Design/methodology/approach: The numerical simulations were conducted using an author’s computer program prepared in the object oriented language C++ using the finite difference method. The optimisation has been conducted employing the genetic algorithms which were also implemented in C++ language and elaborated as an author’s computer program. As the objective function the maximum values of temperatures occurring in the direct cutting zone of the sheet bundles were assumed and the cutting velocity was established as a design variable. Findings: Possibilities of designation of the optimum cutting parameters on account of maximum admissible temperature of the bundles of various metals have been indicated. The constraints imposed on the temperature were needed to avoid defects which might occur in the direct cutting zone as the result of progressing heating during cutting. Research limitations/implications: The elaborated methods and algorithms for optimisation of the chosen cutting parameters may be generalized for the wide gamut of materials and for changeable cutting conditions; however, the obtained numerical results are specific and related to the chosen types of materials and fixed cutting conditions. Practical implications: Optimisation of the cutting parameters is essential in terms of industrial economy. It allows to reduce the amount of waste caused by defects in cutting bundles of sheets and decrease wear of the cutting tool. Originality/value: Proposed elaborated methods and algorithms for optimisation of cutting parameters are novel and original tools supporting the reduction of defects’ number occurring during cutting were designed.