The possibility of using the Harrington desirability function in choosing the most suitable equipment for plasma processing of materials is confirmed. The search for the optimal variant was carried out by calculating the maximum value of the generalized index of desirability. Four types of equipment for plasma cutting of metal are considered. A comparative analysis was carried out on the following indicators: the cost of equipment and technological cutting speeds for low carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. An example of choosing the best equipment from an alternative series is considered. A system of four scales of partial evaluation indicators was used. Graphical and analytical evaluation methods are presented. The value of the generalized desirability index equal to 0.65 corresponds to the optimal variant of equipment for plasma cutting of metal.

The article proposes a method of complex comparison of equipment for electrolyte-plasma polishing of surfaces. The Harrington function is used to evaluate the equipment. The values of the function are limited by the numerical interval 0.2 - 0.8. The parameters of the equipment are selected as the evaluation parameters: maximum polishing area per cycle, productivity, power, area occupied by the installation, cost. As a result of a comprehensive assessment, the best type of equipment for electrolyte-plasma polishing, which provides a resource-saving and energy-saving mode of operation was selected. A computer program has been developed with the help of which a generalized evaluation parameter has been calculated and a comparative analysis of the equipment has been performed.