Multiresponse Optimization of Al Alloy-SiC Composite Machining Parameters for Minimum Tool Wear and Maximum Metal Removal Rate

Optimization in turning means determination of the optimal set of the machining parameters to satisfy the objectives within the operational constraints. These objectives may be the minimum tool wear, the maximum metal removal rate (MRR), or any weighted combination of both. The main machining parameters which are considered as variables of the optimization are the cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and nose radius. The optimum set of these four input parameters is determined for a particular job-tool combination of 7075Al alloy-15 wt. % SiC (20-40 mu m) composite and tungsten carbide tool during a single-pass turning which minimizes the tool wear and maximizes the metal removal rate. The regression models, developed for the minimum tool wear and the maximum MRR were used for finding the multiresponse optimization solutions. To obtain a trade-off between the tool wear and MRR the, a method for simultaneous optimization of the multiple responses based on an overall desirability function was used. The research deals with the optimization of multiple surface roughness parameters along with MRR in search of an optimal parametric combination (favorable process environment) capable of producing desired surface quality of the turned product in a relatively lesser time (enhancement in productivity). The multi-objective optimization resulted in a cutting speed of 210 m/min, a feed of 0.16 mm/rev, a depth of cut of 0.42 mm, and a nose radius of 0.40 mm. These machining conditions are expected to respond with the minimum tool wear and maximum the MRR, which correspond to a satisfactory overall desirability.