Optimization of Abrasive Water Jet Machining Parameters for α-β brass using Taguchi Methodology

The usages of nonferrous alloys in industries are rapidly increasing due to their excellent properties such as strength, ductility, malleability, toughness and corrosion resistance. Brass is one of the nonferrous alloy which is used in many applications such as automobile, aerospace medical and electrical fields. In this experimental investigation, alpha-beta brass was formulated by stir casting technique and the material characterization is examined with the Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays. The process parameters of Abrasive Water Jet Machining such as water pressure, traverse speed and mass flow rate are considered to study the machining of alpha-beta brass using the Taguchi methodology. The effect of these process parameters on the responses such as Surface Roughness and Material Removal Rate were studied by varying the control process parameters. The optimum permutation of the process parameters were identified for maximum MRR and minimum SR. The most prominent parameters were found out by Analysis of Variance.