Integrated optimization of cutting parameters and hob parameters for energy-conscious gear hobbing

Optimum process parameters play an important role in improving manufacturing process which have a vital influence on the energy consumption and production cost. Considering the fact that hobbing process is sensitive to process parameters, an integrated multi-objective process parameters optimization method for gear hobbing is proposed to reduce energy consumption and production cost. Thus, this paper firstly analyzes the hobbing process parameters and establishes a description of hobbing process parameters problem. Then a multi-objective optimization model of hobbing process parameters is introduced, with energy consumption and production cost to be optimized. An improved multi-objective ant lion optimizer (IMOALO) is designed to solve multi-objective optimization problem. Finally, a case study is presented in detail to verify the optimization model. The results show that energy consumption and production cost can be optimized simultaneously by determining appropriate process parameters based on proposed method. It has potential in providing favorable support and assistance for technical operators in the practical parametric decision.