Process parametric optimization in drilling of CFRP composites using GRA method

In the modern world, lightweight fibrous composites materials with high mechanical properties are the first choice for structural design purpose. Excellent mechanical properties and easy to make and shape quality make it the prime substance for aeronautics as well as automobile manufacturing units. However, drilling of these non-homogenous fibrous polymers is quite tricky in compare to the other traditional metal. In this paper, eighteen different sets of the parametric combination were derived, using Taguchi's L18 orthogonal array. Grey relational analysis (GRA) has been used to find the optimal drilling parameter setting by optimizing the three performance characteristics, like thrust force, torque, and delamination factor. The axial thrust force was found to be the most influential feature in predicting delamination factor. However, the thrust force was maximum at high feed and low spindle speed and higher tool point angle. Analysis of variance is also used for predicting the most contributing parameter and it was found out that, feed rate has the maximum impact in drilling carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.