Surface roughness and cutting forces modeling for optimization of machining condition in finish hard turning of AISI 52100 steel

An experimental investigation was conducted to analyze the effect of cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut) and workpiece hardness on surface roughness and cutting force components. The finish hard turning of AISI 52100 steel with coated Al₂O₃ + TiC mixed ceramic cutting tools was studied. The planning of experiment were based on Taguchi’s L₂₇ orthogonal array. The response table and analysis of variance (ANOVA) have allowed to check the validity of linear regression model and to determine the significant parameters affecting the surface roughness and cutting forces. The statistical analysis reveals that the feed rate, workpiece hardness and cutting speed have significant effects in reducing the surface roughness; whereas the depth of cut, workpiece hardness and feed rate are observed to have a statistically significant impact on the cutting force components than the cutting speed. Consequently, empirical models were developed to correlate the cutting parameters and workpiece hardness with surface roughness and cutting forces. The optimum machining conditions to produce the lowest surface roughness with minimal cutting force components under these experimental conditions were searched using desirability function approach for multiple response factors optimization. Finally, confirmation experiments were performed to verify the pertinence of the developed empirical models.