A machinability study of GFRP pipes using statistical techniques

Nowadays, glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) play a vital role in many engineering applications as an alternative to various heavy exotic materials. In GFRP polymeric composites, the matrix of polymer (resin) is reinforced with glass fibers. Such composite pipes are finding applications not only in construction industries, but also in the transportation of corrosive fluid. These pipes are manufactured through hand lay-up or filament winding processes. Though the technology of composite manufacturing is advanced, near-net-shaped components with the required surface finish quality can be achieved only by machining. This paper mainly focuses on the evaluation of the surface finish of the machined surface of GFRP pipes and associated studies. Experiments were conducted through the established Taguchi’s design method. In this work, the machining characteristics are investigated based on surface roughness and tool wear. The machining parameters are also optimized by employing statistical techniques, using the technique of analysis of variance (ANOVA) obtained from regression analysis. Both simple regression and cross product regression methods were employed and their suitability was also studied. An empirical model is also developed to determine the percentage of improvement in tool wear and surface finish. The machined surface exhibited a better surface finish of 4 to 8 microns, whereas the surface roughness of the unmachined surface was observed to be around 80 to 100 microns.     

Multi-criteria decision making in the selection of machining parameters for Inconel 718

Taguchi’s methods and design of experiments are invariably used and adopted as quality improvement techniques in several manufacturing industries as tools for offline quality control. These methods optimize single-response processes. However, Taguchi’s method is not appropriate for optimizing a multi-response problem. In other situations, multi-responses need to be optimized simultaneously. This paper presents multi-response optimization techniques. A set of non-dominated solutions are obtained using non-sorted genetic algorithm for multi-objective functions. Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) is proposed in this work for selecting a single solution from nondominated solutions. This paper addresses a new method of MCDM concept based on technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). TOPSIS determines the shortest distance to the positive-ideal solution and the greatest distance from the negative-ideal solution. This work involves the high-speed machining of Inconel 718 using carbide cutting tool with six objective functions that are considered as attributes against the process variables of cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut. The higher-ranked solution is selected as the best solution for the machining of Inconel 718 in its respective environment.     

Multiple-response optimization of turning machining by the taguchi method and the utility concept using uni-directional glass fiber-reinforced plastic composite and carbide (k10) cutting tool

This paper presents a utility concept for multi-response optimization in turning uni-directional glass fiber-reinforced plastics composite using Carbide (K10) cutting tool. The single response optimization resulted in the non-optimization of other responses. The Taguchi method (Orthogonal L₁₈ array) was employed in the experimental work. The process parameters selected for this study were tool nose radius, tool rake angle, feed rate, cutting speed, depth of cut, and cutting environment. Statistically significant parameters were found to simultaneously minimize surface roughness and maximize the material removal rate by ANOVA. The results were further verified by confirmation experiments.     

Competitive parameter optimization of multi-quality CNC turning

Surface roughness, tool wear, and material removal rate (MRR) are major intentions in the modern computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining industry. In this paper, the ${\text{L}}_9 \left( {3^4 } \right)$ orthogonal array of a Taguchi experiment is selected for four parameters (cutting depth, feed rate, speed, and tool nose runoff) with three levels (low, medium, and high) in optimizing the finish turning parameters on an ECOCA-3807 CNC lathe. The surface roughness (R_a) and tool wear ratio (mm^?2) are primarily observed as independent objectives for developing two combinations of optimum single-objective cutting parameters. Additionally, the levels of competitive orthogonal array are then proposed between the two parameter sets. Therefore, the optimum competitive multi-quality cutting parameters can then be achieved. Through the machining results of the CNC lathe, it is shown that both tool wear ratio and MRR from our optimum competitive parameters are greatly advanced with a minor decrease in the surface roughness in comparison to those of benchmark parameters. This paper not only proposes a competitive optimization approach using orthogonal array, but also contributes a satisfactory technique for multiple CNC turning objectives with profound insight.     

Multi-response optimization of machining parameters in hot turning using grey analysis

This paper envisages the multi-response optimization of machining parameters in hot turning of stainless steel (type 316) based on Taguchi technique. The workpiece heated with liquid petroleum gas flame burned with oxygen was machined under different parameters, i.e., cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and workpiece temperature on a conventional lathe. The effect of cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and workpiece temperature on surface roughness, tool life, and metal removal rate have been optimized by conducting multi-response analysis. From the grey analysis, a grey relational grade is obtained and based on this value an optimum level of cutting parameters has been identified. Furthermore, using analysis of variance method, significant contributions of process parameters have been determined. Experimental results reveal that feed rate and cutting speed are the dominant variables on multiple performance analysis and can be further improved by the hot turning process.     

Optimization of surface roughness and tool wear in hard turning of austempered ductile iron (grade 3) using Taguchi method

In this work, the cutting parameters are optimized in hard turning of ADI using carbide inserts based on Taguchi method. The cutting insert CVD coated with AL₂O₃/MT TICN. Experiments have been carried out in dry condition using L₁₈ orthogonal array. The cutting parameters selected for machining are cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut with each three levels, nose radius in two levels maintaining other cutting parameters constant. The ANOVA and signal to noise ratio are used to optimize the cutting parameters. The cutting speed is the most dominant factor affecting the surface roughness and tool wear. In optimum cutting condition, the confirmation tests are carried out. The optimum cutting condition results are predicted using signal to noise ratio and regression analysis. The predicted and experimental values for surface roughness and tool wear adhere closer to 9.27% and 1.05% of deviations respectively.     

Optimization of machining parameters of GFRP pipes using evolutionary techniques

Near net shaped components of GFRP materials are obtained only through machining. This work is an attempt to optimize the machining parameters of GFRP pipes by evolutionary techniques. GFRP pipes made by both hand lay up as well as filament wound process are considered. Experiments were conducted based on taguchi’s technique and a combined objective is formed based on assumed weightage for individual parameters to minimize surface roughness, machining force and tool wear. In this paper the experimentally collected data are optimized through Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The results are analyzed and also compared with the traditional optimization technique.     

Some studies on hard turning of AISI 4340 steel using multilayer coated carbide tool

Hard turning with multilayer coated carbide tool has several benefits over grinding process such as, reduction of processing costs, increased productivities and improved material properties. The objective was to establish a correlation between cutting parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut with machining force, power, specific cutting force, tool wear and surface roughness on work piece. In the present study, performance of multilayer hard coatings (TiC/TiCN/Al₂O₃) on cemented carbide substrate using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for machining of hardened AISI 4340 steel was evaluated. An attempt has been made to analyze the effects of process parameters on machinability aspects using Taguchi technique. Response surface plots are generated for the study of interaction effects of cutting conditions on machinability factors. The correlations were established by multiple linear regression models. The linear regression models were validated using confirmation tests. The analysis of the result revealed that, the optimal combination of low feed rate and low depth of cut with high cutting speed is beneficial for reducing machining force. Higher values of feed rates are necessary to minimize the specific cutting force. The machining power and cutting tool wear increases almost linearly with increase in cutting speed and feed rate. The combination of low feed rate and high cutting speed is necessary for minimizing the surface roughness. Abrasion was the principle wear mechanism observed at all the cutting conditions.     

Investigation of the effects of cooling in hard turning operations

As a means to overcome the limitations of cutting fluids in machining, more and more attention is being paid to the internal cooling of cutting tools. The elevated cutting zone temperature in hard turning causes the instant boiling of coolant in the cutting zone, which pulls down the tool life and surface finish, by making thermal distortions and hence in most of the hard turning operations, the coolant is not used at all. The absence of coolant also reduces the tool life and surface finish to some extent. As an alternative solution to the direct application of coolant in the metal cutting zone to improve tool life and surface finish, the heat pipe cooling system is introduced in this investigation. A parametric study is conducted to analyze the effects of different heat pipe parameters such as diameter of heat pipe, length of heat pipe, magnitude of vacuum in the heat pipe and material of heat pipe. All these parameters are varied to three levels. In this analysis, it is assumed that the single point cutting tool is subjected to static heating in the cutting zone which verifies the analysis and feasibility of using heat pipe cooling in turning operations. The heat pipe parameters are optimized by using Taguchi’s Design of Experiments and a confirmation test is conducted by employing the heat pipe fabricated with the best values of parameters. The results of the confirmation test are compared with the previous experimental results. The comparison shows that the use of a heat pipe in hard turning operations reduces the temperature field by about 5%, improves tool life by reducing tool wear and improves surface finish significantly. The result of this analysis is applicable to define controlling parameters of heat pipes for optimal design and set-up for various related studies. The finite element analysis also shows that the temperature drops greatly at the cutting zone and that the heat flow to the tool is effectively removed when a heat pipe is incorporated.     

Application of Taguchi and response surface methodologies for surface roughness in machining glass fiber reinforced plastics by PCD tooling

This paper discusses the use of Taguchi and response surface methodologies for minimizing the surface roughness in machining glass fiber reinforced (GFRP) plastics with a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tool. The experiments have been conducted using Taguchi’s experimental design technique. The cutting parameters used are cutting speed, feed and depth of cut. The effect of cutting parameters on surface roughness is evaluated and the optimum cutting condition for minimizing the surface roughness is determined. A second-order model has been established between the cutting parameters and surface roughness using response surface methodology. The experimental results reveal that the most significant machining parameter for surface roughness is feed followed by cutting speed. The predicted values and measured values are fairly close, which indicates that the developed model can be effectively used to predict the surface roughness in the machining of GFRP composites. The predicted values are confirmed by using validation experiments.     

Optimization of surface roughness and flank wear using the Taguchi method in milling of Hadfield steel with PVD and CVD coated inserts

In this paper, the Taguchi method and regression analysis have been applied to evaluate the machinability of Hadfield steel with PVD TiAlN- and CVD TiCN/Al₂O₃-coated carbide inserts under dry milling conditions. Several experiments were conducted using the L₁₈ (2 × 3 × 3) full-factorial design with a mixed orthogonal array on a CNC vertical machining center. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effects of the machining parameters on surface roughness and flank wear. The cutting tool, cutting speed and feed rate were selected as machining parameters. The analysis results revealed that the feed rate was the dominant factor affecting surface roughness and cutting speed was the dominant factor affecting flank wear. Linear and quadratic regression analyses were applied to predict the outcomes of the experiment. The predicted values and measured values were very close to each other. Confirmation test results showed that the Taguchi method was very successful in the optimization of machining parameters for minimum surface roughness and flank wear in the milling the Hadfield steel.     

Investigations of flank wear, cutting force, and surface roughness in the machining of Al-6061�CTiB2 in situ metal matrix composites produced by flux-assisted synthesis

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the machinability of in situ Al-6061?CTiB₂ metal matrix composite (MMC) prepared by flux-assisted synthesis. These composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and micro-hardness analysis. The influence of reinforcement ratio of 0, 3, 6, and 9?wt.% of TiB₂ on machinability was examined. The effect of machinability parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut on flank wear, cutting force and surface roughness were analyzed during turning operations. From the test results, we observe that higher TiB₂ reinforcement ratio produces higher tool wear, surface roughness and minimizes the cutting forces. When machining the in situ MMC with high speed causes rapid tool wear due to generation of high temperature in the machining interface. The rate of flank wear, cutting force, and surface roughness are high when machining with a higher depth of cut. An increase in feed rate increases the flank wear, cutting force and surface roughness.     

Effect of high speed turning operation on surface roughness of hybrid metal matrix (Al-SiCp-fly ash) composite

This paper explains the effect of turning parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and cutting tool nose radius on surface roughness of hybrid metal matrix (Al-SiC_p-Fly ash) composite. Experiments have been conducted based on the orthogonal array L16(4)⁵ and surface roughness was tested on the composites turned by an high speed CNC centre lathe. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to predict the significant parameters and their contribution towards surface finish of the composite. A mathematical model was developed using non-linear regression analysis. Taguchi method and Genetic algorithm have been employed to optimize the turning parameters for optimum surface roughness of the composite. The optimum turning parametric conditions have been checked with the confirmation experiments. It has been noted that the optimum condition of genetic algorithm exhibited better results than the experimental results based on the orthogonal array and the optimum condition of Taguchi method.     

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.     

An experimental analysis and measurement of process performances in machining of nimonic C-263 super alloy

Nimonic C-263 alloy is extensively used in the fields of aerospace, gas turbine blades, power generators and heat exchangers because of its unique properties. However, the machining of this alloy is difficult due to low thermal conductivity and work hardening characteristics. This paper presents the experimental investigation and analysis of the machining parameters while turning the nimonic C-263 alloy, using whisker reinforced ceramic inserts. The experiments were designed using Taguchi’s experimental design. The parameters considered for the experiments are cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. Process performance indicators, viz., the cutting force, tool wear and surface finish were measured. An empirical model has been created for predicting the cutting force, flank wear and surface roughness through response surface methodology (RSM). The desirability function approach has been used for multi response optimization. The influence of the different parameters and their interactions on the cutting force, flank wear and surface roughness are also studied in detail and presented in this study. Based on the cutting force, flank wear and surface roughness, optimized machining conditions were observed in the region of 210 m/min cutting speed and 0.05 mm/rev feed rate and 0.50 mm depth of cut. The results were confirmed by conducting further confirmation tests.     

Machinability study of glass fibre-reinforced polymer composites during end milling

Machining of composite materials is usually performed to achieve required geometrical shapes and dimensional tolerances. However, machinability evaluation of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites in end milling has not yet received its due attention in the research community despite the extensive industrial use of this process. This work aims to elucidate the end milling machinability of GFRP composites with respect to surface roughness, tool life and machining forces. Experiments were conducted under different experimental parameters and their levels according to the Taguchi design of experiment method. Taguchi analysis combined with statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to quantify the effects of spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut on those characteristics. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was also employed to establish parametric relationships between the experimental parameters and the machinability outputs. Results from ANOVA and MRA reveal that feed rate is the governing factor affecting all the machinability outputs. The calculated values from MRA have been found to be fairly close to experimental values in almost all cases. Validation tests under randomly selected machining conditions have further demonstrated the feasibility of the developed mathematical models with 8–12% error for tool life and machining forces predictions while >19% error for calculating the surface roughness.     

Influence of machining parameters on the machinability of particulate reinforced Al/SiC–MMC

The paper presents the result of an experimental investigation on the machinability of silicon carbide particulate aluminium metal matrix composite during turning using a rhombic uncoated carbide tool. The influence of machining parameters, e.g. cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on the cutting force has been investigated. The influence of the length of machining and cutting time on the tool wear and the influence of various machining parameters, e.g. cutting speed, feed, depth of cut on the surface finish criteria has been analyzed through the various graphical representations. The combined effect of cutting speed and feed on the flank wear has also been investigated. The influence of cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on the tool wears and built-up edge is analyzed graphically. The job surface condition and wear of the cutting tool edge for the different sets of experiments have been examined and compared for searching out the suitable cutting condition for effective machining performance during turning of Al/SiC-MMC. Test results show that no built-up edge is formed during machining of Al/SiC-MMC at high speed and low depth of cut. From the test results and different SEM micrographs, suitable range of cutting speed, feed and depth of cut can be selected for proper machining of Al/SiC-MMC.     

Performance studies of multilayer hard surface coatings (TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN) of indexable carbide inserts in hard machining: Part-II (RSM,grey relational and techno economical approach)

This paper presents the mathematical modelling and parametric optimization on flank wear and surface roughness based on response surface methodology and grey-based Taguchi method in finish hard turning of AISI 4340 steel (HRC 47 ± 1) using multilayer coated carbide (TiN/TiCN/Al₂O₃/TiN) insert under dry environment. The economical feasibility of utilizing multilayer TiN coated carbide insert has been described. Model adequacy has been checked using correlation coefficients. From main effect, it is evident that, cutting speed is the most significant factor for flank wear followed by depth of cut and feed. Again, feed is the most significant factor for surface roughness followed by cutting speed and depth of cut. The coefficient of determination (R²) is more than 75% for RSM models developed, which shows the high correlation exist between the experimental and predicted values. The experimental vs. predicted values of flank wear and surface roughness (Ra and Rz) are also found to be very close to each other implying significance of models developed. The improvement of grey relational grade from initial parameter combination (d2–f3–v4) to the optimal parameter combination (d1–f1–v3) is found to be 0.3093 using grey relational analysis coupled with Taguchi method for simultaneous optimization of responses. Flank wear (VBc) and surface roughness parameters (Ra and Rz) are decreased 1.9, 2.32 and 1.5 times respectively considering optimal parametric combinations for multi-responses. The calculated total machining cost per part is only Rs. 3.17 due to higher tool life (47 min at their optimal level) of multilayer TiN coated carbide insert. It brings to the reduction of downtime and increases the savings.     

Turning titanium metal matrix composites (Ti-MMCs) with carbide and CBN inserts

Despite excellent mechanical and physical features of titanium metal matrix composite (Ti-MMC), hard and abrasive ceramic particles within the matrix structure, as well as high price, may lead to severe difficulties on machining and machinability of Ti-MMCs. Review of literature denotes that only limited studies are available on machining Ti-MMCs with commercial cutting tools under various cutting conditions and cutting tools/inserts. Furthermore, limited studies are available on machinability attributes of Ti-MMC under various cutting conditions used. Therefore, to remedy the lack of knowledge observed, this work intends to report turning Ti-MMCs with carbide, and cubic boron nitride (CBN) inserts under various cutting conditions. The mean values of surface roughness (R_a) and directional cutting forces, as well as flank wear (V_B) were studied as the machinability attributes. The microstructural evaluations were conducted to discover the wear modes. Furthermore, the statistical tools were used to present the factors governing machining attributes studied. Adhesion, abrasion, and oxidation were observed as the principle wear modes on the flank sides of the tested inserts. According to experimental results and statistical analysis, the R_a and V_B could be controlled by cutting parameters only when CBN inserts were used. Despite the inset used, factors governing both responses were not identical. Although average cutting forces were directly affected by cutting parameters used, however, the relatively low correlation of determination (R²) of directional cutting forces can be attributed to effects of cutting speed, elevated temperature in the cutting zone as well as rapid tool wear which are all correlated to others.     

Modeling and optimization of Al/SiCp MMC machining using Taguchi approach

This paper presents the influence of process parameters like cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on flank wear (VBc) and surface roughness (Ra) in turning Al/SiCp metal matrix composites using uncoated tungsten carbide insert under dry environment. The experiments have been conducted based on Taguchi’s L₉ orthogonal array. Abrasion and adhesion are observed to be the principal wear mechanism from images of tool tip. No premature tool failure by chipping and fracturing was observed and machining was steady using carbide insert. Built-up-edge formation is noticed at low and higher cutting speed and at high feed combination and consequently surface quality affected adversely. The optimal parametric combination for flank wear and surface roughness are found to be v1–f1–d3 and v3–f1–d3 respectively and is greatly improved through Taguchi approach. Mathematical models for flank wear and surface roughness are found to be statistically significant.