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.     

Investigation and optimization of lubrication parameters in high speed turning of superalloy Inconel 718

Dry machining is sometimes less effective when higher machining efficiency, better surface finish quality, and severe cutting conditions are required. For these situations, semi-dry operations utilizing very small amount of cutting fluids called minimum quantity lubrication is expected to become a powerful tool and played a significant role in a number of practical applications. It has been observed from the literature survey that a systematic research work has to be carried out to determine the optimum quantity of lubricant with appropriate cutting conditions for achieving better machinability characteristics of a material. Hence, an attempt has been made in this paper to enhance the machinability characteristics in high speed turning of superalloy Inconel 718 using quantity of lubricant, delivery pressure at the nozzle, frequency of pulses, direction of application of cutting fluid, cutting speed, and feed rate as the process parameters. Results indicated that the use of optimized minimum quantity lubrication parameters under pulsed jet mode leads to lower cutting force, cutting temperature, and flank wear.     

Wear mechanisms of WC coated and uncoated tools in finish turning of Inconel 718

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the wear mechanisms of uncoated tungsten carbide (WC) and coated tools (single-layer (TiAlN) PVD, and triple-layer (TiCN/Al₂O₃/TiN) CVD) in oblique finish turning of Inconel 718. Tool wear rate and wear mechanisms were evaluated for cutting speeds, 50<V<100 m/min, and feed rates, 0.075<f<0.125 mm/rev, at a constant depth of cut of 0.25 mm. It was concluded that abrasive and adhesive wear were the most dominant wear mechanisms, controlling the deterioration and final failure of the WC tools. While the triple layer CVD coated tools exhibited the highest wear resistance at high cutting speeds and low feeds, uncoated tools outperformed the single and multi-layer coated tools in the low range of cutting speeds and intermediate feeds. The cutting tool with single-layer PVD coating outperformed the other tools at the medium cutting speed.     

Improving surface integrity in finish machining of Inconel 718 alloy using intelligent systems

In machining of hard materials, surface integrity is one of the major customer requirements which comprise the study of the changes induced to the workpiece. Surface roughness and residual stress are often considered as the most significant indications of surface integrity. Inducing tensile residual stress during the machining processes is a critical problem which should be avoided or minimized to obtain better service quality and component life. This problem becomes more evident in the presence of rough machined surface because fatigue life of manufactured components might be decreased significantly. Inconel 718 superalloy is one of the hard materials used extensively in the aerospace industries. It is prone to tensile residual stress in machined surface. Thus, controlling and optimizing residual stress and surface roughness in machining of Inconel 718 are so needed. Intelligent techniques based on the predictive and optimization models can be used efficiently for this purpose. In this study, the optimal machining parameters including cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed rate were accessed by intelligent systems to evaluate the state of residual stress and surface roughness in finish turning of Inconel 718. The results of experiments and analyses indicated that implemented techniques in this work provided a robust framework for improving surface integrity in machining of Inconel 718 alloy. It was shown that cutting speed has more effect on surface integrity than other investigated parameters. Also, depth of cut and feed rate were found in the moderate range to obtain satisfactory state of tensile residual stress and surface roughness.     

Effects of tool overhang on selection of machining parameters and surface finish during diamond turning

In precision machining leading to nano-metric surface finish, selection of the suitable machining parameters is a critical task. To ensure the desired surface quality, one needs to optimally select the machining parametric matrix. Towards this effort, this paper adds another critical parameter in terms of tool overhang. A well-defined set of machining exercises is carried out with different tool overhangs and machining parameters. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to locate the optimum range of tool overhang with minimum tool vibrations. The interaction between tool overhang with other parameters is also thoroughly investigated. Another important focus of this study is to find out the optimum machining parameters for the situations where it is not possible to select an optimum tool overhang. One such situation occurs when a steep concave parabolic surface needs to be fabricated. In this case a large tool overhang has to be selected. Power spectral density distribution analysis of surface roughness for different tool overhangs is performed to find out significant parameters and their degree of contribution to surface roughness. Analysis of variance is also applied to ascertain statistically significant factors contributing to surface roughness. To model the surface roughness, response surface methodology is being used. The model has been verified by conducting a series of experiments and a steep concave parabolic surface is developed by following the predictions of the developed model.     

Cutting data correction in Inconel 718 turning

The paper presents research work concerning difficult-to-cut materials turning and chipbreakers reliability in local operating features. Inconel 718 alloy was used as a sample material and two different chipbreakers were tested. The aim of the research was to check the efficiency of chipbreakers in the area of applications recommended by tool manufacturers. As a result, the algorithm for cutting data selection and correction which combines experiments and simulation processes concerning chip breakage effectiveness was built. To estimate chip forms in tests, the visual system equipped with a high-speed camera was used. The cutting forces measuring system provided information for verification of simulation results. The simulation based on the FEM was applied to estimate chip groove filling. Distributions of temperature and stresses on the tool rake face in the function of distance from the cutting edge were calculated. The paper gives recommendations for cutting data correction to achieve acceptable chip forms.     

Machinability investigation of Inconel 718 in high-speed turning

This article presents an approach based on wavelet correlation modelling for health state monitoring of fluid dynamic bearings in brushless DC motors. This approach involves two stages: (1) extracting of features from the motor-stator current signatures by analysing discrete wavelet transform coefficients; and (2) building of the simplest correlation model between the extracted features and the bearing wear using a multivariable regression technique. The correlation model can be used to detect and predict the bearing wear of brushless DC motors. Experiments were carried out using brushless DC motors with fluid dynamic bearings to verify the proficiency of this approach. Good agreement between the prediction result and the real motor health condition demonstrated the viability of the approach for bearing prognostic applications. The correlation equations obtained have acceptable detectability and accuracy based on a desired 95% level of confidence.     

Computer-aided selection of optimum machining parameters in multipass turning

In this paper a model and the interactive program system MECCANO2 for multiple criteria selection of optimal machining conditions in multipass turning is presented. Optimisation is done for the most important machining conditions: cutting speed, feed and depth of cut, with respect to combinations of the criteria, minimum unit production cost, minimum unit production time and minimum number of passes. The user can specify values of model parameters, criterion weights and desired tool life. MECCANO2 provides graphical presentation of results which makes it very suitable for application in an educational environment.Nomenclature a _min,a _max minimum and maximum depth of cut for chipbreaking [mm] - a _w maximum stock to be machined [mm] - C _a, _a, _a coefficient and exponents in the axial cutting force equation - C _r, _r, _r coefficient and exponents in the radial cutting force equation - C _T, , , coefficient and exponents in the tool life equation - C _v, _v, _v coefficient and exponents in the tangential cutting force equation - D _w maximum permissible radial deflection of workpiece [mm] - F _a axial cutting force [N] - F _b design load on bearings [N] - F _c clamping force [N] - F _k ^/* minimum value of criterionk, k=1, ...,n, when considered separately - f _m rotational flexibility of the workpiece at the point where the cutting force is applied [mm Nm^–1] - f _r radial flexibility of the workpiece at the point where the cutting force is applied [mm N^–1] - F _r radial cutting force [N] - F _tmax maximum allowed tangential force to prevent tool breakage [N] - F _v tangential cutting force [N] - k slope angle of the line defining the minimum feed as a function of depth of cut [mm] - l length of workpiece in the chuck [mm] - L length of workpiece from the chuck [mm] - L _c insert cutting edge length [mm] - M _g cost of jigs, fixtures, etc. [$] - M _o cost of labour and overheads [$/min] - M _u tool cost per cutting edge [$] - n number of criteria considered simultaneously - N _q, N_p minimum and maximum spindle speed [rev/min] - N _s batch size - N _z spindle speed for maximum power [rev/min] - P _a maximum power at the point where the power-speed characteristic curve changes (constant power range) [kW] - R tool nose radius [mm] - r workpiece radius at the cutting point [mm] - r _c workpiece radius in the chuck [mm] - s _min,s _max minimum and maximum feed for chipbreaking [mm] - T tool life [min] - T _a process adjusting time [min] - T _b loading and unloading time [min] - T _d tool change time [min] - T _des desired tool life [min] - T _h total set-up time [min] - T _t machining time [min] - V _rt speed of rapid traverse [m/min] - W volume of material to be removed [mm³] - W _k weight of criterionk, k=1, ...,n - x=[x ₁,x ₂,x ₃ ] ^T vector of decision variables - x ₁ cutting speed [m/min] - x ₂ feed [mm/rev] - x ₃ depth of cut [mm] - approach angle [rad] - _a coefficient of friction in axial direction between workpiece and chuck - _c coefficient of friction in circumferential direction between workpiece and chuck     

Single and multiobjective optimization of Inconel 718 nickel-based superalloy in the wire electrical discharge machining

Inconel 718 is widely used in high-temperature environments, high-performance aircraft, and hypersonic missile weapon systems; however, it is very difficult to machine using conventional techniques. This study employed an L9 Taguchi orthogonal array for the analysis of wire electrical discharge machining parameters when used for the machining of Inconel 718. Our aim was to determine the optimal combination of parameters to minimize surface roughness while maximizing the material removal rate. The Taguchi method is widely applied in mechanical engineering with the aim of identifying the optimal combination of processing parameters as they pertain to single quality characteristics. Unfortunately, Taguchi analysis often leads to contradictory results when seeking to rectify multiple objectives. To resolve this issue, this study implemented gray relational analysis in conjunction with Taguchi method to obtain the optimal combination of parameters to deal specifically with multiple quality objectives. For the dual objectives of surface roughness and material removal rate, the optimal combination of parameters derived using gray relational analysis resulted in a mean surface roughness of 2.75 μm. In L9 orthogonal array experiments, run 1 produced the best gray relational grade with mean surface roughness of 2.80 μm, representing an improvement of 1.8%. The material removal rate achieved after the application of gray relational analysis was 0.00190 g/s, whereas the L9 experiment achieved a material removal rate of 0.00123 g/s, representing an improvement of 54.5%.     

Carbide tool wear mechanism in turning of Inconel 718 superalloy

Wear surfaces of the cutting tools are analyzed to study the wear mechanism of cemented carbide tools in turning in Inconel 718 superalloys. SEM and EPMA analyses indicated that the wear of carbide tools during high speed turning condition (V = 35 m min⁻¹) was caused by diffusion of elements (Ni or Fe) in workpiece into tool's binder (Co) by a grain boundary diffusion mechanism. This action weakened the bonding strength between carbide particles (WC, TiC, TaC) and the binder (Co). The carbide particles were then detached out of the cemented carbide tool by high flow stresses. The proposed grain boundary diffusion mechanism is also confirmed by theoretical analysis.     

Investigation of surface integrity in dry machining of Inconel 718

Machining of advanced aerospace materials have grown in the recent years although the diffucult-to-machine characteristics of alloys like titanium or nickel-based alloys cause higher cutting forces, rapid tool wear, and more heat generation. Therefore, machining with the use of cooling lubricants is usually carried out. To reduce the production costs and to make the processes environmentally safe, the goal is to move toward dry cutting by eliminating cutting fluids. This objective can be achieved by using coated tool, by increasing cutting speed, and by improving the product performance in term of surface integrity and product quality. The paper addresses the effects of cutting speed and feed on the surface integrity during dry machining of Inconel 718 alloy using coated tools. In particular, the influence of the cutting conditions on surface roughness, affected layer, microhardness, grain size, and microstructural alteration was investigated. Results show that cutting conditions have a significant effect on the parameters related to the surface integrity of the product affecting its overall performance.     

Modeling subsurface deformation induced by machining of Inconel 718

Traditionally, the development and optimization of the machining process with regards to the subsurface deformation are done through experimental method which is often expensive and time consuming. This article presents the development of a finite element model based on an updated Lagrangian formulation. The numerical model is able to predict the depth of subsurface deformation induced in the high- speed machining of Inconel 718 by use of a whisker-reinforced ceramic tool. The effect that the different cutting parameters and tool microgeometries has on subsurface deformation will be investigated both numerically and experimentally. This research article also addresses the temperature distribution in the workpiece and the connection it could have on the wear of the cutting tool. The correlation of the numerical and experimental investigations for the subsurface deformation has been measured by the use of the coefficient of determination, R². This confirms that the finite element model developed here is able to simulate this type of machining process with sufficient accuracy.     

An analysis of cutting-edge curves and machining performance in the Inconel 718 machining process

When considering the machining of materials used for aircraft components, the principal areas of interest usually include the manufacturing characteristics of the materials when they are machined with different cutting-edge curves, and the development of manufacturing processes that improve the machining precision, thereby reducing the time required to carry out secondary machining operations or error correction of the final component. A further area of concern is to develop manufacturing techniques that are capable of generating highly reliable aircraft components which ensure that flight safety is not compromised through component failure. This paper employs a Taguchi L9 experimental layout to investigate the optimal cutting parameters when machining Inconel 718 with the planar-type conical ball-end cutter, the S-type cutter, and the traditional conical ball-end milling cutter. The current results provide a valuable technical database for aircraft component manufacturers who are seeking to enhance their automatic manufacturing capabilities.     

Study of surface quality in machining nickel-based alloy Inconel 718

In machining operation, the surface quality is one of the most important requirements for many workpieces. Because of the special physical and chemical properties, good-machined surface quality becomes a key issue to solve in machining Inconel 718. In this paper, PVD-TiAlN-coated carbide tools were used to turn Inconel 718. Based on observing the tool wear and machined surface morphology, the main factors affecting surface quality at different cutting speeds were analyzed. The optimal cutting temperature was calculated, according to the above analysis and Archard adhesion wear model, and further cutting parameters optimization was conducted, on the basis of the proposed optimal cutting temperature. The optimized cutting parameters based on optimal cutting temperature can be considered to improve surface quality.     

Analysis of tool wear patterns in finishing turning of Inconel 718

This paper focuses on the analysis of tool wear mechanisms in finishing turning of Inconel 718, one of the most used Ni alloys, both in wet and dry cutting. Cemented carbides, ceramics and CBN tools are suitable for machining Ni alloys; coated carbide tools are competitive for machining operations of Ni alloys and widely used in industry. Commercial coated carbide tools (multilayer coating TiAl/TiAlN recommended for machining Ni alloys) were studied in this work. The feasibility of two inserts tested for dry cutting of Inconel 718 has been shown in the work. Experimental test were performed in order to analyze wear patterns evolution. It was found great influence of side cutting edge angle in tool wear mode.     

车削加工中切削用量的多目标优化建模

针对金属切削加工中切削用量优化的特点，在分析车削用量传统优化模型缺点的基础上，建立了车削用量多目标模糊优化模型，并根据模糊集合原理，将其转化为一个传统的单目标约束优化问题，可用任一非线性优化方法求解。为车削用量的合理选择提供了理论依据。     

Evaluation of machining performance in cryogenic machining of Inconel 718 and comparison with dry and MQL machining

There has been significant work on establishing relationships between machining performance and the cutting parameters for various work materials. Recent trends in machining research show that major efforts are being made to understand the impact of various cooling/lubrication methods on machining performance and surface integrity characteristics, all aimed at improving process and product performance. This study presents the experimental results of cryogenic machining of Inconel 718, a high-temperature aerospace alloy, and comparison of its performance in dry and minimum quantity lubrication machining. Experimental data on force components, progressive tool wear parameters such as flank wear, notch wear, crater wear, cutting temperature, chip morphology, and surface roughness/topography of machined samples are presented. New findings show that cryogenic machining is a promising research direction for machining of high-temperature aerospace alloy, Inconel 718, as it offers improved machining performance in terms of reduced tool wear, temperature, and improved surface quality. It was also found that the number of nozzles in cryogenic machining plays a vital role in controlling cutting forces and power consumption in cryogenic machining of Inconel 718.     

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.     

Optimal selection of machining parameters for fast tool servo diamond turning

Ultraprecision machined components with micro-structured surfaces in micrometer or nanometer range have gained wide applications especially in optical industry. A technique called fast tool servo (FTS) diamond turning is superior in fabricating precision and complicated micro-structured surfaces with wavelength above tens of microns. However, in order to obtain optimal machined surface quality, the machining parameters need to be selected carefully. In this paper, optimal selection of the machining parameters, including spindle speed, sampling number, feedrate and tool geometry, for fabricating micro-structured surfaces by FTS diamond turning is presented. A simulation system is developed to select feedrate and tool geometry by computing the theoretical surface roughness, spindle speed, and sampling number based on the FTS dynamics and the motion controller capability. Experiments have been carried out to show the effect of the machining parameters. In addition, machining of typical micro-structured surfaces with machining parameters selected by the presented approach proves the effectiveness of the proposed optimal machining parameters selection method and the designed FTS diamond turning machine.     

Study of saw-tooth chip in machining of Inconel 718 by metallographic technique

The present research work aims to understand the chip formation mechanisms in Inconel 718 machining through metallographic technique. The influence of machining speed on shear band and chip shape have been analyzed. Characterization of the shear band has been conducted by analyzing the shear band thickness, strain, strain rate, stress and micro-hardness. Additionally, chip reduction coefficient parameters and chip segmentation ratio parameters have been analyzed to understand the type of chip formation at various machining speeds. The observations and analysis of the same indicated that the formation of the saw-tooth chip is due to high-strain localization within the chip and crack initiation at the free surface of the chip. Thinner shear bands are observed at higher machining speed (120 m/min), and thicker shear bands are observed at lower machining speed (40 m/min). The magnitude of chip segmentation parameters indicates that crack generation increases with increase in machining speed.