Determining the effect of cutting parameters on surface roughness in hard turning using the Taguchi method

This study focuses on optimizing turning parameters based on the Taguchi method to minimize surface roughness (Ra and Rz). Experiments have been conducted using the L9 orthogonal array in a CNC turning machine. Dry turning tests are carried out on hardened AISI 4140 (51 HRC) with coated carbide cutting tools. Each experiment is repeated three times and each test uses a new cutting insert to ensure accurate readings of the surface roughness. The statistical methods of signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) are applied to investigate effects of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut on surface roughness. Results of this study indicate that the feed rate has the most significant effect on Ra and Rz. In addition, the effects of two factor interactions of the feed rate-cutting speed and depth of cut-cutting speed appear to be important. The developed model can be used in the metal machining industries in order to determine the optimum cutting parameters for minimum surface roughness. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.