Taguchi's Technique in Machining of Metal Matrix Composites

This paper presents the study on Taguchi's optimization methodology, which is applied to optimize cutting parameters in turning of age hardened Al6061-15% vol. SiC 25 mu m particle size metal matrix composites with Cubic boron nitride inserts (CBN) KB-90 grade using steam as cutting fluid. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to study the effect of process parameters on the machining process. This procedure eliminates the need for repeated experiments, time and conserves the material by the conventional procedure. The turning parameters evaluated are speed, feed, depth of cut, nozzle diameter and steam pressure. A series of experiments are conducted using PSG A141 lathe (2.2 KW) to relate the cutting parameters on surface roughness, tool wear, cutting force, feed force, and thrust force. The measured results were collected and analyzed with the help of the commercial software package MINITAB15. As well, an orthogonal array, signal-to-noise ratio is employed to analyze the influence of these parameters. The method could be useful in predicting surface roughness, tool wear, cutting force, feed force and thrust force as a function of cutting parameters. From the analysis using Taguchi's method, results indicate that among the all-significant parameters, steam pressure is the most significant parameter.