Optimization of Process Parameters of EDM Process Using Fuzzy Logic and Taguchi Methods for Improving Material Removal Rate and Surface Finish

The main indent of this work is to optimization of multiple responses of Electric discharge machining (EDM) using Fuzzy method coupled with Taguchi is attempted. The work piece material was AISI 304 Stainless Steel and a cylindrical copper electrode with side impulse flushing was used. The effect of machining parameters, i.e., discharge current, pulse on time, discharge voltage and Inter Electrode Gap (IEG) on the Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate and Surface Roughness (Ra) in EDM are examined. L9 orthogonal array was used to design the experiment and the effect of the factors on the responses were studied. As the responses are conflicting in nature, factors of a single combination will not be treated as best machining performance for all responses. The multiple responses were converted into a single characteristic index by using Fuzzy logic known as Multi Performance Characteristic Index (MPCI). Finally, MPCIs were optimized by using Taguchi. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.