Optimization of process parameters for Peripheral Milling operation using Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis

Tool selection is a critical part during manufacturing process. The tool geometry plays a vital role in the art of machining to produce the part to meet the quality requirements. The tool parameters which play major roles are tool material, tool geometry, size of the tool and coating of the tool. Out of these, selection of right kind of tool geometry plays a major role by reducing cutting forces and induced stresses, energy consumptions and temperature. All this will leads to reduced distortions and the selection of wrong tool geometry results in enhanced tool cost and loss in production. However these tool geometric features are often neglected during machining considerations and procurement of tools. Thus the objective of the study is to analyze the contribution of tool geometry in peripheral milling operation and to find the optimized helix angle to get minimum cutting force (useful in thin wall machining) and thereby ensuring perpendicularity and best surface finish to reduce the chatter vibration and deflection by optimizing the machining parameters such as spindle speed, feed per tooth and side cut. The experiments are conducted on CNC milling machine on aluminium alloy 2014 using solid carbide end mills of 10 mm diameter with various helix angles by making all other geometric features constant. Taguchi method is used for design of experiment. The optimum level of parameters has been identified using Grey relational analysis (GRA) and also the percentage contribution is identified using ANOVA.