Optimization of Cutting Parameters of Multiple Performance Characteristics in End Milling of AlSi/AIN MMC - Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis

The main objective of this paper is to investigate and optimize the cutting parameters on multiple performance characteristics in end milling of Aluminium Silicon alloy reinforced with Aluminium Nitride (AlSi/AlN MMC) using Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis (GRA). The fabrication of AlSi/AlN MMC was made via stir casting with various volume fraction of particles reinforcement (10%, 15% and 20%). End milling machining was done under dry cutting condition by using two types of cutting tool (uncoated & PVD TiAlN coated carbide). Eighteen experiments (L18) orthogonal array with five factors (type of tool, cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and volume fraction of particles reinforcement) were implemented. The analysis of optimization using GRA concludes that the better results for the combination of lower surface roughness, longer tool life, lower cutting force and higher material removal could be achieved when using uncoated carbide with cutting speed 240m/min, feed 0.4mm/tooth, depth of cut 0.3mm and 15% volume fraction of AlN particles reinforcement. The study confirmed that with a minimum number of experiments, Taguchi method is capable to design the experiments and optimized the cutting parameters for these performance characteristics using GRA for this newly develop material under investigation.