USE OF RESPONSE-SURFACE METHODOLOGY TO OPTIMIZE THE FINISH IN BALL BURNISHING

The optimization of surface finish produced by the ball burnishing process using response surface methodology (RSM) is reported here. A second order mathematical model correlating two predominant process parameters, namely depth of penetration and feed with surface roughness parameter Rtm was obtained. it predicts an optimum surface roughness value (Rtm) of 0.72 μm for a tungsten carbide ball using a depth of penetration of 12 μm and feed of 112 μm. The empirical and experimental results agree reasonably well, deviating by about 2.8%. For each set of burnishing conditions, an optimum depth of penetration and feed for giving the best surface finish is clearly evident. © 1990.