In the metal removal process industry, the current practice to optimise cutting parameters adopts
a conventional method. It is based on trial and error, in which the machine operator uses experience,
coupled with handbook guidelines to determine optimal parametric values of choice. This method is not
accurate, is time-consuming and costly. Therefore, there is a need for a method that is scientific, costeffective
and precise. Keeping this in mind, a different direction for process optimisation is taken by
employing the combined Taguchi method-simplex algorithm (TM-SA) for optimal parametric setting of
manufacturing processes. The process parameters were optimised and the efficiency and robustness of the
method described in four literature cases. These cases involve high-speed flat-end milling, forming in
hydrodynamic deep drawing, cup deep drawing and abrasive assisted drilling. The computations showed
that the TM-SA exhibited superior results in one of the cases and equivalent results in others. This implies
that the proposed approach could comparably serve as an optimisation framework with significant
advantages of reducing experimental costs and allowing variable usages with the requirement of functional
derivation. It is also easy to use. The novelty of this article is the application of a distinctly new method in
optimisation for cost reduction and variable usages for the metal removal process. Potential applications of
the proposed approach by material type is its usage in machining mild steel, grey cast iron, brass and
aluminium with HSS and carbon steel, respectively, used as tools.
Subjects | Engineering |
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Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | November 1, 2015 |
Published in Issue | Year 2015 Volume: 12 Issue: 2 |