Process Design and Optimization of end Milling Parameters of Al 7075 Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

This paper investigates the machinability characteristics of end milling operation to yield minimum tool wear with the maximum material removal rate using RSM. Twenty-seven experimental runs based on Box-Behnken Design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were performed by varying the parameters of spindle speed, feed and depth of cut in different weight percentage of reinforcements such as Silicon Carbide (SiC-5%, 10%,15%) and Alumina (Al2O3-5%) in alluminium 7075 metal matrix. Grey relational analysis was used to solve the multi-response optimization problem by changing the weightages for different responses as per the process requirements of quality or productivity. Optimal parameter settings obtained were verified through confirmatory experiments. Analysis of variance was performed to obtain the contribution of each parameter on the machinability characteristics. The result shows that spindle speed and weight percentage of SiC are the most significant factors which affect the machinability characteristics of hybrid composites. An appropriate selection of the input parameters such as spindle speed of 1000 rpm, feed of 0.02 mm/rev, depth of cut of 1 mm and 5% of SiC produce best tool wear outcome and a spindle speed of 1838 rpm, feed of 0.04 mm/rev, depth of cut of 1.81 mm and 6.81 % of SiC for material removal rate.