Experimental investigation of machinability characteristics in Al-TiB2 metal matrix composite (MMC) based on the Taguchi method with fuzzy logics

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for metal removal rate and surface roughness through Taguchi method and analyse the influence of the individual input machining parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, helix angle, depth of cut and wt% on the responses in milling of aluminium-titanium diboride metal matrix composite (MMC) with solid carbide end mill cutter coated with nano-crystals. Design/methodology/approach – Taguchi OA is used to optimise the material removal rate (MRR) and Surface Roughness by developing a mathematical model. End Milling is used to create slots by combining various input parameters. Five factors, three-level Taguchi method is employed to carry out the experimental investigation. Fuzzy logic is used to find the optimal cutting factors for surface roughness (Ra) and MRR. The factors considered were weight percentage of TiB2, cutting speed, depth of cut and feed rate. The plan for the experiments and analysis was based on the Taguchi L27 orthogonal array with five factors and three levels. MINITAB 17 software is used for regression, S/N ratio and analysis of variance. MATLAB 7.10.0 is used to perform the fuzzy logics systems. Findings – Using fuzzy logics, multi-response performance index is generated, with which the authors can identify the correct combination of input parameters to get higher MRR and lower surface roughness value with the chosen range with 95 per cent confidence intervals. Using such a model, remarkable savings in time and cost can be obtained. Originality/value – Machinability characteristics in Al-TiB2 MMC based on the Taguchi method with fuzzy logic has not been analysed previously.