Optimization of material removal rate in ultrasonic machining of polycarbonate bulletproof glass and acrylic heat-resistant glass by Taguchi method

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper, an original research paper, is to study the optimization of material removal rate (MRR) in ultrasonic machining of polycarbonate bulletproof glass and acrylic heat-resistant glass. The machining of these materials is a very tough job. There are so many constraints which need to be taken into account while machining, but without proper knowledge of material properties and machining parameters, machining is not possible. This paper gives basic knowledge about polycarbonate bulletproof and acrylic heat-resistant glass and provides ways as to how these types of materials are processed or machined. Design/methodology/approach The Taguchi method was utilized to optimize the ultrasonic machining parameters for drilling these advanced materials. The relationship between MRR and other controllable process parameters such as concentration of slurry, type of abrasive, abrasive grit size, power rating, concentration of HF acid and type of tool material has been analyzed by using the Taguchi approach. Findings Through the Taguchi analysis, it is concluded that types of abrasive and HF acid concentrations have a significant role to play in MRR for both materials; in which, type of abrasive have 72.91 and 72.96 percent contribution in MRR for polycarbonate bulletproof and acrylic heat-resistant glass, respectively. Similarly, HF acid concentration has 14.70 and 14.65 percent contribution in MRR for polycarbonate bulletproof and acrylic heat-resistant glass, respectively. The MRR was improved by 34.44 percent in polycarbonate bulletproof glass and 29.25 percent in acrylic heat-resistant glass. Originality/value After experimental investigation, the results of the Taguchi modal are validated.