Parameter optimization of titanium-coated stainless steel inserts for turning operation

Abstract

This study discusses the three essential process parameters cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on the quality of the tool during turning operation. A high-strength stainless steel tool coated with tungsten carbide is used. The tool is further strengthened using cryogenic treatment by immersing it in liquid nitrogen for 24 h and 36 h respectively. The surface roughness of the simple coated tool and the processed tool is compared using optimization techniques like the Taguchi technique and ANOVA. The analysis revealed that the surface roughness of the simple coated tool insert was 0.5 μm, whereas the surface roughness of the tool inserts immersed in liquid nitrogen for 36 h was 12.5 μm. The processed tool insert became brittle which lead to an increase in surface roughness after the turning operation. Three different algorithms like Grass Hopper Optimization, Moth Flame Optimization, and Salp Swarm Optimization were used to observe the feasibility of the optimization techniques. The Moth Flame Optimization algorithm had good convergence and also delivered results that were correlating with the ANOVA. It is concluded that while keeping a high tool rotation speed of 984.46 rpm, a low feed of 91.4 mm/min and a depth of cut of 0.25 mm resulted in a low surface roughness of simple coated tool insert was 0.59 μm.