Multi-objective optimization of drilling parameters for orthopaedic implants

Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have gained immense popularity as biomaterials in recent years. Their excellent specific strength makes them outstanding materials for orthopaedic applications. However, in the orthopaedic application, precise micro-drilling (i.e. implants inserts) is required, which is very challenging for these materials. To overcome this issue, the present research proposes an experimental study corroborated with a multi-objective optimization by simulating the drilling under electric discharge machining of Ti-6Al-4V. Taguchi’s methodology–based L9 orthogonal array was used for the experimental study. Voltage, current, pulse on and pulse off were used as the input parameters for the experimental investigation. In order to achieve suitable precise drilling, the material removal rate and surface finish were used as response parameters. Here, by optimizing parameters of the precise drilling, it is possible to obtain high material removal rate and better surface finish simultaneously. The Grey relational analysis was adopted to analyse the output quality characteristics. The optimized results generated through the Grey relational analysis are highly accurate with respect to the experimental outcomes.