Parametric Study of Surface Finish in End Milling Using Robust Design Techniques

Abstract

Surface finish in end milling depends upon a number of variables, such as feed rate, cutting speed, tool material, etc. The relative effect of these variables on surface roughness is not understood very well. The Taguchi method is used in end milling process to identify variables having major influence on surface finish. Partial factorial design using L9 orthogonal array is used in the design of experiments. Signal to Noise ratio analysis along with analysis of variance is used to study the effect of these parameters on surface finish. Knowledge about these relationships will help a process planner or a machinist optimize the cutting process with respect to surface finish.