Experimental Investigation of Hot Machining Process of High Manganese Steel using Design of experiments by Taguchi Method

Abstract

The experiment is conducted in an auto feed lathe. The temperature is controlled by a thermocouple and automated flame heating system. The statistical analysis is done by Taguchi method. Taguchi designs provide a powerful and efficient method for designing products that operate consistently and optimally over a variety of conditions. The primary goal is to find factor settings that minimize response variation, while adjusting (or keeping) the process on target. A process designed with this goal will produce more consistent output. A product designed with this goal will deliver more consistent performance regardless of the environment in which it is used. Taguchi method advocates the use of orthogonal array designs to assign the factors chosen for the experiment. The most commonly used orthogonal array designs are L8, L16, L9 (i.e. eight experimental trials), L16 and L18. The power of the Taguchi method is that it integrates statistical methods into the engineering process. The significance of the control factors are found in the following order. Cutting speed – 19.55 m/min, Depth of Cut - 0.5 mm, Temperature - 600 degree, Feed - 0.05 mm/rev. From statistical design of experiments by Taguchi method (MINITAB software) and Hot Machining we find that the power required is decreased and the tool life is increased by 14.8 %.