Multi-objective optimization of EDM process parameters using PCA and TOPSIS method during the machining of Al-20% SiCp metal matrix composite

Abstract

The present experimental study deals with the machining of Al-SiCp metal matrix composite (MMC) (with 20% SiC reinforcement) by using a brass tool electrode using electric discharge machining (EDM) process. The aim of the research work is to analyze the effect of process parameters namely input current (Ip), pulse on time (Ton), duty cycle (DC) and gap voltage (Vg) on the response variables’ material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), diametral overcut (DOC) and surface roughness (SR). The experiments were performed using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. Multi-objective optimization has been applied using a hybrid approach by combining principal component analysis (PCA) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to obtain maximum MRR and minimum TWR, DOC and SR.