Application of taguchi method for investigating the mechanical properties of a microalloyed steel

Abstract

In the present investigation, the effects of processing parameters, such as roughing, finishing and coiling temperatures, on the strain hardening exponent and yield strength of a Nb-microalloyed steel has been studied by Taguchi method. In order to achieve maximum n-value and yield strength, tests were done in a laboratorial pilot considering a L16 orthogonal array of Taguchi method under following condition: roughing temperature of 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150°C, finishing temperature of 800, 850, 900, 950°C, coiling temperature of 550, 600, 650, 700°C. Then, analysis of variance and signal to noise ratios are performed on the measured data. The results indicated that the finishing and coiling temperatures were the major factor affecting the mechanical properties. The confirmation tests at optimal conditions approve the effectiveness of this robust design methodology in investigating the hot rolling process of the microalloyed steels.