An application of particle swarm optimization technique for optimization of surface roughness in centerless grinding operation

Abstract

There is growing need among the manufacturers to optimize performance of a centerless grinding operation to get high level of accuracy for micro-finishing of product. High quality surface finish is desired for manufacturing crane-hook-pin used in the bottom block of the crane subjected to bending and torsional load. This paper presents an application of particle swarm optimization techniques to identify optimal parameter settings to minimize surface roughness of C40 steel crane-hook-pin in centreless grinding operation. Experiments have been carried out and the effect of various process parameters (depth of cut, regulating wheel speed and coolant flow) has been studied in a full factorial design (three factors at three level) of 27 experiments for all possible combination of these factors. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique combining with response surface modelling (RSM) are used to find optimal parameter settings. The optimal parameter corresponds to 12 rpm regulating wheel speed, 1/3rd opening of coolant valve opening and 20 μm depth of cut.