Parametric Optimization of Surface Roughness in Wire Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM) using Taguchi Method

Abstract

-Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is widely used in machining of conductive materials when precision is of primary significance. Wire-cut electric discharge machining of AISI D3 tool steel has been considered in the present work. Experimentation has been completed by using Taguchi's L9orthogonal array with different levels of input parameters. Optimal combination of parameters was obtained by this technique. The Taguchi technique was used for design of experiment so that with minimum number of experiments, the complete problem can be solved as compared to full factorial design. Experimental results make obvious that the machining model is proper and the Taguchi's method satisfies the practical requirements. The results obtained are analyzed for the selection of an optimal combination of WEDM parameters for proper machining of AISI D3 tool steel to achieve better surface finish. Different analysis was made on the data obtained from the experiments. Keywords-: ANOVA, D3 tool steel, Design of experiments, Surface roughness, Taguchi method, Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM).