Turning parameters optimization for TC21 Ti-alloy using Taguchi technique

Abstract

Background: The development of materials fabrication is an important trend in materials engineering. TC21 Ti-alloy is one of these materials’ trends. Investigations of different characteristics of TC21 Ti-alloy such as weldability, formability, and machinability will consume a large number of specimens. This work aims to study the machinability characteristics of TC21 Ti-alloy. The minimum number of experimental trials and optimal cutting conditions will be obtained by applying the orthogonal array (OA) L9 Taguchi technique. To achieve this aim, experimental work will be conducted under three varying cutting parameters, each one of them with three levels: cutting speeds (V) of 80, 100, and 120 m/min, feed rates (f) of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mm/rev, and cutting depth (a) of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mm. Results: The results revealed that the cutting depth and cutting speed with percentages contribution of 40.8% and 48.6%, respectively, are the most significant parameters of surface roughness and wear of the tool insert. However, the least significant parameters are cutting speed and feed rate with percentages contribution of 20.2% and 2.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Minimum surface roughness at V = 80 m/min, f = 0.10 mm/rev, and a = 0.4 mm is 0.16 µm, and maximum surface roughness at V = 80 m/min, f = 0.15 mm/rev, and a = 0.6 mm is 0.72 µm. Minimum tool wear at V = 100 m/min, f = 0.15 mm/rev, and a = 0.2 is 187.770 µm, and the maximum tool wear at V = 80 m/min, f = 0.10 mm/rev, and a = 0.4 mm is 274.896 µm.