Roughness modeling and optimization in CNC end milling using response surface method: Effect of workpiece material variation

Abstract

Influence of machining parameters, viz., spindle speed, depth of cut and feed rate, on the quality of surface produced in CNC end milling is investigated. In the present study, experiments are conducted for three different workpiece materials to see the effect of workpiece material variation in this respect. Five roughness parameters, viz., centre line average roughness, root mean square roughness, skewness, kurtosis and mean line peak spacing have been considered. The second-order mathematical models, in terms of the machining parameters, have been developed for each of these five roughness parameters prediction using response surface method on the basis of experimental results. The roughness models as well as the significance of the machining parameters have been validated with analysis of variance. It is found that the response surface models for different roughness parameters are specific to workpiece materials. An attempt has also been made to obtain optimum cutting conditions with respect to each of the five roughness parameters considered in the present study with the help of response optimization technique. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London Limited.