5 - Multiple performance optimization in drilling using Taguchi method with utility and modified utility concepts

Abstract

Burr formation in drilling is one of the severe problems faced in precision engineering and mass production. The exit burr degrades the precision of products and causes a supplementary cost of deburring. As deburring processes are not well automated, the productivity of advanced manufacturing systems is often reduced. Besides, these processes are labor intensive and hence add to the total cost of the components. Therefore, understanding the drilling burr formation and its affecting parameters is vital for controlling the burr size at the production stage. The Taguchi method for optimization of multiobjective drilling to minimize burr size is presented in this chapter. Four process parameters, namely, cutting speed, feed, point angle, and clearance angle were identified and each parameter was investigated at three levels to study the nonlinear effects of process parameters. An L9 orthogonal array was selected for planning the experiments. The Taguchi method with utility as well as modified utility concepts was employed for drilling process optimization. The confirmation tests were performed to predict and verify the adequacy of the additive models for determining the optimal burr size. The effectiveness of the proposed approaches in drilling process optimization is demonstrated in detail in this chapter.