Application of Deng’s similarity-based analytic hierarchy process approach in parametric optimization of the electrical discharge machining process of SDK11 die steel

Abstract

This study presents a hybrid Taguchi – analytic hierarchy process (AHP) – Deng’s similarity-based method for the multi-objective optimization of the electrical discharge machining process of SKD11. Among many parameters, the four most important parameters including current, voltage, pulse-on time, and pulse-off time are considered as control factors. The four quality characteristics including material removal rate, tool wear rate, surface roughness, hardness of machined surface, and white layer thickness were considered for simultaneous optimization. The hybrid Taguchi – AHP – Deng’s similarity-based multi-objective optimization was compared with several other methods to evaluate the effectiveness of this hybrid technique. The results show that the Taguchi – AHP – Deng’s similarity-based method is a good alternative to solve multi-objective optimization problems.