Application of simulated annealing for the optimization of process parameters in WEDM process for machining 201LN stainless steel

Abstract

In this paper 201LN grade of 200 series Stainless Steel is selected for machining in WEDM process. The experiment is carried out using Taguchi L27 design matrix (3 levels and 5 factor (Pulse on time, Pulse off time, Current, Wire Feed and Wire Tension)). The Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Surface roughness (SR) values are consider as responses. Modelling has been carried out by RSM technique. The responses obtained were first analysed on the basis of single objective optimization technique Simulated Annealing (SA) and then multi-objective optimization is carried out by giving simultaneous weightages varying from 0% to 100% to both Surface roughness and MRR for generating a chart of optimal parameter settings for the entire range of weightage. Characteristics curves obtained for Optimized input parameters vs. Response weightage were studied for finding out the critical weightage points for which the optimized input parameters have undergone an abrupt change. Results reveal that for SA, the optimal setting for minimizing Surface Roughness corresponds to 105.01 microseconds Pulse on time, 57.38 microseconds Pulse off time, 142.62 Ampere current, 4.02mm/min Wire Feed and 5.81mm/min Wire Tension and that for maximizing MRR being 115 microseconds Pulse on time, 50.01 microseconds Pulse off time, 179.83 Ampere current, 7.71mm/min Wire Feed and 8.00mm/min Wire Tension. The obtained curves show that the critical weightage points for which the optimized input parameters have undergone an abrupt change correspond to 30–40% for Surface roughness and 60–70% for MRR.