Application of Taguchi technique coupled with grey relational analysis for multiple performance characteristics optimization of EDM parameters on ST 42 steel

Abstract

The optimization technique of machining parameters considering multiple performance characteristics of non conventional machining EDM process using Taguchi method combined with grey relational analysis (GRA) is presented in this study. ST 42 steel was chosen as material work piece and graphite as electrode during this experiment. Performance characteristics such as material removal rate and overcut are selected to evaluated the effect of machining parameters. Current, pulse on time, pulse off time and discharging time/ Z down were selected as machining parameters. The experiments was conducted by varying that machining parameters in three different levels. Based on the Taguchi quality design concept, a L27 orthogonal array table was chosen for the experiments. By using the combination of GRA and Taguchi, the optimization of complicated multiple performance characteristics was transformed into the optimization of a single response performance index. Optimal levels of machining parameters were identified by using Grey Relational Analysis method. The statistical application of analysis of variance was used to determine the relatively significant machining parameters. The result of confirmation test indicted that the determined optimal combination of machining parameters effectively improve the performance characteristics of the machining EDM process on ST 42 steel.