Inconel 718 machining performance evaluation using indigenously developed hybrid machining facilities: experimental investigation and sustainability assessment

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To improve the machinability of Inconel 718, a lot of work has been done in the past decade by modifying tools and machining processes. However, a recently developed cryogenic-ultrasonic assisted turning (CUAT) process influencing the machinability of Inconel 718 as compared to the conventional turning process (CT) has not been conspicuously presented. This paper analyzes the machinability of Inconel 718 using indigenously developed ultrasonic assisted turning (UAT) and CUAT facilities. The influence of the UAT process of Inconel 718 on cutting parameters recommended by the industry has been investigated. Surface roughness (Ra) and power consumption are measured under the UAT process and then compared with the CT process. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to identify the optimum cutting parameters to achieve minimum Ra and power consumption for UAT and CT processes. The optimized parameters are considered to confirm the usefulness of CUAT as compared to UAT and CT processes. Experimental results of this research work endorse positive effects of the CUAT process over UAT and CT processes in terms of Ra and chip morphology. Ra values under the CUAT process are reduced significantly in comparison to UAT and CT processes, respectively. UAT and CUAT processes resulted in discontinuous chips having smaller chip thickness in comparison to the CT process. The results are being shared with the local SMEs, and the industry is anticipated to be benefited in terms of improving cutting performance using CUAT and UAT. Moreover, a sustainability assessment model is implemented to investigate the effect of CUAT in terms of machining performance as well as sustainability effectiveness in a single integrated approach.