Influence of Cutting Parameters in Machining of Titanium Alloy

Abstract

Objective: The influence of input parameters, to improve the surface finish of the machined part and to reduce the tool wear rate in turning titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) using coated carbide inserts. Method/Analysis: Turning experiments are conducted on all geared lathe. The machining parameters used for the turning experiment include cutting speed, feed and depth of cut. Taguchi's orthogonal array is used for conducting the experiments. Surface roughness of the work piece after each turning is evaluated. Here, the optimal cutting parameter for better surface finish is determined using S/N ratio. Analysis of variance is used to study the influence of parameters. Finding: The present work considers the surface roughness in machining of titanium alloy. From the results, it has been found that the feed rate is the most influencing factor having 41.69% contribution followed by cutting speed and depth of cut. The optimal parameters are found to be: high cutting speed, lower feed rate and low depth of cut. Also, the tool is investigated for general wear pattern. Low cutting speeds leads to the adhesion of work piece material on to the tool after a certain period of time. Conclusion: The optimal machining parameters are studied. Feed rate is the dominant parameter for surface roughness followed by cutting speed and depth of cut.