Influence of Milling Parameters on Surface Roughness of Al–SiC–B4C Composites

Abstract

Surface roughness is one of the important factors which help to address the quality needs of composite materials, and it relies on the machining conditions. This paper carried out an experimental investigation to identify the influence of machining parameters on surface roughness of aluminum metal matrix composites. Stir casting technique is used to produce SiC- and B4C-reinforced aluminum composites with three different compositions. Using end mill cutter, the materials are machined with different combination of machining parameters. To assess the quality of machined surface, roughness of machined surface is measured with the help of surface roughness testing machine. The obtained results have been analyzed to optimize cutting parameters using Taguchi and ANOVA techniques. The experimental results confirm the order of most influential milling parameters as 0.1 mm/rev feed rate, 3000 rpm spindle speed and 0.2 mm depth of cut with maximum contribution percentages of 86.6%, 9.75% and 6.16%, respectively. This study would ensure the optimal parameters for quality products in terms of surface roughness.