Machinability Studies of Chrome Steel in Turning Operation: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract

Studies on Machinability aspects are important from the standpoint of optimizing the parameters setting during the machining operations. This paper adds value to the knowledge base of machinability aspects. A report on the experimental investigation conducted, to study the effects of machining parameters on Surface Finish and Material Removal Rate (MRR) during the turning operation is presented. The current experimentation was carried out using two grades of chrome steel namely 100Cr6 and 20MnCr5, which differs in their carbon and chromium content. The study also included investigation on the effect of coolant on the quality of the Surface Finish. In the current experimentation studies the factors that were investigated includes depth of cut, feed rate, cutting speed and coolant proportion. “Surf Test” equipment with a precision of 0.01 µm was used for measuring Surface Roughness; the MRR was estimated based on parameters set during the turning operations. Factor level combination to be investigated were based on Taguchi’s L 9 Orthogonal array and later ANOVA analysis was carried out using statistical software platform namely Minitab version 17 . The final outcome from the study indicated that feed rate and coolant proportions significantly influenced the Surface Finish and MRR. ANOVA analysis revealed the percentage contribution of each of the parameter towards the response. Finally, when comparisons were drawn between two grades of chrome steel, it was found that 100Cr6 gave a better Surface Finish compared to 20MnCr5. This paper effectively combines the insights from the machinability studies with statistical evidence obtained through analysis of the outputs from experimental investigation on different materials processed using machining operations.