Modeling and optimization of sustainable manufacturing process in machining of 17-4 PH stainless steel

Abstract

Currently, metal cutting industries are pushed for eco-friendly techniques to reach the severe environmental regulations. In this context, different environment sustainable machining techniques have been investigated along with the cutting conditions. The current work focuses on the culling of optimum cutting conditions in turning of 17-4 precipitation hardened stainless steel (PH SS) using Taguchi optimization method. In turning process, cutting speed (v), feed rate (f), depth of cut (d) and cooling environment (cryogenic, MQL and dry) were selected as controllable process parameters and surface roughness (Ra), tool flank wear (Vb) were considered as performance evaluation characteristics. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array (OA) experimental design plan was consider for carrying out the experiments. From the conformation tests, it was found that the Taguchi analysis determined optimum process parameters significantly improved the turning performance during machining of 17-4 PH SS. From ANOVA results, it was seen that the turning performance in terms of Ra and Vb were greatly influenced by cutting speed. Furthermore, regression models were developed for predicting the Ra as well as Vb respectively. It was observed that cryogenic coolants overcome the health and environment problems which can lead to an absolute sustainable machining technique. It is recommended that metal cutting industries could used these optimum cutting conditions to reduced the material waste and increase the productivity while machining of 17-4 PH SS.