Optimization of Cutting Parameters using Cryogenically Treated High Speed Steel Tool by Taguchi Application

Abstract

In the field of mechanical engineering, engineers are always looking for ways to improve the properties of materials. Cryogenic treatment of tooling steels is a proven technology to increase wear resistance and extend intervals between component replacements. The main idea of this paper is to apply Taguchi method to optimize cutting parameters in turning operation using cryogenic treated (CT) and untreated (UT) high speed steel (HSS) tools, so that the scope of cryogenic treatment on HSS tool material may be presented for the benefit of medium and small scale industry using HSS tools for cutting operation. Taguchi L25 orthogonal array is employed to study the performance characteristics in turning operations of AISI 1020 steel bars using CT and UT HSS tools. The microstructure has been found more refined and uniformly distributed after cryogenic treatment of HSS tool. It has been observed that optimum machining parameters in both the cases (CT HSS and UT HSS tools) are higher cutting speed (49.9 to 75.7 m/min.), lower feed rate (0.15 mm/rev.), medium depth of cut (0.40 mm). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates that the cutting speed is most significant parameter followed by feed rate in case of CT HSS tool and depth of cut in case of UT HSS tool.