Optimization of drilling parameters in hybrid (Al6061/SiC/B4C/talc) composites by grey relational analysis

Abstract

In this present study, optimization of drilling parameters in hybrid Al-6061/SiC/B4C/talc composites was studied using grey relational analysis. The purpose of this research was the investigation of the effect of drilling parameters on Al6061/SiC/B4C/talc composites fabricated using the stir casting. These hybrid composites containing talc (solid lubricant) particles reduce thrust force, circularity and surface roughness. In drilling, experiments were done based on the Taguchi L27 orthogonal array method on hybrid Al6061/SiC/B4C/talc composites with HSS drill bits of diameter 6 mm, 7 mm and 8 mm used in dry condition. ANOVA examined the effect of various drilling input parameters like cutting speed, feed, depth of cut and percentage of reinforcement on output parameters like thrust force, surface roughness and circularity. Grey relational analysis equations were utilized for finding the optimum machining condition. The most important parameter, namely the cutting speed, was found to have influenced the thrust force, circularity and surface roughness on the drilling of hybrid Al6061/SiC/B4C/talc composites.