Optimization of EDM process parameters using TOPSIS for machining AISI D2 steel material

Abstract

There is a tremendous scope for research work that is being carried out to recommend the optimal machining parameters while involving latest machining techniques to produce high quality products. This research work emphasised on suggesting the optimum process parameters of die sinking EDM with 8 mm diameter copper electrode during machining AISI D2 steel using TOPSIS.Taguchi’s L9 OA method was adopted to design 9 experiments in total and Pulse on time (Ton), Servo voltage (SV) and Peak current (IP) are chosen as input parameters. Three levels of each parameter were selected for designing the experimentation. A non-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of Helianthus annuus namely sunflower oil was picked as dielectric and the values of Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR) and Surface Roughness (SR) for each experiment were noted as the output responses. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was done to recommend the impact of each input parameter on output responses. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to select the weightage of each response and then Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) which is a multi-criteria decision analysis method, was accompanied for determination of ideal parameters for machining AISI D2 steel. Finally it is observed that the combination of level 3 of pulse on time, level 2 of Peak Current and level 2 of servo voltage suggests the optimum result.