Optimization of Material Removal Rate in EDM Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on the effect and optimization of machining parameters on material removal rate (MRR) in electrical discharge machining (EDM) of EN31 tool steel. For the experiment, four process parameters viz. pulse on time, pulse off time, discharge current and voltage are considered. The settings of machining parameters are determined by using Taguchis orthogonal array (OA). L27 orthogonal array (OA) is considered for the study. The level of importance of the machining parameters on MRR is determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The optimum machining parameter combination is obtained by the analysis of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. The analysis shows that discharge current has the most significant effect on MRR followed by pulse off time and voltage. It is seen that with an increase in discharge current and pulse off time, MRR increases in the studied range. The methodology described here is expected to be highly beneficial to manufacturing industries.