Optimization of Process Parameters in Drilling Al-Si3N4 Metal Matrix Composites Material Using Taguchi Technique

Abstract

The use of composite materials has increased in various areas of science and technology due to their special physical and mechanical properties. Aluminum Silicon Nitride (Al-Si3N4) is a MMC having higher thermal conductivity of 170 – 230 W/mK and low material density of 3.3 g/cm3 makes it ideal for weight sensitive applications. The quality of the drilled hole depends on the factors such as, speed, feed rate, tool geometry etc. The efficient and economic machining of the materials is required for the desired dimensions and surface finish. In this experiment, an attempt has been made to optimize the drilling parameters using the Taguchi's technique. Experiments are carried out on machining the various % volume of Si3N4in Al-Si3N4 composite materials, using the HSS tool for various cutting conditions and diameter of drill bit. The input process parameters considered during experiments are viz., % volume of Si3N4, speed, feed, diameter of drill bit and machining time. The response variables measured for the analysis are surface roughness, circularity and cylindricity. ANOVA has been carried out to know the magnitude of factor affects.