Selection of lubricant using combined multiple attribute decision-making method

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to select a right lubricant from amongst a number of lubricants during the machining of En-31 steel work piece with tungsten carbide inserts by using combined multiple attribute decision–making method. The procedure is based on a combined TOPSIS and AHP method. The selection of an optimal material for an engineering design from a list of available alternative materials on the basis of two or more attributes in multiple attribute decision making problem. The analytic hierarchy process, being a simple, but powerful decision making tool, is being applied to solve different manufacturing problems. TOPSIS method is based on the concept that the chosen alternative should have the shortest Euclidean distance from the ideal solution and the farthest from the negative ideal solution. TOPSIS thus gives a solution that is not only closest to the hypothetical best, which is also the farthest from the hypothetically worst. Lubricant selection factors are identified and these are chip-tool interface temperature, cutting force, tool wear and surface roughness. Combined multi-attribute decision-making is aimed at integrating different measures into a single global lubricant index helps to select right lubricant and rank the given lubricant for a steel turning operation. The framework that is used in steel turning operation could serve as one of the tools for making a strategic decision. The effectiveness of our model is demonstrated through an actual experimental work.