Simulation and Optimization of Machining Time During Milling AISI P20 Steel

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation and optimization of machining time during milling of AISI P20 steel using the Taguchi method. The simulation was conducted using the L9 orthogonal array on a Swansoft CNC Simulation with the Fanuc OiM operating system. Milling simulations provide faster time and lower cost of getting machining time data compared to experiments on actual machines. The cutting tool uses a 12mm flat endmill and 4 number of flutes. Machining simulation parameters on surface finishing are speed, feed rate, and width of cut (WoC), while the depth of cut remains. NC programs, according to zigzag, paralel spiral, and constant overlap spiral toolpath strategies. The parameters of speed and feed rate have been calculated based on WoC values (5%, 10%, and 20%) of the AISI P20 steel material. The lowest machining time from each toolpath strategy is generated from WoC 20%, 3032 RPM speed, and 2286 mm min−1 feed rate. Setting these parameters on the three toolpaths simulated gets the lowest machining time. The toolpath strategies that provide the lowest machining time are the constant overlap spiral namely 1.62 min or 1 min 37 seconds. ANOVA analysis on various toolpaths found that the WoC and feed rate were significant factors (P less than 5%) affecting machining time, while the speed factor exceeded P probability (5%). The calculation of the S/N Ratio on various toolpath strategies shows that the width of cut is ranked 1, feed rate as ranked 2, and speed is ranked 3 affected the machining time.