Utilizing multiple criteria decision-making optimization methods to machine LM25Al/VC material under electro-discharge machining processes

Abstract

In this work, sparking electro-discharge machining (EDM) process parameters are optimized by using multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. The work piece utilized for the investigation was LM25 aluminum alloy reinforced with Vanadium carbide (VC), processed through a stir casting technique. The EDM process parameters that have been considered in this work are by peak current, pulse-on-time, and pulse-off-time, with the effects of each variable and their combinations on the performance metrics of EDM like material removal rate, electrode wearing rate, and surface roughness. In this study, three MCDM methodologies were applied to evaluate EDM performance. Then, the obtained MCDM scores were compared using two different objective verification mechanisms. In this case, the VIKOR technique delivered the best-desired results relative to TOPSIS method, and factorial analyzing method. Also, the factorial method is simpler than the other methods, though it produced nearly identical results as the sophisticated MDCM method.