Optimization of CNC Turning Operation Parameters of Aluminum Alloy 6061 with Multiple Performance Characteristics Using Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis

Abstract

The aerospace industry demands high-quality and light-weight components for various aircraft. Aluminum alloys are the frontline materials for aircraft construction. In the competitive era, the quality and cost of a product play a vital role to thrive in the global manufacturing environment. The cost of a product can be optimized by mass production and minimizing waste. Higher production rate can be achieved by optimizing the process parameter level during the machining of the product. By implementing the Taguchi method and grey relation analysis, this can be achieved. This work presents a novel approach for the optimization of machining parameter level on CNC turning of aluminum alloy 6061 having multiple responses based on the orthogonal array with grey relational analysis. Turning operation parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and coolant are optimized to improve the surface finish and metal removal rate of the aluminum alloy 6061. The parameters are analyzed by using Taguchi’s signal/noise ratio for each performance characteristic. The multiple response characteristic has been analyzed and the optimum level for the parameters have been identified using grey relation analysis.