Optimizing multi‐machining characteristics through Taguchi's approach and utility concept

Abstract

Purpose – Taguchi's technique is best suited to optimize a single performance characteristic yielding an optimal setting of process parameters. A single setting of process parameters may be optimal for one quality characteristics but the same setting may yield detrimental results for other quality features. Thus the purpose of this paper is to describe simultaneous optimization of multi-characteristics. Design/methodology/approach – The multi-machining characteristics have been optimized simultaneously using Taguchi's parameter design approach and the utility concept. The paper used a single performance index, utility value, as a combined response indicator of several responses. Findings – A simplified model based on Taguchi's approach and utility concept is used to determine the optimal settings of the process parameters for a multi-characteristic product. The model is used to predict optimal settings of turning process parameters to yield the optimum quality characteristics of En24 steel turned parts using TiC coated carbide inserts. The optimal values obtained using the multi-characteristic optimization model have been validated by confirmation experiments. The model can be extended to any number of quality characteristics provided proper utility scales for the characteristics are available from the realistic data. Practical implications – The proposed methodology can be applied to those industrial situations where a number of responses are to be optimized simultaneously. Originality/value – The paper discusses a case study on En24 steel turned parts using titanium carbide coated tungsten carbide inserts. The material, En24 steel, has wide applications in aerospace, machine tools, automobiles, etc. The proposed algorithm is easy to apply.