Taguchi optimization of process parameters in friction stir processing of pure Mg

Taguchi experimental design technique was applied to determine the most influential controlling parameters of FSP such as tool rotational speed, travel speed, tilt angle and penetration depth on hardness value of Mg. In this case, 9 combinations of these 4 essential processing parameters were set and Taguchi's method followed exactly. Signal to noise ratio (S/N) analysis showed that maximum hardness achieved when rotational and travel speeds, penetration depth and tilt angel were chosen as 1600 rpm, 63 mm/min, 0.1 mm and 2°, respectively. In addition, analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique indicated that tilt angle and rotational as well as travel speed are the significant influential parameters in the hardness value of the treated samples, respectively. Finally a model for hardness values based on FSP parameters was calculated by design expert which was also confirmed by experimental results.