Development and machinability assessment in turning Al/SiCp-metal matrix composite with multilayer coated carbide insert using Taguchi and statistical techniques

This paper presents the development of Al/SiCp (10% weight) metal matrix composite through a conventional casting process and studied its machinability characteristics in turning using multilayer TiN coated carbide insert under dry environment based on Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array. Abrasion is found to be the dominant wear mechanism from the experimental study. Continuous fragmented saw tooth type of chip obtained during machining of Al/SiCp-MMC under dry environment. The colour of chip changes from metallic to partial blue and built-up-edge formation is noticed at extreme parametric conditions. Cutting speed is observed to be the most significant variable affecting the flank wear. Feed is found to be the most significant parameter for surface roughness. The regression models are highly significant because of higher R2 value. The experimental and predicted values are very close to each other. Using grey relational analysis, the optimal parametric combination for multi-responses is found to be v3-f1-d3 and is greatly improved and noticed to be efficient while machining Al/SiCp-MMC.