Taguchi multiple-performance characteristics optimization in drilling of medium density fibreboard (MDF) to minimize delamination using utility concept

This paper presents the methodology of Taguchi optimization method for simultaneous minimization of delamination factor at entry and exit of the holes in drilling of SUPERPAN DÉCOR (melamine coating layer) MDF panel. The delamination in drilling of MDF affects the aesthetical aspect of the final product and hence it is essential to select the best combination values of the drilling process parameters to minimize it. The utility concept has been employed for the multi-performance characteristics optimization using Taguchi design. The experiments were carried out as per L9 orthogonal array with each experiment performed under different conditions of feed rate and cutting speed. The analysis of means (ANOM) was performed to determine the optimal levels of the parameters and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to identify the level of importance of the machining parameters on delamination factor. The investigations revealed that the delamination can be effectively reduced in drilling of MDF materials by employing the higher cutting speed and lower feed rate values.